Apron Lady, Meet Bib Lady.

I'm less than four weeks from my fundraising deadline

With nearly $1500 left to raise. 

I was hoping not to have to whip out the ole sewing machine,

but desperate times call for desperate measures, amigos.

Just kidding. I'm actually really excited to do this. 

However, after my 2012 stint with selling aprons, 

I thought for sure that I would never do this again. 

And it wasn't that I didn't love doing it,

It's just that once you make 175 aprons in a row, 

You tend to want to vomit every time you see an apron.

But, bibs?!

Totally different story. 

Everyone loves babes!

Let's crank out a thousand of these puppies, people.

Seriously though, how about 150 so I can meet my goal?

So, all of the aprons are 100% cotton, machine washable, and totally adorable.

You have options: traditional or totally hipster kerchief.

Traditional:

Totally Hipster Kerchief:

Moooore options: Fabric (below)

Some fabric is limited based on what I have, 

and I'll do my best to remove the photos of the fabric that becomes discontinued.

Pricing:

1 bib: $12

2 bibs: $16

3 bibs $20

Add $2 for shipping

Email me at kellyn.gowen@gmail.com with your order.

You can PayPal me the money. 

Or, if you're uncomfortable with that, you can snail mail me a check.

100% will go to the Hoyt Foundation, well, except the shipping money.

I'll take the money from my PayPal account and donate in your name.

Sound good? 

Great. 

Now, let's totally destroy my kitchen with tiny little pieces of fabric and string. 

Woohoo!

Here are your fabric options:

Leopard:

Teal Striped:

Leaves:

Fleur de lis:

Brown Flower:

Wild Flower:

Elephant:

Roboto:

Yellow Stripe:

Birds:

Asian:

Searsucker:

Green Maze:

Mustache:

Green Stripe:

Global:

Russian Dolls:

Pin Dolls:

Mod Flower:

Quartrefoil:

Get Here, Already!

I don't think I'm like most runners.
I only enjoy running up until a certain point.
The addiction? Not here.
Most of my running friends are planning another marathon right now.
Me?
I'm counting down the days until its over.

Don't get me wrong, I love it. I really, really do.
The idea of crossing the Boston finish line brings me to tears.
But it's at this point in training where I am just dunzo.
I'm through dedicating 8-10 hours of my week running and stretching.
I'm tired of wearing running clothes all the time.
I'm just ready to take the 30-day post-marathon break.

I may be particularly whinny because I also think I've messed up my Achilles Tendon.
I've never had a running injury. Never.
Runner's Knee. Been there. Iced that.
Sore neck. It happens. Take a long, hot shower.

But never an injury.

This past long run, my Achilles Tendon began aching around mile 13.
By mile 15 I had to stop and stretch, which was really hard because I was right by my house.
I wanted to just stop, but getting to 18 miles was a HUGE goal of mine.
Coincidentally, I checked by phone to find a message from my Dad.
That man is my biggest cheerleader, and it was at that point that I knew I had to finish.

The last three miles weren't pretty.
In fact, they were sort of pitiful.
I was able to maintain my sub 10-minute miles, but there was limping involved.
I'm also positive that my face looked like this:



Which is very similar to this:



Of ALL photos from the 2012 Boston Marathon,
my dear father bought two 8x10s of that photo.
One he gave me framed for Christmas.
The other is hanging in his high school classroom,
where he can point and say, "Look at my daughter! Isn't she just stunning?!"

I really just want Boston to be here already.
Not because I want all the hype over with,
but I'm an instant gratification type of gal.
I want to taste the glory already.

Please send healing vibes over to this silly Achilles.
Also, if you can speed up time, that would be greatly appreciated.
Aaaaand, of course, if you are interested in donating, you will be the coolest.

Why I Run

It occurred to me today on my run

that some people may not really know why I joined Team Hoyt. 

Sure, they may have heard about my brother passing,

and known this race is in his honor,

but I wanted to explain how it is so much more than that. 

