Can't wait to tell you about allof our adventures here in Colombia!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Feliz Navidad!
Can't wait to tell you about allof our adventures here in Colombia!
- Talking About:
Christmas
Monday, December 22, 2008
Romancing the Stone - Part III
I only had a few pictures on my computer of our trip to Colombia so now I'm out of pictures... but I have to tell you this 'at-the-time-it-was-horrifying but now-it's-kind-of-funny' story about our return home.
We had a late afternoon flight out of Manizales to Bogota. We said our goodbyes to his family and got in line at the ticket counter. His family, thankfully, stayed to make sure we boarded the flight safely.
We had a minor problem at the ticket counter. The lady wanted to charge us more because our bags were considered overweight for domestic flights but we our tickets were bought together as an international flight. Lucas had a little argument with the woman and she had to bring her manager over. We eventually got our luggage checked with no extra fees.
Shortly after this minor setback, an airline representative stepped out with a big bullhorn and made an announcement (in Spanish, of course) which I soon found out meant our plane was delayed in arriving. Since they don't have lights at this small town airport and we would no longer be able to take off before the sun had set, our flight was delayed to the next day.
BIG PROBLEM!!! How was I supposed to get home? I had tennis practice and classes to get back to (at the time I was still in college)! I had my family at home worried sick while I was in a foreign country! I wanted REAL American food and to step foot on American soil!!! Yes, I started panic mode!!
There was much discussion about what we would do now until the airline finally figured out this was a big problem and found a way to shuttle everyone from Manizales to Pereira (look it up on the map on Part I) and we could make the last flight of the evening out of Pereira to Bogota.
So they make us form a line to sign up for the shuttle bus. Lucas and I, of course, are the first ones in line. I'm telling you - I was ready to get home! The airline representative hands Lucas a clipboard with a paragraph at the top of the sheet and lines going down the rest of the paper. We are to sign our names and pass it along for the travelers behind us.
Lucas, being the analytical little engineer that he is, will not sign the paper without first reading the paragraph above (which is a very smart thing to do but can be timely - in matters of closing on our house or signing up for auto insurance - and dangerous - as it was in this case). The representative was not very happy with Lucas for reading. She wanted him to just sign and pass. I was encouraging him to do the same at this point. He kept reading. She then jerks the clipboard out of his hands before he can finish signing and passes it along to the next travelers.
I'M LIVID! What does this mean? Are we not getting on the bus?!?!?!? What's going on? Everyone is speaking in Spanish and it is making me very frustrated that I can't comprehend!
We wait, thinking maybe after everyone signs it we will sign it and just be the last ones to board. BUT, no! She says she is calling the passengers by the list on the clipboard and anyone's name not on the list will not be traveling to Bogota. 'OH NO SHE DIDN'T'!!!!!
She begins to call names off the clipboard as Lucas, I, and his family become very upset with the way things are unfolding. Next thing I know, Simon (Lucas's brother) has grabbed the sheets of the clipboard, ripped them into shreds, and thrown them into the air!
OH, God! We're going to jail!!!
Then, a group of military men walk up - WITH MACHINE GUNS STRAPPED TO THEIR BODIES - and then I think "OH, God! We're going to die!!!"
Seriously, I'm flipping out right now. I'm sitting against the wall, knees pulled into my chest, crying like a little baby when a woman handing out free 'samples' of Aguardiente walks up. Aguardiente is a Colombia liquor..... and let me just tell you, it knocks your socks off. She offers me a free shot of the liquor. I gladly accept and throw it back between my fits of sobbing. She tries to calm me down and speaks very broken English with me. "It be okay. You not from here, No? Un otro?"
I nod. She hands me another free 'sample' of the liquor. Oh, thank the heavens for that woman because I'm not sure I would've made it through that debacle without a little liquid courage. Haha!
Somehow, we are given permission to ride the van as long as we sign one of the worker's statements about what happened. Lucas agrees to sign the statement as long as he can write what 'really' happened. The manager doesn't like this idea... of course not. He decides it is best to cut his losses and get us on that bus and away from Manizales. I agree. That was a good decision.
Whew!!! Let me just tell you. That van ride to Pereira was AWK-WARD! Everyone was looking at us like we were some kind of hooligans. I'm sure it appeared that way..... really all I am is a bratty American who must get back to my hamburgers and chicken fingers. Ha!
If my parents only knew then what we were going through!! We told them what happened..... after I had arrived home safely.
Soooooo.... our travel to and from Colombia last time was not the biggest success. I really hope we don't encounter similar problems but this time - if we do - I'll have my camera snapping shots away incognito so that you all can share my fear!! I'm going to have to get a shot of one of these military men so you can seriously know my fear when 5 of them approach our group. Yikes!!!
