On the Loose

Wow, there is nothing like a very short run feeling really, really long! Apparently, yesterday's 3-mile run + Total Gym + 5.5-mile walk with the Crewers + pool time (including a wicked game of monkey in the middle) tuckered me out! You know, that kind of tired is worth it, though!

Speaking of tuckered, I recently read (in some magazine ... sheesh, I've been looking through so many I can't keep 'em straight) weight lifting advice regarding how to determine heavy your weights should be. The advice was (in my words) that you know you've chosen the right weight when you can lift it for 8-12 reps and, even though you don't have to do 2 or 3 more reps, you could. In other words, push your muscles just about to the point of fatigue but not over.

I'm not supporting nor poo-pooing the advice as I'm such a novice and have much to learn. I am saying, though, that if I apply that theory to this morning's run given yesterday's activities, then yesterday's activities were right on the money in terms of getting the most bang for my efforts!

On the other hand, Elly, who did a walk with Aaron followed by her celebratory run with me yesterday, was pretty raring to go this morning:

Often when we start out, Elly runs by my side and looks up
at me. It's really sweet. This one is also blurry. That's either
because of our lightening speed or because I was still too sleepy
to determine if it was in focus. I'll never tell.

Pretty soon, Elly fell in step behind me. Look at her tail go!

We were both trotting along up to Mile 1 when, right then, the big annoyance of the run happened. Even Elly was put out:

The hackles are up -- she's ready to rumble on my behalf.
Good doggie, but I've got this one.

It was a case of unleashed/uncontained dogs running up to us even though their owner was in sight. While the owner called them back (sort of), well, let's face it, dogs chasing another dog don't do so well with the listening.

You know, it's always a good time when I have Elly with me and there are other dogs running loose. It's even better when the owner moseys up and tosses out some piddly excuse as to why the scene isn't the problem my face conveys that it is. My favorite statements of the past include, "Oh, she's not going to hurt anyone (even though she's nipping at the heels of your kids)," "He doesn't mean it, he just wants to say hi," (like a dog is dying to say hi to me).

Today's explaination for the inability to keep the dogs away from us: "Oh, they're only 6-months old ..." Ah, yes, that makes it all better. Grr. The scene finally cleared when I sharply turned toward the female dog then made a sudden sharp move toward the male -- a move and look that made them back off and retreat. I was like Steven King's Carrie at the prom only without the mess and the issues.

With both dogs retreated, Elly and I carried on. It was an uneventful run from there with the exception of hoping I wasn't going to fall asleep in route! I did find this, though!

Even though our BB box is full, we still pick 'em up! This is our
first pink one! That's a super-score by our standards!

With that, tomorrow's a rest from running day! I'm ready!! See you after Total Gym-ing!

Happy 100th!

This morning's run marked Elly going over the 100-mile running mark this calendar year! Hooray!!

That's a lot of wagging!! Bravo, sweet pup!! We're very proud of you!!

Restful. Ha!

So, today's Total Rest Day. "Rest Day." Interesting.

When I started following my running schedule two summers ago -- the one that incorporated the genious concept of Rest Day -- I took those days really seriously. If I didn't have to do something physical, frankly, I didn't. And, for sure, my muscles needed the rest, and they let me know so. Often. To run consitently and for the miles I put in front of myself, I most definitely needed the break.

That was then.

This is now: While I do not run on these days, and I do not do specific resistance training on Total Rest Days, I had to laugh to myself at the "rest" concept when this day began. You know that 26.2 Challenge the junior Crewers have taken on? Well, there are incentive prizes along the way, and PC#3 is gunning for the one at Mile 21. See?

It's his very favorite sandwich place, and there's a cap on how
many they're awarding. PC#3 is motivated.

As of this morning, we are here:

Seven down! And, that 26.2 looks cool.

