24. Yikes. I'll always feel young though because my brothers will always be older than me!

Most of you reading this blog are probably thinking this sounds extremely young, but to me...my numbers are getting up there.  I'm still able to celebrate being young because after all, I'm still not able to rent a car! One more year, and let's hope this year goes by pretty slow..I've still got a lot of life to live before I turn a quarter century.

I feel old mostly because I have friends that are younger than me.  The other weekend I was at the local tavern with a good friend, Becky, and she had her ID out waiting for them to card her.  Those were the days.  Of course, I still get carded because I'll admit that I look like I'm 15. Yep, just your typical 15 year old trying to get into the bar.  Last year on my 23rd birthday, I didn't get carded in downtown Champaign, but I got carded on campus...and better yet, double-carded. Seriously? Well, when I'm 50, I'll look 41 and I am a-okay with that!

So anyway, if you know me well enough, you know that I try to live life to the fullest.  I believe that living life on the edge has its risks, but I also believe that I'm on God's plan and he will take me when needs me.  Jumping out of an airplane? Pretty frightening, but also extremely amazing!  You want to do it? Do it! I absolutely hate the saying YOLO, but it's true...You Only Live Once. God's holding you and knows when it's your time, take some risks and live a little. Would you rather say "I want to" or "I did."?

I'm hoping with age, my running gets even better.  While I was 23 I broke my personal bests in the marathon, half marathon, 5k, and 2 mile race!  I'm hoping that at 25 I break my personal best in the full marathon once again in Chicago--but that's yet to come with a little bit of hard work.

Saying that, my 24th birthday plans include going skydiving! My great aunt has always wanted to do this, so we're going to! I don't know why everything on my bucket list has been done twice? Ha.  This is a link to the first time I went skydiving, and it was amazing!

Here's the typical list of 23 things I've done while I was 23:
1.  Beat my PR in the half-marathon at the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February. 1:55:56
2.  Beat my PR in the 5k at the Illinois 5k.  23:14
3.  Beat my PR in the 2 miler at the Women's Distance Festival. 14:30
4.  Beat my PR in the full marathon at the Flying Pig Marathon in Ohio. 4:19:45
5.  Bought my first bike since the age of 7, and I love it! I ride at least 20 miles a week while using it for cross-training and a means of transportation when I want to save gas...haha, yeah--I ride it 16 miles into the next town over.
6. Moved away from an awesome town, St. Joseph, IL, and left some memories--but I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to be back around home.
7.  Convinced my mom to run a 5k!!! Most fun race ever! She's the coolest mom around :)
8. Learned that not all 'friends' are really your 'friends', but to cherish those who truly are a phone call away and hold a special place in my heart.
9.  I got asked to be the maid of honor at my best friends wedding! Kaci is such an awesome friend/twin, and I couldn't be more honored to be part of her big day!!
10.  Received a world series ring from the best team in MLB, STL Cardinals! ...even if it was just a promotional day..it's still awesome!
11.  Accepted the fact and celebrated my moms 50th birthday, although I'll still be telling my friends she's only 40.  
12. I attended my first NFL game, the St. Louis Rams.  Based on their rankings and field skills...I don't know if they count as a 'real' game. I sat in the first row, it was amazing!
13.  Met Lovie Smith, the Chicago Bears' head football coach & few players too, but who are they compared to Lovie?
14.  Got an iPhone/my first smartphone! What did I do before I could check Facebook every waking hour of the day, or track my runs/play music on my phone?  I probably actually called people..but now it's like a walking computer.  Oh, and I have email on my phone!! Would have been nice when I was in college.
15. I paid my car off!! Finally...well 2 and a half years early!! Wahoo!!! I don't know how I did it with a student job and credit card bills, but when you actually like the taste of Ramen noodles and water, I guess that's a good way to save some money.
16.  I created a budget like an adult should and saved 6k in 6 months.  Couldn't be more proud of my cheapness.
17. Attended my first NHL game, St. Louis Blues vs. Arizona Coyotes.
18.  Went to spring training for the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and LA Angels
19.  Did NOT get pulled over.  Nope, not once.
20.  Crossed off three additional states off my 'run in 50 states' challenge: Missouri, Florida, Ohio
21.  Ran over 400 miles in one pair of running shoes.  Brooks T5's=Amazing!
22.  Figured out that I'm mildly allergic to the food coloring 'red'...it was a great 23 years of eating red, orange, and yellow food.
23. Got braces. finally. I now know why my mom didn't put them on me when she was in charge of paying for me.  Ha, super expensive.