This concludes my mini-series 'Romancing the Stone'. I hope to be reporting some up-to-the-minute stories with you soon! I can't wait to share my journey with you!!
We had a late afternoon flight out of Manizales to Bogota. We said our goodbyes to his family and got in line at the ticket counter. His family, thankfully, stayed to make sure we boarded the flight safely.
We had a minor problem at the ticket counter. The lady wanted to charge us more because our bags were considered overweight for domestic flights but we our tickets were bought together as an international flight. Lucas had a little argument with the woman and she had to bring her manager over. We eventually got our luggage checked with no extra fees.
Shortly after this minor setback, an airline representative stepped out with a big bullhorn and made an announcement (in Spanish, of course) which I soon found out meant our plane was delayed in arriving. Since they don't have lights at this small town airport and we would no longer be able to take off before the sun had set, our flight was delayed to the next day.
BIG PROBLEM!!! How was I supposed to get home? I had tennis practice and classes to get back to (at the time I was still in college)! I had my family at home worried sick while I was in a foreign country! I wanted REAL American food and to step foot on American soil!!! Yes, I started panic mode!!
There was much discussion about what we would do now until the airline finally figured out this was a big problem and found a way to shuttle everyone from Manizales to Pereira (look it up on the map on Part I) and we could make the last flight of the evening out of Pereira to Bogota.
So they make us form a line to sign up for the shuttle bus. Lucas and I, of course, are the first ones in line. I'm telling you - I was ready to get home! The airline representative hands Lucas a clipboard with a paragraph at the top of the sheet and lines going down the rest of the paper. We are to sign our names and pass it along for the travelers behind us.
Lucas, being the analytical little engineer that he is, will not sign the paper without first reading the paragraph above (which is a very smart thing to do but can be timely - in matters of closing on our house or signing up for auto insurance - and dangerous - as it was in this case). The representative was not very happy with Lucas for reading. She wanted him to just sign and pass. I was encouraging him to do the same at this point. He kept reading. She then jerks the clipboard out of his hands before he can finish signing and passes it along to the next travelers.
I'M LIVID! What does this mean? Are we not getting on the bus?!?!?!? What's going on? Everyone is speaking in Spanish and it is making me very frustrated that I can't comprehend!
We wait, thinking maybe after everyone signs it we will sign it and just be the last ones to board. BUT, no! She says she is calling the passengers by the list on the clipboard and anyone's name not on the list will not be traveling to Bogota. 'OH NO SHE DIDN'T'!!!!!
She begins to call names off the clipboard as Lucas, I, and his family become very upset with the way things are unfolding. Next thing I know, Simon (Lucas's brother) has grabbed the sheets of the clipboard, ripped them into shreds, and thrown them into the air!
OH, God! We're going to jail!!!
Then, a group of military men walk up - WITH MACHINE GUNS STRAPPED TO THEIR BODIES - and then I think "OH, God! We're going to die!!!"
Seriously, I'm flipping out right now. I'm sitting against the wall, knees pulled into my chest, crying like a little baby when a woman handing out free 'samples' of Aguardiente walks up. Aguardiente is a Colombia liquor..... and let me just tell you, it knocks your socks off. She offers me a free shot of the liquor. I gladly accept and throw it back between my fits of sobbing. She tries to calm me down and speaks very broken English with me. "It be okay. You not from here, No? Un otro?"
I nod. She hands me another free 'sample' of the liquor. Oh, thank the heavens for that woman because I'm not sure I would've made it through that debacle without a little liquid courage. Haha!
Somehow, we are given permission to ride the van as long as we sign one of the worker's statements about what happened. Lucas agrees to sign the statement as long as he can write what 'really' happened. The manager doesn't like this idea... of course not. He decides it is best to cut his losses and get us on that bus and away from Manizales. I agree. That was a good decision.
Whew!!! Let me just tell you. That van ride to Pereira was AWK-WARD! Everyone was looking at us like we were some kind of hooligans. I'm sure it appeared that way..... really all I am is a bratty American who must get back to my hamburgers and chicken fingers. Ha!
If my parents only knew then what we were going through!! We told them what happened..... after I had arrived home safely.
Soooooo.... our travel to and from Colombia last time was not the biggest success. I really hope we don't encounter similar problems but this time - if we do - I'll have my camera snapping shots away incognito so that you all can share my fear!! I'm going to have to get a shot of one of these military men so you can seriously know my fear when 5 of them approach our group. Yikes!!!
This concludes my mini-series 'Romancing the Stone'. I hope to be reporting some up-to-the-minute stories with you soon! I can't wait to share my journey with you!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Romancing the Stone - Part II
We split our time in Colombia between their city house and farm house. The farm house was made for relaxing. There is absolutely nothing around except for miles and miles of hills, plantain trees, and coffee plants. It is a green that is out of this world! One day we took a walk around the outlying land of their farm. This photo must have been taken early on because there were so many bugs just eating me alive that I had to put that jacket back on.
