GOAL!

Yesterday Loren and I took Rowan to play in his first ever soccer game. It was kind of a crazy morning and when we got there I was getting frustrated! We got there early because his coach told us the wrong time and we couldn't find anyone. We contemplated leaving and Rowan got really upset...he REALLY wanted to play. I finally called his coach and found out that it wasn't until 9:30 so we stayed and waited. Rowan was so excited that we weren't going to leave. He was relieved. When everyone got there, the kids did some practicing and then started the game. If any of you want to see some serious entertainment, just go watch 3-5 year olds play soccer. Its hilarious! Rowan was doing great and got sad each time they took him out to rest. That kid wanted to play the whole time, while other kids could care less and it took some coaxing to get them out on the field. Rowan ended up loving every minute of it and started his first game with a GOAL! It was awesome! I loved cheering him on and I cant wait to do it again!

This Lean Cuisine has my.... *HEART*

I owe this bag of Lean Cuisine some props. It deserves some serious recognition! It has been such a great friend to me in time of pain and I appreciate it more than it knows. I would never eat it....(or would I dare to) so.... I am sparing its life. It has just been too good to me to just kick to the curb. This baby has been my pal since I started running. I have used it to ice my heels, my knees, my hip and shins. It was just so much easier to grab than having to bag up some ice. Bags of ice just eventually leak and make a big wet mess. This frozen entree worked great.....I highly recommend something like this if you have to ice an injury. Now that I haven't used it in a while, I'm just not sure what to do with it. I just cant see just throwing it away...maybe I should keep it forever and use it through all my marathons. Its not stinky or gross....it never stays out long enough to thaw. I don't know....any creative suggestions?

Maren + Lean Cuisine = True Love.... have babies. Ok...thats going to far...I dont love it THAT much.

Dont judge a book by its cover...

This made me cry......please watch this.... its amazing!

A marathon love note.....

Loren may kill me for sharing this but Im taking my chances. I thought this was very sweet and wanted to share this with all of you...

Maren,

Well, the day is finally here. I am so proud of you! You did awesome! Can you believe that you have done it? You are officially a marathon runner. I looked it up on the internet and only 1 to 2 percent of everyone on the planet, will complete a marathon in their lifetime! Congratulations, you are a part of that elite group. I think we all must be crazy to want to do this. I have enjoyed sharing this wonderful, exciting moment with you and all the sacrifice that it took to get here. I love that we have this is common. I hope that we will be able to run many more marathons together.

I know I don’t let you know this as much as I should but I will take this opportunity now, to do so. Maren, you are an exceptional human being! I know it hasn’t been easy getting ready for this marathon with all the training, early morning runs, Saturday long runs, squats in the cow fields and weight fluctuations. Not to mention you went through all this while potty training a 3 year old and taking care of a 1 year old. I am lucky to have you as my wife. I know that we were meant to be together. I love you with all my heart. I always have and always will. I am so proud of you and today I can stand a little taller and brag that my wife is a marathon runner!

Loren

Those words to me ...are worth more than gold! Those are the words that make me happy...I could care less about gifts and things...it is those feelings of love and appreciation that fullfill me.

We did it...we ran the Salt Lake Marathon!

Yesterday was a day that Loren and I will NEVER forget. I am so glad that we got to share that special moment together. Nothing compares to the feeling you get after you have just completed a Marathon! It was definitely worth all the early mornings runs, crazy Saturdays with long runs, sore body parts and all the hard work and sacrifice that came with the training. It was such a wonderful sense of accomplishment and it helped me grasp the fact that I CAN do anything I set my mind too.....even difficult things that at times seem unattainable.

The weather couldnt have been more beautiful and perfect for a Marathon. It was a little chilly at the starting line but I wore a skort and tank top anyway. There is nothing worse than running and feeling hot because you dressed too warm. I knew that it would pay off later and it did. I wasn't at all cold...it was perfect.