What's on the agenda for 24?
1. Running the Chicago Marathon (3rd marathon)
2. Ironman 70.3 with Kaci? She's crazy, but I'm crazy for agreeing to it..haha
3. Running my first international race with Kaci!! Canada, baby!
4. Getting a motorcycle license and a fun bike to ride in the summer.  I'm actually doing this in a few weeks. Eeeeeeh!!!!
5. Possibly going back to school...more thoughts on this to come.

The big 2-4 is around the corner. July 28, 2012. 

This list is designed mostly for family members who have asked for my list, I'm not a selfish person who thinks everyone should get me something...however, if you want to--go ahead!  :)

 SO on that note, I thought I would send out my birthday list.  Usually when I make a birthday list, it's as if it didn't even get any attention at all because some people just cannot get others what they are asking for.  In other words, I am just saying that I am trying to make it easy for you and give you a list rather than moseying around in the mall for a few hours thinking of what I would like. So, here it goes...

Birthday Wish List (in no particular order):

A car charger adapter for my iPhone.

Runner's Remedy Shin Wrap Recover Sleeve.

This would be great for my running.  They are similar/the same as the recovery sleeves I have now, except this comes with ice packs that I can apply after my run (which would be really convenient because ice packs slide off all the time and are super annoying!).

You can purchase these online, under the retailer tab are a list of stores, or you can get them at Amazon.com.  They are around $40 at amazon because you would need to purchase the sleeves and the ice packs separately.




Race Registrations:
Women's Biathlon: This would be awesome because it is my first biathlon, so I'll always remember this gift! :)  This is approximately $45.  I would run 3.1 miles and bike 12 miles in this race.
Shoreline Classic: This is a 15k race in September at the lake in Decatur.  The registration is not online yet, but will probably be around $40.
*If you want to do a race registration, I will need to actual register because I have an account for the running registration site.



Big Book of Marathon and Half-Marathon: This is a newly release Runner's World Book that I would absolutely love to have!  The book itself costs $27.95 and you get a free Smart Foods book and free shipping if you order online through Runner's World.








Fashion Cocktail Ring: This ring is from Kay's Jewelers and is $199.00.  If you go into the store, mention the Fashion Cocktail Ring #6306.  There are two rings that look similar.  I like the one that sits up higher on your finger, not flat against your skin, if that makes sense.


Nike SportWatch: I tested one of these watches during my Ohio Marathon & I absolutely loved it.  I don't know the difference between the three on this page, or if there is one, but I tested out the black and yellow one.  This is $149-169.

Thorlos Experia Socks: These socks are amazing when running because they add the padding to the balls and heels of your feet.  They are available mostly at racing expos, but can be purchased online at amazon for $12.50.  I only have the grey color now, but am up for any color.

Eat&Run: This book is around $20 and can be purchased at any major book store, or online at amazon.

Accidental Athlete: This book can be purchased at amazon or any bookstore.  I don't care if you get a used copy for a cheaper price, as long as it's readable.

Compression Socks: These can be purchased at any running store, race expo, or online.  I currently had yellow sleeves, and two pairs of black socks.  I like either the socks or the sleeves.  Any color will be okay with me...dark blue would be a good option. These are around $15.

GIFT CARDS: Target, Gas Stations


Investments:

Invest in the welfare of my future and help me reach my savings goal with a monetary donation.  

OR, put your donation toward a specific cause:


Skydiving Money: I am going skydiving ON my birthday!

Scooter/Motorcycle money: I'm determined to get my motorcycle license by next year and have something 'fun' to drive in the summertime by next year.

Sponsor a month of my cell phone payments! Fixed amount, and you've got 12 months to choose from.