I think I have a better picture to describe this trek.... ah, here it is:
Get the picture? Haha!
The farm house is fun but it is a little low key for me. I can enjoy it for a while but then I need the excitement of the city life. We went during their city's annual festival.... which brings along with it bull fights. I wanted NO PART of the bull fights. Watching a man kill a bull did not sound like a fun - or humane - form of entertainment.
Let me just tell you, a couple drinks and a few 'OLE!'s later - I was the loudest fan there!
They drink out of these canteen things and try to hold it far away to drink. I was MUCH better than Lucas. I believe the drink above is Red Bull and Vodka. Wow! Hardcore.
Bull fights are really a lot of fun. There is a lot of tradition and ceremony involved in the process. All the citizens are very proud to be there and take part in this ceremony.
(Bull Fight on a rainy day)
We also went to a pig farm. I'm a hug fan of pigs. Look at me - I'm like the 'Jane Goodall of pigs'. Haha! Not really. I thought we were going because I really loved pigs. Turns out - we were going to buy the next day's feast..... OOPs! I'd already named her..... Carolla! Poor, poor Carolla.
On New Years Eve we celebrated at the farm house with a big cookout - steak and potatoes. Then, we had to participate in the Colombian New Years tradition. Run around the house! This symbolizes good luck and travel throughout the new year.... or something. I did a couple of laps! Then we had to go around the table and say what we wished the new year to bring. I don't remember what I said but I do remember what Lucas's mom said. She wished that the new year would bring a ring.... for me! Score! (Little did she know I'd be visiting three years later as her eldest son's wife!)
Lucas did some 'romancing the stone' between then and now. Haha! ;)
Stay tuned for the final part of 'Romancing the Stone'. Trust me - it's good.
I think I have a better picture to describe this trek.... ah, here it is:
Get the picture? Haha!The farm house is fun but it is a little low key for me. I can enjoy it for a while but then I need the excitement of the city life. We went during their city's annual festival.... which brings along with it bull fights. I wanted NO PART of the bull fights. Watching a man kill a bull did not sound like a fun - or humane - form of entertainment.
Let me just tell you, a couple drinks and a few 'OLE!'s later - I was the loudest fan there!
They drink out of these canteen things and try to hold it far away to drink. I was MUCH better than Lucas. I believe the drink above is Red Bull and Vodka. Wow! Hardcore.
Bull fights are really a lot of fun. There is a lot of tradition and ceremony involved in the process. All the citizens are very proud to be there and take part in this ceremony.
(Bull Fight on a rainy day)Unfortunately we leave just before the festival begins this year so no bull fights for us this time. Sad day.
While we were in Colombia we went to a wedding of a friend of the family. It was held at this beautiful farm along a lake. They had a beautiful open air home, gourmet food, horses and a carriage, parrots, and much, much more..... too bad that marriage didn't last too long.
We also went to a pig farm. I'm a hug fan of pigs. Look at me - I'm like the 'Jane Goodall of pigs'. Haha! Not really. I thought we were going because I really loved pigs. Turns out - we were going to buy the next day's feast..... OOPs! I'd already named her..... Carolla! Poor, poor Carolla.
On New Years Eve we celebrated at the farm house with a big cookout - steak and potatoes. Then, we had to participate in the Colombian New Years tradition. Run around the house! This symbolizes good luck and travel throughout the new year.... or something. I did a couple of laps! Then we had to go around the table and say what we wished the new year to bring. I don't remember what I said but I do remember what Lucas's mom said. She wished that the new year would bring a ring.... for me! Score! (Little did she know I'd be visiting three years later as her eldest son's wife!)Lucas did some 'romancing the stone' between then and now. Haha! ;)
Stay tuned for the final part of 'Romancing the Stone'. Trust me - it's good.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Romancing the Stone - Part I
(You know I have to use that title because I love that movie and it was filmed in Colombia)
In December of 2005, I went with my boyfriend Lucas to his home country of Colombia to 'meet the parents'. What an exciting trip for a young, Southern girl who's rarely made it out of her home state (although by this time I'd been back and forth to Miami a few times to visit with Lucas - a different story for a different day on how long distance relationships really do work).
Back to the story - after catching multiple flights we were in Bogota, the capitol city, and on our way to Manizales, Lucas's hometown. (See Map Below - Manizales is NW of Bogota)
We spent one night in Bogota and had dinner with some family friends.
....then off to the airport the next morning for the final leg of our travels.