Yes, indeedy, I said "we". Of course we do it with them! I will tell you, though, there is little restful about these outings. They're very loud with the random singing-even-though-I-have-no-idea-what-the-words-are bouts. More entertaining are the songs made up along the way. They're also loud. And, this morning, PC#3 decided he was British and spoke to us only in an English accent while he narrated the journey. (Assume the narration had nothing to do with our surroundings or anything close to reality.) He was quiet for a moment when PC#2 and I realized he wasn't next to us anymore. He'd stopped well behind us ... because he was on a crosswalk and "on the cover of Abbey Road." Sure, why not.

In case you need the reference. But,
picture it without the famous people
and insert a little dude just paused in
the middle of the crosswalk in mid-
stride. Because he can. Yup ... 19.2
more miles to go!

Nope, nothing restful about it. But, it's awesome. See you after the (much quieter) morning run!

The Freedom In Running

To begin, I must note that today is for reflection. And, for thanks.

Blessed are we who are free.
Thank you to all who afford us that gift.

I thought of the freedom I enjoy many, many times during this morning's run in direct relation to the fact that I was out there and allowed to do so. That might sound weird, but check this out -- it's only been 40 years (40: that's it) that women have been allowed to officially participate in the Boston Marathon even though it originated in 1897. It was in 1966 that a rogue woman runner went the distance after having hid in the bushes in order to start. The following year, the first woman to run with a race number entered and finished (Katherine Switzer), but she received her number only because she registered using her first and middle initials (therefore, no one knew she wasn't male), and her participation was physically challenged by a race official at the start line. These challenges to women for wanting to run, for crying out loud, are beyond my comprehension. But, I have to include that I am so thankful for the freedom they had to challenge.

That's how I started my Memorial Day.

It's so hard to imagine that the opportunity to run and partipate in a race would not be afforded to anyone. I do it all the time without even thinking about it (unless it's thinking about how much that run might hurt or that I'm tired!). No, I am fortunate to get to think about whatever I want along the way, and I take full advantage of doing so!

I was stoked to find this very beaten up nickel right after I sent
out the following vibe: "C'mon, money-makin' stretch, don't let
me down!" And, it didn't! Doesn't its condition make you
wonder if someone tossed it away as useless? WHAT. EVER.
Come to mama!

About a quarter of a mile later, I was excited! Then, upon
closer inspection, I wasn't. Drat!

I purposely routed my way to a local garden shop because I was
looking for more of a flower I'd gotten there and liked. It seems
I wasn't the only one who liked them because they were out. But,
that saved us a trip in the car, and I saw my very favorite color
of petunia. Aren't the light yellow ones luscious? I think so.

I was heading out of the garden area when I realized that if I
took a different exit, I could pass by the cashier stand ... and
that is a good place to scope for pennies! I found none, but I
did see this fun little flower cart! Seriously, how cute is that?
That view is probably worth whatever penny I would have found.

Ah, but the coin gods were still smiling on me because check
out what I found at mile 3.5! That's a quarter, baby!

Hot and sweaty and oh-so-thirsty, I finished up. Thirty one cents
richer, too! Booyah!

I came home, chugged two bottles of water and hopped on the Total Gym where I learned a good lesson: Do not start your circuit training with squats when you just chugged two bottles of water. That sloshy-sloshy going on in your stomach is going to hurt if not be productive. Fortunately, I only experienced the former sensation ... even though it wasn't sensational ...

With another run in the books plus a 2-mile walk with the junior Crewers to add to their 26.2 Challenge, the day calls for some down time! Hooray for Total Rest Day tomorrow! I'll see you then.

Another Challenge Accepted!

Ah, yes, Total Rest Day ... Gotta love it!! Last night, I also loved a margarita in my new stemware from yesterday's run!

Nice and back lit. Yeah, it's my first time
taking pictures, so be patient ...

Okay, here's what's next on the docket ... there's a possibility of doing another 5K in a few weeks, I just need to figure out schedules and see if it fits in. If it does, hooray! If it doesn't, whatever!

More important, though, is the challenge the junior Pit Crewers are taking on! It's a 26.2 challenge for kids! It's a lot like PC#3's Runners Club challenge, but the only focus for this one is completing the mileage. They have all summer to log 26.2 miles, and they earn prizes along the way!! How cool is that?! (probably not a wine glass ... just ... sayin' ...) Even cooler is that kids both want to do it. In fact, PC#2 brought the flyer home from school letting me know that this was her plan. So fabulous!