Changes & Moving On

It's been almost a year since I've updated this blog.  I haven't just updated, however I've changed the name and content.  The blog name use to be 'Miss Prefontaine" and is not 'It's Typical."  I changed the name because I am going to write more in this blog than running content.

Although I still run, I would like to blog about every day life instances as well. The 'It's Typical' name of the blog truly describes life in my eyes.  Some days you have a great day, and others aren't so great - but it's typical!  Look below for the most important things that have happened since I have blogged.

Top 10 Things that happened between July 2010 and June 2011:

1. Run a half-marathon sub 2 hours. (1:56:57)

2. Graduate from College

3. Hosted my own TV Show

4. Toured the entire state of Florida

5. Skydiving

6. Visited Disney World

 7. Traveled to Florida (twice!)

8. Met my best friend!

9. Wore out a pair of running shoes

10. Ran my first FULL marathon!

A lot has happened in the past year.  Just to think that these are only first 10 things I saw pictures for!
Peace, Love, and Changes.

New Shoes & New Running..

After a very eventful week, I have made it!! Mid-last week, I decided to skip a step and I hit my foot extremely hard on the concrete causing me to bruise my ankle up. Well, I let that hold me back for a few days - I figured since I could barely move it, I probably shouldn't run. I would run about 2 miles before I had to quite because of the pain. Not fun!

So, then last Friday I decided to go on a run and I couldn't find my iTouch. Needless to say, the run was pretty boring! My ankles started hurting about 2.5 miles into the run, so I took my shoes off to do barefoot running thinking I just wasn't use to shoes.

I took Saturday off because it was my rest day anyways, but I wore my Vibrams around the house. They are very comfortable, but I am trying to gradually get back into running shoes and have my FiveFingers strictly for training purposes.

Sunday I ran 5 miles in my new shoes! It was the first time I wore these shoes and they work perfect! I was scared that something wouldn't be right about them, but with all the foot problems I have recently have had you would think 'something' wouldn't be okay. My new shoes are shown on this blog. They are the Brooks Ghost 3. I have never owned Brooks before, but according to the salesmen Brooks are the Chicago term for Asics.

I actually backed my training up 2 weeks too, so tomorrow I have to run 3 miles at an 8:20 pace. It shouldn't be too bad, but everytime I have mile repeats it is extremely humid! We'll see!

21+1=Unfortunately, 22!

Today's the big day!! I'm 22 and I'm not quite sure how to feel about it! Of course I am excited because, well it's my birthday!! But after 21 there's not too much to look forward to except cheaper car insurance at 25. If you've ever talked to me about something really cool that's happened or something that is crazy, I usually have some life experience in the same area. I really believe that I have lived through almost everything, except these 22 things that I want to accomplish while I'm 22. I'm all about setting goals and making lists, so here it goes:

1. SKYDIVE..this is #1 because it's something I have always wanted to do! I'm a very risky person and live for adrenaline rushes, so I'm going to actually do it this year!

2. Run a FULL marathon. Back in the day when I played basketball, while running the court in the 3rd quarter (after playing the whole game) I remember passing by my coach and quickly saying, "can I please go out for a bit?" The timeout immediately after saying that, he answered my question with, "I thought you could run forever, Abby." Why I remember that? I don't know, but I do--and he is completely right, well at least running for 2 hours! Why run a half marathan and stick with that when I can challenge myself to run a full and complete the next step? Exactly.

3. Travel somewhere outside of the states. I applied for a two-week study abroad trip to the Dominican Republic, so I hope to do that. If I don't get accepted for that, I guess I'll just have to make a trip to Mexico for spring break :) I want to travel outside the states because I am one of those narrow minded people who think other countries still ride donkeys instead of driving, and their subdivisions consist of a group of tents. I know that may not be true, and probably isn't, but I won't know until I see for myself!

4. Graduate!! I've been waiting for senior year of college since the first day of preschool! Okay, maybe not that long--but I cannot wait until I graduate! A lot of people have told me that college is the best time of your life and it may be, but not when you still have to wake up early, get back late, and then stay up until midnight to do homework to wake up the next morning and do it all again. I'm ready to be done and move onto the real world!