At the ticket counter where we check in, the woman tells us that the flight is full and that we or our luggage may not make it on. I'm starting to get upset because: a) I don't want to be stranded in a foreign country, b) After so much travel I'm ready to get to our final destination and meet his parents, and c) Even if we do make it and our luggage doesn't - this is my first impression with his parents and I can't do it without MY clothes!!!
I'm such a diva - standing at the ticket counter with my pink suitcases, trying to play the American card and demanding that both us and our luggage be on that plane. Little Miss Avianca wasn't buying it from me but Lucas was able to talk some sense into her I suppose because we were on the plane. And when we got off our luggage was waiting! And so was his family!
They had bought me flowers and there were hugs all around and lots of tears from his mom!
Stay tuned for Part II of 'Romancing the Stone'.... a quick summary of our time in Colombia with a few more pictures.
In December of 2005, I went with my boyfriend Lucas to his home country of Colombia to 'meet the parents'. What an exciting trip for a young, Southern girl who's rarely made it out of her home state (although by this time I'd been back and forth to Miami a few times to visit with Lucas - a different story for a different day on how long distance relationships really do work).
Back to the story - after catching multiple flights we were in Bogota, the capitol city, and on our way to Manizales, Lucas's hometown. (See Map Below - Manizales is NW of Bogota)
We spent one night in Bogota and had dinner with some family friends.
....then off to the airport the next morning for the final leg of our travels.
At the ticket counter where we check in, the woman tells us that the flight is full and that we or our luggage may not make it on. I'm starting to get upset because: a) I don't want to be stranded in a foreign country, b) After so much travel I'm ready to get to our final destination and meet his parents, and c) Even if we do make it and our luggage doesn't - this is my first impression with his parents and I can't do it without MY clothes!!!
I'm such a diva - standing at the ticket counter with my pink suitcases, trying to play the American card and demanding that both us and our luggage be on that plane. Little Miss Avianca wasn't buying it from me but Lucas was able to talk some sense into her I suppose because we were on the plane. And when we got off our luggage was waiting! And so was his family!
They had bought me flowers and there were hugs all around and lots of tears from his mom!
Stay tuned for Part II of 'Romancing the Stone'.... a quick summary of our time in Colombia with a few more pictures.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Merry Christmas to Us!
Thanks mom and dad! Such an awesome present! I know our friends are really going to enjoy it, too! (Hey, boys, if you're reading this - look what we got!)We are off to Colombia in just a few short hours! I have a three part series lined up covering our last trip to Colombia together in 2005. That should hold me over until I'm able to post photos and happenings of our current trip!
I'm fairly certain I'll be able to blog every few days there but, just in case, I don't want to miss out on the opportunity of telling you all
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Now I'm off to travel for 16 hours. Wish us luck! Trust me - we need it...... just keep reading those posts and you'll know what I mean!
- Talking About:
Christmas
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Roll, Roll, Roll Your Clothes
I am so proud of myself. I have to brag a little.
I AM TAKING ONE SUITCASE! That's it!!
Let me tell you the secret - in case you don't already know this - ROLL your clothes, people! It's amazing! And you know what - my one suitcase isn't even full (or at least not yet - now that I have room I may bring more - haha)!
I left my camera with my parents after the marathon and so I didn't have it to get a picture of this amazing feat. But trust me - One Suitcase? This is a major revelation for me!! MAJOR!
We're taking one big suitcase full of gifts and you know what that means. Plenty of space to bring back things we buy! Sweet!!
I've really been nervous / anxious about this trip and missing Christmas with my family but as it approaches I'm getting really excited. I'm very excited to go to Colombia as part of the Linares family. I'm very excited to see his family again and celebrate Christmas in a new way. I'm very excited that when we come back into the United States, Lucas will get to come with me in the line for U.S. Citizens and Residents. Yay! (Last time we were separated for a few hours as they interviewed each and every person crossing through the Alien line. Needless to say, I was a little freaked out.)
I AM TAKING ONE SUITCASE! That's it!!
Let me tell you the secret - in case you don't already know this - ROLL your clothes, people! It's amazing! And you know what - my one suitcase isn't even full (or at least not yet - now that I have room I may bring more - haha)!
I left my camera with my parents after the marathon and so I didn't have it to get a picture of this amazing feat. But trust me - One Suitcase? This is a major revelation for me!! MAJOR!
We're taking one big suitcase full of gifts and you know what that means. Plenty of space to bring back things we buy! Sweet!!
I've really been nervous / anxious about this trip and missing Christmas with my family but as it approaches I'm getting really excited. I'm very excited to go to Colombia as part of the Linares family. I'm very excited to see his family again and celebrate Christmas in a new way. I'm very excited that when we come back into the United States, Lucas will get to come with me in the line for U.S. Citizens and Residents. Yay! (Last time we were separated for a few hours as they interviewed each and every person crossing through the Alien line. Needless to say, I was a little freaked out.)
