Extra! Extra!

As I'm about 50 posts behind, having not blogged since last JULY (Yeesh!), I imagine there's no one left out there who is still checking in to read this. But I am a former student of journalism, so when I find myself privy to a scoop, my journalistic instinct kicks in and I simply must put it out there. So, if anyone stumbles across this post, just remember, you read it here first!

Today, my little sister Mel was the only Canadian to run the Chicago Lakefront Ultra Marathon. For those not familiar, that is FIFTY FREAKING KILOMETERS! I complain if I have to drive that far! So, while she has shamelessly shirked the proud family tradition of sitting in front of the TV eating chips and complaining about being fat, she's made up for it in other ways.

But that's not all. She finished this feat of madness in the ridiculous time of 4:19, and was the 4th female finisher, missing third place by less than 20 seconds! And she placed 13th overall! That's not just an exciting Facebook brag for her friends and family. In my (completely unbiased) opinion, here in Canada, that is NEWS!

Here's a picture of Mel at the starting line. I dread to think what she must have looked like at the finish...



I've harassed her local paper to ensure she gets some real media recognition for this, as she's humble enough to just quietly go back home and carry on as normal. Because this event does not get the same media attention as something like Boston, this could easily get brushed under the carpet. Frankly, it is my journalistic duty to see that that does not happen.

And now that I've beaten the competition and gotten this hot story out there (I can't confirm anything officially, but it is rumored that I was the inspiration for Kate Mara's character on House of Cards), I'm hoping tonight she will take a break from her grueling training schedule to eat a large bag of Doritos in front of the TV.


You know, for old times' sake.

Comments

Judy@judyfriendphotography.com said…
Congratulations to your sister! Hope you are doing well!
March 21, 2015 at 5:01 PM
Debra She Who Seeks said…
That is indeed an impressive accomplishment! Congrats to your sister the endurance athlete! I didn't even know there was such a thing as an ultra-marathon. I'm on the couch-and-chips brigade.
March 21, 2015 at 9:38 PM
Room with a view said…
Congrats! I missed your posts :-) But I haven't posted anything in ages either, too busy...
March 29, 2015 at 11:20 AM
Dimple said…
Well, now...
I have been gone a long time, too.
Congratulations to your sister for having completed her race!
March 31, 2015 at 5:10 PM
Anonymous said…
I haven't posted in a sow's age. Caught this today though! Good for your sister!!!! And for you for posting! ~Rebeccaflys
April 3, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Frostbite and Sunburn said…
Welcome back by giving us this scoop. Good for your sister, I will sit on my sofa with chips to marvel at her (unnatural really) achievement.

Hope you and all the gang are keeping really well.
April 4, 2015 at 9:14 AM
Quirky Homemaker said…
Congrats to her! Hope you are doing well and are gearing up for summer! (Summer???) It's still chilly here and we only have 3 days of school left! I wish it would warm up. So. . . . .when are you going to be running your (however long that distance is that you mentioned) race? I've only done a half-marathon and never intend to do longer than that.
June 2, 2015 at 6:59 AM
Unknown said…
I need to know how you made that om nom costume! I don't have a sewing machine but am going to try my best
October 11, 2015 at 8:34 AM
Wendy said…
I wish I could reply to specific comments here. Okay, Om Nom was a couple of years ago (ask me if I've even started on my kids' costumes yet this year...), but as I recall, I looked at a picture, and cut out 4 green body-shaped circles, stuck a layer of batting between 2 for the front and 2 for the back and sewed them together (could likely be done with hot glue if you're not a sew-er!). So I had 2 quilted circles, one for the front and one for the back. I sewed them together at the shoulders and under the arms so my kid could wear them. The stuff on the front was again just copied from the picture, made with felt, and sewed on the front (again, hot glue!). The headpiece was a strap and a stuffed bag-like piece sewn sturdily on top. Good luck!
October 13, 2015 at 10:35 AM
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