5. Go to a Cards/Cubs game. I've seen every national league team play, whether it be at Busch or Wrigley but I have never been to a Cards/Cubs game!! I'm deteremined to go this year, but only if it's at Busch Stadium-Chicago can be a scary town when you are a little blonde girl wearing a Cardinals jersey!

6. Go out...a lot! This is the last year I can be irresponsible as a college student, so I plan to go out and live it up! My two best friends will be leaving a semester before me, so I want to spend the most time with them that I can. I couldn't live life last year because I decided to do something that took up way too much of my time, therefore this year will be double the fun!

7. Cook a meal other than microwave meals. Yeah, never done that. I don't mean a full out meal, but I want to something like a casserole or lasagna...nothing fancy.

8. Hang out with my friends from grade school. So, I'm from a really small town and in grade school was really close to 4 other girls. We were actually called CANKL...haha--yeah, THAT cool! Well, since we left 8th grade each of us split into our own group, but we are still all around the same area and get along...just hang out with different crowds. I want to hang out with these girls sometime, it's crazy how much everyone changes.

9. Shop in Chicago. I've only been to Chicago once for shopping and that was when I was 10 and the other times were just to go to Wrigley. I want to ride the train to Michigan Avenue and go shopping downtown!

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21+1=BIRTHDAY!!

I just ran 10 miles, but that doesn't matter because...

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY WEEK!! Whoo!! I'll be 21+1, and of course my birthday slogan for the birthday bash is "some mistakes are too funny to only make once!" I'm very excited to spend a day with my friends downtown!! Anyways..I made a list of all the good things that came out of this last year while I was 21..here's the list (in no particular order)-

"21 things that happened while I was 21"
1. My brother safely came home from Afghanistan.
2. I went to MARDI GRAS!
3. I Started school at the University of Illinois.
4. I Moved into 4-H House and met some pretty amazing girls!
5. A LOT of my friends turned 21!! Yayy!! :)
6. I got out of my leg cast, re-learned how to walk, and started running..
7. I ran my first half marathon and signed up for my second!
8. I had 3 internships.
9. I gained the BEST sister-in-law I could ask for, Ms. Jennifer Coers!
10. I went to Wrigley Field for the first time..but twice within one week!
11. I rode my first Amtrak!
12. My car got struck by lightening while going to St. Louis, ask Jenn!
13. I maintained the best GPA I've EVER had!
14. I met the founder of Pampered Chef..Doris Kelly Christopher.
15. I starred in a commercial.
16. I won 7 Radio Questions!
17. I sat in two all-inclusive Cardinals sections, and went to 6 games!
18. I went to Mike Shannons!!!
19. I won $2.00 my first time at the Casino! Beginners Luck? Maybe?
20. I met some of my best friends: Kirsten, Sabra, Sara, Hannah!!
21. I didn't have to altar my ID to get in anywhere! whoo!!

Illinois Runners..

67% humidity will keep most people inside, except runners on a strict training schedule! Once again, I decided to sleep in (that's my lazy side coming out ;)) so I had to run tonight. Since I am using the Runners World training schedule, I make myself run according to what is planned. Today, it was 4 miles...not bad, right? Wrong--there are warnings out to check on friends, not to drink caffiene, and keep your animals inside when the heat is horrible like today. However, I knew if I didn't go out I would regret it. I finished 4 miles in about the usual time, it was hard, but I kept thinking that it will not be humid in Virginia.

I've decided that Illinois weather is crazy, crazy, crazy! Yes, you hear this a lot but it's so true! It's either cold or hot, sometimes in the middle but not too often. For a girl with natural wavy hair, I notice the humidity probably a lot more than anything else. Late May, I was freezing at Wrigley Field in a winter coat, Late July I'm burning up in a tank top and running shorts.

Well, that's my rant on the weather. I will just think of running in the humidity like this is really equal to double the distance. :)

Sunday I am running 10 miles, so I plan on waking up at the buttcrack of dawn to do that.

Have a great weekend!