- Talking About:
Christmas
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Our Christmas cards are finally making it out
I bought these cards from Hallmark in July..... yes, July. I went in to buy my friend a birthday card and sitting right there by the counter were these beauties.
The most beautiful part.....
Yes - $1.00 - for 18 Christmas cards. So I bought 3 boxes!
Now I'm wishing I hadn't bought them so I could've sent out a cute photo card with little Rafa on it. I almost just threw these out so I could do that anyway (it's only $3 - even I'm not too cheap for that). But Lucas and my mom both said I should just send these out since I have them.
At least it's for a good cause - $3 for Christmas cards AND I'm helping eliminate AIDS in Africa. Pretty sweet deal. :)
The most beautiful part.....
Yes - $1.00 - for 18 Christmas cards. So I bought 3 boxes!
Now I'm wishing I hadn't bought them so I could've sent out a cute photo card with little Rafa on it. I almost just threw these out so I could do that anyway (it's only $3 - even I'm not too cheap for that). But Lucas and my mom both said I should just send these out since I have them.
At least it's for a good cause - $3 for Christmas cards AND I'm helping eliminate AIDS in Africa. Pretty sweet deal. :)
- Talking About:
Christmas
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Happy Birthday
to my best friend. I love you, mom!
P.S. I enjoyed our lunch today :)
- Talking About:
friends and family
A Marathon of Marathon Photos.....
more marathon photos for your enjoyment.
This photo was taken right past the 2 mile marker. It was my first time to see my family and friends since the start line. Rafa was so excited to see me and chased me down the road! Haha! Such a cute puppy!
I saw them next around mile 6. They were lined up along the road waving their signs to all the runners and apparently an older man (60 or 70) who was running looked at Lucas and said: 'Yes they do'!!!
My dad working all the cameras! The Beer @ the Finish Line sign got the most comments. At one stop they left the sign in the car and several of the runners who had seen them at all the previous stops were asking where the beer sign was. Apparently that was the best motivating factor of the race!!!
Look at little Rafa riding shotgun in the chase vehicle!
Here - just before mile 10 - my friends Chris and Aida joined in. It was great to see 'Team Ashley' growing! :)
Here I am at halfway - still feeling great!! After I passed through the team was packing up to leave and apparently a woman ran through halfway and was shaking and couldn't run anymore. Chris and Aida took her in their car to meet up with her sister nearby. That would be really upsetting to run so far and not finish. Hopefully she is feeling better.
This stop was just before the 18th mile marker (which I thought was the 19th). I stopped to take off my pants but couldn't bend my knees. Ouch! So mom had to help by pulling the pants off around my shoes. Thank goodness Brandon was there to capture this moment. Ha!
A few quick sips of Gatorade and a couple of bites of banana and I was on my way.
I guess he was worried after the whole not-being-able-to-bend-my-knees thing and Lucas joined me here just after mile marker 20.
And here we approach mile 22. I'm just slowly putting one foot in front of the other....
Thankfully, Lucas was there to help!
And now... I could finally see the light. I was so excited to cross this point and know that the next time I saw Team Ashley I'd be crossing the finish line.
As you'll remember from my last post, Beth and Linda joined Lucas and I at mile 25 to run the last mile. Here we are at the break off point. They broke right and I broke left to run the final distance to the finish line!
I round the corner and the announcer calls my name: "And now approaching the finish line is Ashley Linares from Huntsville, Alabama. This is Ashley's FIRST marathon! Way to go, Ashley!" See... it pays to finish by yourself and not in a big group. Yea!
I'm so excited here! I don't even have the words to tell you!
(my favorite marathon photo)
Thanks to Brandon for today's marathon photos!
This photo was taken right past the 2 mile marker. It was my first time to see my family and friends since the start line. Rafa was so excited to see me and chased me down the road! Haha! Such a cute puppy!
I saw them next around mile 6. They were lined up along the road waving their signs to all the runners and apparently an older man (60 or 70) who was running looked at Lucas and said: 'Yes they do'!!!
My dad working all the cameras! The Beer @ the Finish Line sign got the most comments. At one stop they left the sign in the car and several of the runners who had seen them at all the previous stops were asking where the beer sign was. Apparently that was the best motivating factor of the race!!!
Look at little Rafa riding shotgun in the chase vehicle!
Here - just before mile 10 - my friends Chris and Aida joined in. It was great to see 'Team Ashley' growing! :)
Here I am at halfway - still feeling great!! After I passed through the team was packing up to leave and apparently a woman ran through halfway and was shaking and couldn't run anymore. Chris and Aida took her in their car to meet up with her sister nearby. That would be really upsetting to run so far and not finish. Hopefully she is feeling better.