A highlight from the race was seeing Dane and Blaine from the Biggest Loser. That was a highlight for me because I love the show! If I wasn't feeling so rushed getting to the starting line, I think I would have tried to get their picture. I found out later that they were running as part of their marathon training. They are going to be running a marathon in a few weeks. Dane needs to definitely redeem himself for the Marathon controversy he got himself into. I hope they do well.

After we got to the starting line we headed off on our run. We only had a few minutes before the race started. I couldn't believe how many runners there were. There were over 4,000 half marathoners and over 1,000 Marathoners. It was crazy! All the runners ran together for part of it and then split off for the rest. I was feeling awesome and was running a bit faster than goal pace. I was feeling like I could beat my ultimate goal of 4:30. Then at mile 6.... I started feeling funky. My tummy was a mess and I ended up stopping about 6-7 times to use the potty. I knew that it was slowing me down but there was nothing I could do. I knew that it could happen and was very prepared mentally for everything that could go wrong. Besides the issues..... the route was beautiful and I loved everyone who cheered us on the whole way and for all the bands and signs on every street. Lorens parents were at mile 5-6. Jen and Marianne were around mile 12 and then again at 20. I cant even tell you how that helped me mentally. Jen was so sweet and ran with me for a bit telling me that I looked great and that I was doing great. That gave me the boost that I needed to finish. I really loved running through Salt Lake. I loved the route and I felt good. Then..... I hit mile 20. Once I went into uncharted territory... it got HARD...really hard. It seemed like time slowed down. I had to fight with my mind and that voice that tells you to stop and walk. Before the race, I told myself that I would only stop to pee or drink and that was it. I have found that it is so important to make those goals before you run. I think it helps you when times get tough. All though by mile 23 I started to really feel alot of pain I didn't stop. Running from 900 South up State to South Temple was AWFUL. It took all that I had to keep going. I kept praying and asking Heavenly Father to help me. I know without a doubt, that he did. At one point...I started getting sharp pains in my back and I know he took them away. I knew all I could do was pray. I also got a blessing before the race and I know that also helped me. As I got closer.... I felt like my knees were just going to give. I definitely slowed down and was running around 12-13 min miles. Those last few miles up hile definitely affected my time. It was the hardest thing besides labor that Ive ever done. Once I caught view of The Rio Grande Station I was soooooo happy. I was proud of myself for what I was about to accomplish. As I ran down the middle of Gateway I saw all my family and all there beautiful faces. They were cheering me on and it made me cry. They were all so supportive during this journey. My Mom and Dad watched the kids many times so we could run a race or go on a long run, Jen ran with me and kept me sane during long runs and Lorens parents came and cheered us on during our Half Marathon. We really love them and appreciate everyones love and support.

Running to the finish line was amazing! I crossed feeling like I conquered the world and was happy with my time. I knew I couldve had a better time but my tummy problems held me back. I think I couldve ran a 4:20-4:25 but oh well. Maybe next time. Loren had an amazing time and came in at 3:19. Eight minutes away from qualifying for the Boston. He will make in next time, I just know it. Just another reason for us to run another one. He came in 16 in his age group and 72nd place in the whole Marathon. That is in the top 10%! I was so proud of him!

After the race we headed to Chuckarama to eat and to chat. It was nice to spend the day with family. Today we went to church and subbed for Nursery and are really really sore. It is going to take a while to feel normal again. We are side stepping all the stairs and it hurts so bad to just move around. We are pretty crippled.

I just want to thank everyone who came and supported us. It really meant alot. We love all of you! We hope that you were inspired. We know that not everyone likes running but I hope you all realized that difficult things are possible if you put in effort. You can do anything and you are stronger than you think you are. Don't let fear or pain stop you from accomplishing great things both physically or spiritually. The hardest things are full of GREAT reward. Make a goal and do something you have always wanted to do. You will be happy you did. The sign I remember the most while running said.... YES YOU CAN! It is true...YOU and I... can do anything!