I joined Team Hoyt in 2011 because I grew up with a brother with a disability. 

It was my every day. 

And I certainly don't mean that in a bad way; in fact, just the opposite. 

Growing up with a brother with a disability meant that I was given the advantage of learning that we all have our differences, our own special obstacles, 

and regardless of what they are, 

we all deserve kindness and respect.

People with disabilities have come a long way.

This is mostly thanks to the fight of so many of their family members. 

My brother, for instance, escaped having to go to a special school. 

His mind worked just fine, and so my parents fought for him to be in public school with us. 

Dick Hoyt and his wife were told to put Rick in an institution. 

Instead of staring at four gray walls, he's now seen the world. 

The point of me running this race,

and doing so right after having a baby,

is to spark attention.

But don't be confused in that I want the attention for myself. 

I dont' want the attention on my brother passing either.

This attention is to hopefully direct you to the world of disability awareness.

Inclusion. 

A world where these people feel accepted.

This inclusion brings comfort, confidence and prosperity.

I saw this in my brother. 

He grew up in a world where he was treated no differently by his family and peers. 

I know this world is possible, and so I run to bring this possibility to other people's lives. 

I run for Ryan; to celebrate his incredible existence.

I run for the Hoyts; to celebrate their fight for disability awareness.

I wish every day that I could visit these courageous people and be a part of that difference. 

But I am raising my own family, and so I leave it in the hands of the Hoyt Foundation. 

They work so hard to make sure that so many lives are touched and brightened. 

You too can be a part of it!

To make a donation to the Hoyt Foundation, please click HERE.

Feeling Good

One of the greatest feelings in the world is the feeling of accomplishment. 

I'm not sure what it is about this week, 

but it has given me high hopes that this crazy path I chose to go down

is actually going to happen, and in good fashion.

When I was pregnant, the idea of juggling two kids, training and fundraising seemed doable.

Then I was all of a sudden juggling two kids, training and fundraising,

and I honestly felt that I wasn't going to be able to pull it off. 

Dollars weren't coming in like they did the first time around. 

People didn't seem as interested. 

My body was out of shape.

My head was tired.

I was trying to work out an impossible schedule. 

But somehow, and like most things generally do,

everything worked itself out. 

I started training smarter and exercising my core instead of just my legs. 

That turned two miles of slow jogging and walking 

to running long distances in sub 10-minute miles. 

This gave me a stronger body and a clearer mind,

and I believe that played a huge role in boosting my confidence in fundraising.

Now I am hoping to organize a fabulous fundraiser with a local company here in Memphis.

My fingers are crossed, but with how great things have been going, 

I imagine that everything is going to fall into place as it should. 

Today we enjoyed a beautiful run in 60 degree weather.

Special thanks to my sidekick girlfriend for keeping me entertained on the road.

As I find myself in this great happy place,

I hope that my teammates and anyone reading this finds theirs. 

Cheers, friends!

(And cheers to you, too, Ryan)

If you need help finding your happy place, 

I think you can find it here.

Best Run Ever.

The best part about having a terrible run,

is that it's most likely followed by a fantastic one. 

Today I woke up to the sun shining,

not a cloud in the sky, 

35 degree weather,

and the ambition to take on my long run a little early. 

I didn't want to compromise my Valentine's night. 

I have a date with a bottle of wine and Congressman Underwood. 

My husband will likely be around too. 

I don't take long runs lightly. 

I like to eat a good meal the night before. 

I concentrate on hydration. 

I ensure that I  have food and drink for recovery. 

I have my clothes laid out.

iPod charged.

Running purely on Cabernet Sauvignon is probably not a smart idea. 

SO, today was the day. 

It started off perfectly chilly,

and by mile 3 I was taking off my wind breaker. 

By mile 5 off came the long-sleeve. 

I was running in a tank top. 

In February. 

It SNOWED yesterday. 

It was magical.

I even noticed that my arms were looking more like arms and not marshmallows.