This stop was just before the 18th mile marker (which I thought was the 19th). I stopped to take off my pants but couldn't bend my knees. Ouch! So mom had to help by pulling the pants off around my shoes. Thank goodness Brandon was there to capture this moment. Ha!
A few quick sips of Gatorade and a couple of bites of banana and I was on my way.
I guess he was worried after the whole not-being-able-to-bend-my-knees thing and Lucas joined me here just after mile marker 20.
And here we approach mile 22. I'm just slowly putting one foot in front of the other....
Thankfully, Lucas was there to help!
And now... I could finally see the light. I was so excited to cross this point and know that the next time I saw Team Ashley I'd be crossing the finish line.
As you'll remember from my last post, Beth and Linda joined Lucas and I at mile 25 to run the last mile. Here we are at the break off point. They broke right and I broke left to run the final distance to the finish line!
I round the corner and the announcer calls my name: "And now approaching the finish line is Ashley Linares from Huntsville, Alabama. This is Ashley's FIRST marathon! Way to go, Ashley!" See... it pays to finish by yourself and not in a big group. Yea!
I'm so excited here! I don't even have the words to tell you!
(my favorite marathon photo)Thanks to Brandon for today's marathon photos!
- Talking About:
running
Monday, December 15, 2008
Finishing is WINNING!
There is so much to cover. I don't even know where to start. I'll start by telling you that we had 4 cameras going and the following pictures are only from one camera so you'll have plenty more pictures coming your way in the next few days...
I woke up early Saturday morning, ate breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, showered, packed the car, and got everything ready I'd need for the day. Walking to the car I checked my iPod with my Nike + sensor to make sure all was good... that's when PANIC struck! My iPod froze! Why, why? I couldn't remember if I reset the thing if all my music would be deleted... that is a very bad thing. What would I do without my iPod? So I reset it and hoped for the best - crisis averted! It worked! Phew.... that is not exactly how I wanted to start my day. But from there on everything seemed to go smoothly.
We met my parents and grandparents downtown, ran into my second cousin (Julie) and her husband (Richard) who was running the race, and chatted a little with the family before I took my place in line.
I went to almost the very back of the line because I didn't want to feel pressured to run faster than my pace I had already decided on. I actually knew the guy from work who was holding the pace signs at the beginning. He has run several marathons before and was able to keep me calmed down a bit before the beginning of the race. I was so excited! I couldn't believe what I was about to try to do!
The gun fired and we were off! I passed my family on the way out. My mom had made 'Team Ashley' sweatshirts for us all! That was great!
Here I am running in my 'Team Ashley' sweatshirt. This was about Mile 6 I think.
My faithful crowd was cheering me on!
Then they'd hop in the car and chase me down a few miles later! Haha!
Rafa had a little 'Team Ashley' sign pinned to his sweater! What a cutie!!
I felt pretty good and was having a great time! Between mile 8 and 9 I ran through Julie and Richard's neighborhood. They had music playing loud, people on both sides of the street cheering, balloons hung across the road, and signs everywhere! They were even handing out water and cookies! I passed on the cookies but that water was delicious! One yard in their neighborhood had a bunch of plastic cows in their yard and big letters that spelled out 'KEEP MOOOOOVING!' Haha! That was cute! A few yards down there was a yard with those same letters that said '9 DOWN' and '17 TO GO'. In front of the 9 letters there were 9 pink flamingos and 17 under the 17 sign. It was great to see so many people cheering us on! Believe me - it really helped.
I had a big smile on my face through about Mile 15. Then I started feeling the fatigue in my legs. I knew I had come too far to give up. I was definitely going to finish somehow but not sure if my body would ever forgive me for it. Ha!
We crossed through my neighborhood at about Mile 18. However, I was thinking I was at 19. So when I met my family I was telling them I only had 7 to go and I could see the light. My mom helped me take my pants off.... because I couldn't bend my knees! My dad had a banana and gatorade waiting for me. Then I was off again. A short while later I realized I was crossing the 18th mile... not the 19th... and my spirit was a little broken.
I caught up with my family again at mile 20 and I guess I must have looked pretty bad at mile 18 because Lucas was now in running clothes and shoes. What an incredible husband he is. He ran with me the last 6 miles!
Here we are at about mile 22 I think.
After mile 22 I really wanted to walk but I knew I only had 4 miles left. I had run the entire race and I really wanted to be able to say that I had actually 'ran' the entire 26.2 miles. And I did. I ran the entire thing! Of course, my mile times after about mile 15 were less than desirable but at least I was running. I only walked through the water stations.