Thank You Easter Bunny!

Well...Im pleased to report that the Nielsen Family had a wonderful Easter Weekend! A very relaxing one at that. We started it off Friday night by just staying home and relaxing. That seems to never happen around here, but now that Loren and I are tapering our miles for the Marathon we actually had some time to put our feet up. It was really...really... nice. Saturday.... we only had to run for an hour which I have to admit...was really nice too. After my short but sweet run, I took the kids to the park for our Ward Easter Egg Hunt. I must say, that it was pretty crazy. There were tons of kids and 1000 Easter Eggs were gone in a blink of an eye. We were lucky to get the kids each 7 before they disappeared. Afterwards, we went out to have lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. I don't know what it is about that place, but I love it. I think its all the fresh fruits and veges and there yummy fat free yogurt that get me. After our yummy lunch, we headed home and put the kids down for a nap and relaxed some more. I cant believe I have said that word a few times in this post. We seriously NEVER get to do that. Its either running, chasing the kids around or we are running the business. After some much needed R&R...I decided to go tanning(I know....its bad but I want to look good for Hawaii.) I don't want to go and end up looking like a lobster and being miserable from a sun burn the whole time so I'm doing it. I also want to start toning up to get suin siut ready. After the Marathon....Loren and I are hitting the gym big time. I'm going to do my Body Pump class three times a week, I'm going to start spinning again and I'm going to keep up my running. This girl is going to get in SHAPE. I also want to stay in shape because I'm still considering training for the Daybreak Triathlon in September but also want to have another baby..... so.... we will see what comes first.

Anyways......back to our fun filled Easter Weekend. Sunday we had Stake Conference which was crazy as well.....it was packed. Then we headed out to my parents for Easter dinner. The kids had a blast playing with the cousins. Rowan always gets crazy and gets super hyped up but he has so much fun. He loves all his cousins or as he calls them.... "his friends".

So....Our weekend was fun and we all had a good time and enjoyed just being together as a family. Now all I have to do is try and stay away from the kids candy....now that's going to be my struggle this week. Wish me luck!

Heres a cute video of the kids Esater morning...enjoy!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Little Lia got her hair did!

Today little Lia got her first real haircut and she looks soooo cute! I have been waiting for this day for a long time...even before she was born. I know that sounds funny... but I have always been excited for the day I could get my little girls hair cut into a cute bob. I think girls look so sweet with this haircut.... so today was so fun for me. Not so fun for Lia...she just about cried the whole time. The cute girl who cut her hair was fast and did a fantastic job. Cookie Cutters is a fun place to go. They blow bubbles, sit in a cute car or plane, they can watch movies and they get a sucker and a balloon. Lia could care less about that stuff though and just wanted to slide on the slide. After she was done that is where she went. Boys and girls are so different and each child has there own personality dont they? Rowan loved getting his haircut and could care less and he never cried. Lia on the other hand did. I didn't expect that outcome but I guess who just never know what to expect. Isn't parenting fun!

So grateful.....

I just quickly want to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the moments in my life when he reminds me how blessed I am. It is through difficult moments when we realize our many blessings and truly count them. Right now...I am counting my many blessings. I have a wonderful life and am so grateful for all life has taught me. I am especially grateful for trials. It is through these trials when I learn the most and they make me strong. I have also learned that when I rely on my Heavenly Father to help me through them..... I feel confident that I can conquer whatever comes my way. I am grateful for the strength he gives me and it brings me peace to know that I am never alone. I am also grateful for prayer...I know he listens and he knows what my heart is feeling. He comforts me when I need comfort and through the spirit he answers me. I am grateful for his companionship and for the friendship that I also have with my brother Jesus Christ. He is my example and someone I want to emulate. Today...I want to be more like him and I want to be a better person. Life is just to short to be so..so. Today....I am making some changes...today... I make a commitment to be more like Christ.