Dozens of neighbors were out walking their dogs and pushing their babies.

Smiles and waves.

Even the mail people were happy and smiling. 

I even got a little hoot from the lawn man.

Everyone was being so friendly. 

I thought to myself, "This may be the best run there ever was!"

That's when I noticed that my nursing pads were sticking out of my top. 

The word embarrassment doesn't even begin to cover how I felt. 

No wonder everyone was so giddy. 

Luckily enough, I remedied this issue before I ran into my husband's best friend.

But other than that small, weird hiccup,

I had a seriously beautiful run.

10 miles are in the bank for the day. 

24 for the week. 

Boston in 67 days!

A Bad Run

Every runner knows that you have good running days and bad running days.

My long run this Saturday was a bad one. 

I'm not sure what made it bad??

Perhaps the beef stew the night before was a little too hearty.

Maybe it was the blanket of snow that gave me a scare.

Or it could have just been that I didn't want to run because I didn't want to run.

All I know is that I did everything to back out. 

I texted my Dad about the weather, hoping he would say to sit it out. 

Instead he gave me a "You can do it!" text right back.

I messaged my northern teammates.

I have no clue why I expected sympathy from them. 

About 80% of my team runs in mounds of snow daily. 

One of them even posted sweat icicles hanging from his face after his run.

My most favorite teammate Jen rocked one hell of a shiner thanks to ice.

Another went to the ER to stitch up his forehead from his slippery run.

Part of being on an inspirational team includes plenty of inspiring teammates.

I got flooded with Yes You Can! messages. 

And really, yes I could. 

So off I went. 

The beginning was tough. 

I was probably being over cautious of the road conditions. 

I mean, let's be honest, 1 inch of snow doesn't really wreak havoc. 

But I was taking my time. Watching every step. 

Convincing myself that every wet patch I saw was ice.

After about 4 miles, I felt a little more comfortable, and it was actually quite peaceful. 

Well, until I realized that my loop wasn't long enough.

In retrospect, I think that changing my course half way through was a bad idea.

I'm a creature of habit. I like running loops. 

I know where I'm at. I know how far I have left. 

It gives me something to look forward to and thus, something to push for. 

So when I thought I was at mile 8 of 13, and my GPS told me otherwise, I was pissed.

I had to improvise a couple miles, which threw me off balance mentally. 

I never walked. I never stopped. 

I finished, but absolutely, positively felt every dern mile of that run. 

I was so tense that my neck hurt. 

Post-run photo. Quite literally could not smile. 

A terrible photo. 

And truth be told, I took like 15, and this was the best one.

My recovery wasn't any better. 

Maybe it was the leftover beef stew? I really want to blame the stew.

Who knows, but I could hardly walk up the stairs afterwards. 

To get down, I went step by step on my rear. 

Getting into bed, you'd think I was a crotchety old man. 

I did everything right. 

I put the weekday runs in. 

I went to boot camp. 

I drank lots of water. Even electrolyte water.

It was just a bad run. 

But as my Dad said in reply to my whining that this run was worse than birthing a baby, 

"Had to be done. It's 'good' pain."

The good news is that it's a new week! 

and better yet, it's a recovery week.

This weekend, I only have to run 10 miles,

which mind-blowingly sounds like a breeze to me.

177 miles logged in so far.

283 more to go before the big 26.2.

11 weeks until I take on Boston!

What Team Hoyt Is All About

Team Hoyt is not the simple math of Dick and Rick plus a few charity runners.

It's so much more than that. 

It's bringing disability awareness to life.

It's giving hope and spirit to those who need it most.

It's about Rick Hoyt participating in thousands of races.

It's about Ryan Shuck being the Mayor of Soho. 

So when Kathy, Team Hoyt's office manager, sent us this incredible article,

I knew I had to share. 

Meet Lucy, who will become the newest member of Team Hoyt. 

At the age of 64, our friend knows nothing of her biological family.

She has developmental delays. She cannot speak.

But boy does she have heart. 