As I crossed some of the major roads heading back downtown I knew I was getting close. I saw my family and friends again at mile 24 and they wished me good luck for the last two miles. The next time I'd see them I'd be crossing the finish line!
At mile 25 my runner-friend Linda and her sister Beth met up with us to run the last mile. The girl is incredible! She ran her marathon in 3 hours and 43 minutes.... then walked a mile to meet me at mile 25 to run another mile back to downtown. Just incredible!
So they cheered and pushed me to the finish line.
AND I MADE IT!
GLORIOUS FINISH LINE!!!!!
I was really so happy right then. So proud of what I had accomplished! Still sort of disbelieving that I actually did it! Overjoyed to not be running anymore!
Thanks for running with me, Lucas. I could have done it without you but it would have been much, much more painful!
This is my last mile running team!
My proud parents!
AND TEAM ASHLEY (minus Rafa, Chris, and Aida)!
(Aida is a nurse and was on call. She got called in to work somewhere between mile 13 and 19. I hate they missed out on the rest of the run and I didn't get to celebrate with them!)
My grandmother was so nervous during the race. I think she was literally feeling all of my pain. But I SURVIVED, Grandmother! You can breathe now!
I love my new hat and medal. It says 'Finisher' on the back with the rest of the race information. To me, that reads 'WINNER'! Oh, yes! I won a marathon! ;)
Team Ashley went to eat Mexican after the race. I know that sounds like it may be dangerous but it was actually quite delicious!
Later that night, Lucas and I went over to Brandon's house to hang out. They surprised Linda and I with a 'Congratulations' cake..... only the bakery (Wal-Mart, no doubt) messed up and put 'Happy Birthday' instead of 'Congratulations on 26.2'. So Linda and I celebrated our 'birthday'!
(We had already dug into the cake before we got a picture. Notice how the cake says 'Mom'. I told you: they are my boys, I'm their mom. They need guidance. ha!)
Mom approves the birthday cake!
Notice I'm still wearing my medal. Yea - it's never coming off!
A bubble bath, a hot shower, a couple naps, and several meals later I was feeling pretty good. Sunday morning we woke up and went shopping for some last minute gifts we need to take to Colombia (oh my gosh - we are leaving for Colombia on Friday). I shopped! I actually shopped! I couldn't believe only a day after running 26.2 miles I was out and actually able to walk around.
A few hours into shopping I got a text from Chris telling me to check out the front page of the Huntsville Times sports page.
Check my family out! We're famous!
I'm excluding the names to protect the innocent but below it the caption read, "Granddaddy, Grandmother, Mom, Lucas, and Rafa the dog support runner Ashley." My dad was on the other side of the street taking pictures and missed out on the photo-op.
Brandon took some really good photos so those will be coming your way soon.
And for those of you who are wondering - yes I did run with my iPod. I still don't know how I would've done without it. I just had it on underneath my outer shirt and ran the earphones under my shirt so it was not very noticeable at all. There were quite a few runners running with headphones. My running crew at the end took my iPod and headphones so there was no signs of disobediance as I crossed the finish line. I'm such a rebel! ;)
I'm feeling really good today. Still a little sore and stairs are difficult but I feel great!
Thanks to all of you who supported me - both at the race and in spirit!!!
I woke up early Saturday morning, ate breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, showered, packed the car, and got everything ready I'd need for the day. Walking to the car I checked my iPod with my Nike + sensor to make sure all was good... that's when PANIC struck! My iPod froze! Why, why? I couldn't remember if I reset the thing if all my music would be deleted... that is a very bad thing. What would I do without my iPod? So I reset it and hoped for the best - crisis averted! It worked! Phew.... that is not exactly how I wanted to start my day. But from there on everything seemed to go smoothly.
We met my parents and grandparents downtown, ran into my second cousin (Julie) and her husband (Richard) who was running the race, and chatted a little with the family before I took my place in line.
I went to almost the very back of the line because I didn't want to feel pressured to run faster than my pace I had already decided on. I actually knew the guy from work who was holding the pace signs at the beginning. He has run several marathons before and was able to keep me calmed down a bit before the beginning of the race. I was so excited! I couldn't believe what I was about to try to do!
The gun fired and we were off! I passed my family on the way out. My mom had made 'Team Ashley' sweatshirts for us all! That was great!
Here I am running in my 'Team Ashley' sweatshirt. This was about Mile 6 I think.
My faithful crowd was cheering me on!
Then they'd hop in the car and chase me down a few miles later! Haha!
Rafa had a little 'Team Ashley' sign pinned to his sweater! What a cutie!!