She spent her first 30 years in an institution,

but now lives in Rehabilitative Resources, Inc., 

which is one source of where a generous amount of Hoyt Foundation dollars go to.

She could be mad.

She could be spiteful.

But instead she is kind. She is hopeful. 

She dedicates her time to others, 

especially sick children.

And her dream? 

To run with Team Hoyt. 

We're making her dreams come true.

This is Lucy.

This my team.

This is why I run.

Birthday gift to self: Pay it forward

SHARING IN SOUTHBRIDGE

By Kim Ring TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

SOUTHBRIDGE — No more than 4 feet tall, Lucille "Lucy" Lambert, through small gestures of kindness, celebrated her 64th birthday doing for others in what has become her hometown.

Inside the house where she lives with her roommates are bright paintings adorned with positive sayings.

And while some might pass them by without a second thought, the four roommates who have lived here together for almost a decade take the words seriously; their mottos seemingly "pay it forward" and "everyone can do something."

Lucy has developmental delays, she doesn't speak but uses some sign language. Her walk is awkward and her diet limited by the cleft pallet she was born with. She is tiny, shopping in the children's department for clothing to fit her very petite frame. She spent most of the first 30 years of her life at Wrentham State Hospital, but she can't share any memories, good or bad, of her early days. She knows nothing of her biological family.

When she turned 64 on Wednesday, she could have marked her birthday by going out with friends or relaxing at home, but true to the spirit of her "family," she got up and went out to do something for others.

Rehabilitative Resources Inc. Assistant Program Manager Victoria Amaral accompanied Lucy on what turned into a busy day of giving. They stopped at the bank, where Lucy withdrew money from her savings account, and then they shopped for coloring books, which they took to Harrington Hospital in Southbridge so sick children might have something to occupy their time.

Even though hospitals, especially the ones made of brick, frighten Lucy, she managed to gather her strength and go inside to present the gifts, Ms. Amaral said.

Lucy not only loves children, she also loves animals, so during a stop at Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield she dropped off towels that are used for the cats and dogs.

Program Manager Malerie Germain said Lucy is well known in Southbridge, where she frequents Dunkin' Donuts — dipping Munchkins in her beloved coffee.

She stops in at a local deli where the soups are something she can easily eat. She attends services at Central Baptist Church and bakes for church functions.

In honor of her birthday, Lucy also penned thank-you notes to the people who provide her with services such as bringing her mail and taking away the trash. She also sent a card to a church member who is sick.

And there were plates of cookies for the police officer and firefighters along with coffee for her friends at Santander Bank.

While the firefighters were out on a call, Lucy left the cookies, which they found and appreciated, a dispatcher said.

"They were very good and they were really enjoyed," she said.

Lucy shares the home, run by Rehabilitative Resources Inc., with two other women and one man.

They take part in local activities, visit Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary and have art classes on Tuesday nights. Lucy especially enjoys entertaining and during the warmer months can usually be found sunning herself on the porch. She attends a day program during the week.

She uses a Kindle set up with programs to help her cognitive abilities and rides an adapted tricycle to keep her knees in shape.

Someday she hopes to get a tricycle she can use outside.

Recently, Lucy took part in some road races and is hoping to join Team Hoyt where she could be paired with a runner who would push her in a specialized wheelchair and they'd work as a team.

One of her roommates bakes dog treats for the shelter, and they are working on a plan to help local veterans.

While the four have always done good deeds, they ramped up their efforts after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, when folks were being asked to "pay it forward," in memory of those slain.

After some brainstorming about ways Lucy could help others on her birthday, she and the staff decided on her day of giving. She didn't completely forgo a party, though.

She celebrated with neighbors, some of the home's seven staff members and friends Tuesday night, Ms. Germain said.

The reaction of those on the receiving end of Lucy's generosity were surprised and appreciative, Ms. Amaral said.

"A little act of kindness goes a long way," Ms. Germain said.

Contact Kim Ring at kring@telegram.com. Follow her o