I felt pretty good and was having a great time! Between mile 8 and 9 I ran through Julie and Richard's neighborhood. They had music playing loud, people on both sides of the street cheering, balloons hung across the road, and signs everywhere! They were even handing out water and cookies! I passed on the cookies but that water was delicious! One yard in their neighborhood had a bunch of plastic cows in their yard and big letters that spelled out 'KEEP MOOOOOVING!' Haha! That was cute! A few yards down there was a yard with those same letters that said '9 DOWN' and '17 TO GO'. In front of the 9 letters there were 9 pink flamingos and 17 under the 17 sign. It was great to see so many people cheering us on! Believe me - it really helped.I had a big smile on my face through about Mile 15. Then I started feeling the fatigue in my legs. I knew I had come too far to give up. I was definitely going to finish somehow but not sure if my body would ever forgive me for it. Ha!
We crossed through my neighborhood at about Mile 18. However, I was thinking I was at 19. So when I met my family I was telling them I only had 7 to go and I could see the light. My mom helped me take my pants off.... because I couldn't bend my knees! My dad had a banana and gatorade waiting for me. Then I was off again. A short while later I realized I was crossing the 18th mile... not the 19th... and my spirit was a little broken.
I caught up with my family again at mile 20 and I guess I must have looked pretty bad at mile 18 because Lucas was now in running clothes and shoes. What an incredible husband he is. He ran with me the last 6 miles!
Here we are at about mile 22 I think.
After mile 22 I really wanted to walk but I knew I only had 4 miles left. I had run the entire race and I really wanted to be able to say that I had actually 'ran' the entire 26.2 miles. And I did. I ran the entire thing! Of course, my mile times after about mile 15 were less than desirable but at least I was running. I only walked through the water stations.As I crossed some of the major roads heading back downtown I knew I was getting close. I saw my family and friends again at mile 24 and they wished me good luck for the last two miles. The next time I'd see them I'd be crossing the finish line!
At mile 25 my runner-friend Linda and her sister Beth met up with us to run the last mile. The girl is incredible! She ran her marathon in 3 hours and 43 minutes.... then walked a mile to meet me at mile 25 to run another mile back to downtown. Just incredible!
So they cheered and pushed me to the finish line.
AND I MADE IT!
GLORIOUS FINISH LINE!!!!!
I was really so happy right then. So proud of what I had accomplished! Still sort of disbelieving that I actually did it! Overjoyed to not be running anymore!Thanks for running with me, Lucas. I could have done it without you but it would have been much, much more painful!
This is my last mile running team!
My proud parents!
AND TEAM ASHLEY (minus Rafa, Chris, and Aida)!(Aida is a nurse and was on call. She got called in to work somewhere between mile 13 and 19. I hate they missed out on the rest of the run and I didn't get to celebrate with them!)
My grandmother was so nervous during the race. I think she was literally feeling all of my pain. But I SURVIVED, Grandmother! You can breathe now!I love my new hat and medal. It says 'Finisher' on the back with the rest of the race information. To me, that reads 'WINNER'! Oh, yes! I won a marathon! ;)
Team Ashley went to eat Mexican after the race. I know that sounds like it may be dangerous but it was actually quite delicious!Later that night, Lucas and I went over to Brandon's house to hang out. They surprised Linda and I with a 'Congratulations' cake..... only the bakery (Wal-Mart, no doubt) messed up and put 'Happy Birthday' instead of 'Congratulations on 26.2'. So Linda and I celebrated our 'birthday'!
(We had already dug into the cake before we got a picture. Notice how the cake says 'Mom'. I told you: they are my boys, I'm their mom. They need guidance. ha!)Mom approves the birthday cake!
Notice I'm still wearing my medal. Yea - it's never coming off!A bubble bath, a hot shower, a couple naps, and several meals later I was feeling pretty good. Sunday morning we woke up and went shopping for some last minute gifts we need to take to Colombia (oh my gosh - we are leaving for Colombia on Friday). I shopped! I actually shopped! I couldn't believe only a day after running 26.2 miles I was out and actually able to walk around.
A few hours into shopping I got a text from Chris telling me to check out the front page of the Huntsville Times sports page.
Check my family out! We're famous!
I'm excluding the names to protect the innocent but below it the caption read, "Granddaddy, Grandmother, Mom, Lucas, and Rafa the dog support runner Ashley." My dad was on the other side of the street taking pictures and missed out on the photo-op.
Brandon took some really good photos so those will be coming your way soon.
And for those of you who are wondering - yes I did run with my iPod. I still don't know how I would've done without it. I just had it on underneath my outer shirt and ran the earphones under my shirt so it was not very noticeable at all. There were quite a few runners running with headphones. My running crew at the end took my iPod and headphones so there was no signs of disobediance as I crossed the finish line. I'm such a rebel! ;)
I'm feeling really good today. Still a little sore and stairs are difficult but I feel great!
Thanks to all of you who supported me - both at the race and in spirit!!!
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