So, this morning, we went out for the first 2 official miles!

Elly just knows this means more miles for her, too!

I'll keep you posted on their progress! It's actually more of an effort than it sounds to get those miles run or walked in a summer when your summer plans are to either be in the pool or in a reclined position! Ha!

With that, it's the continuation of chillin' for the day! But, I did learn something today ... Did you know that I can complete a Half Marathon is less time than the average time it takes to finish the Indy 500?! Just pointing that out. Because it's fun.

See you after the morning run!

Run, Girl, RUN!

Hey, remember that one day when I finally decided that running a Half Marathon today was not going to happen? Well, today was the day I was so thankful for that decision!! Yup, today was the day, and it was a morning scorcher!! I know I've groaned about the heat a few times this calendar year (because, 'tis that season where we go back and forth just enough to not be ready for the next round of heat!), but today was definitely the morning worst so far. Already in the low 80s at 6:00 a.m. and thick with humidity. Nice! AND, you can totally believe me on how awful it felt because it's not like I'm trying to convince anyone of why my Half Marathon was soooo hard ... because I didn't do it! No sympathy sought here!

It was a really fun morning, but there were a few last-minute things to do last to get ready!

Of course I had to break out the purple shoe strings to continue
with the buck-the-black theme! Daphne came to help me.

She's fierce. In her mind.

Are you as surprised as I to see just how much character laces
give the ol' shoes? Look how weird these look without 'em?

I started a tradition at my first 5K to make sure the Crew had
some sort of snack for during the run ... the junior Crewers were
much younger and less tolerant of off-schedule meals at that
point! Now, even though they can wait, they like a prize. Along
with their strawberries, I gave them a cupcake. Aaron got the
fig bar from my run in April that I didn't eat. Aaron got the short
end here if you ask me! But, he liked it.

As promised, Elly -- who stayed at home
and napped -- matched my attire!

Look close ... oh, yes I did.

With all details complete, it was time to run!

I was pretty stoked about this run. That feeling of "Wow, I'm not quite sure what I can eek out of a Half Marathon right now" was turned upside down with an "I can absolutely rock this 5K." When the Half pack took off right before our group, I did feel a little pang of, "Oooo ... could've been doing that." It wasn't huge, but I have to admit it was there. I knew I'd made a good decision, though, and I was all the more resolved to have a great run. Besides, the announcer was talking about each course, and he called the Half's Mile 10 a "death march" -- the very same mile that I originally saw on the map and because of which took great pause. Evidently, it wasn't just me!

There were 532 runners in our 5K group (495 women; 37 men ... the guys had to like their odds of placing and winning a prize, huh? Ha!). We took off, and right out of the gate, the course was up hill. We were warned about the hill (even though we were told the rest of the course was easy), but I had zero issue with that hill. If I'm going to encounter a hill, at the beginning is my pick of placement! Not only that, I run on hills all the time and I could tell my Total Gym antics were kicked in and paying off. I call that hill Victory Number One.

I'm on the far right in the purple. Not
looking for pennies.

Immediately after that hill, we went down. That's road race perfection if you ask me because I do so hate when I'm going up a hill and don't get the satisfaction of going downward after. I'm all about balance. ANYWAY, I took full advantage of the down hill and kept up my pace. I figured I'd run (vs. jog) when I could because there would be a point where the humidity was going to get me. I also told myself to keep my head up. We were on a street crossing at an intersection where I would normally scope for pennies. This simply was not the time!

The humidity. It didn't just get me. It got all of us. Right before Mile 2, you could almost visually see a collective slump from the entire field of runners. We were right in the sun, the turn around point was coming (therefore very anticipated), and we were just, plain hot. There was an aid station here, so I took one of the Gatorade cups as I passed. I usually just grab water, but when it's hot, I'll take the Gatorade. Bad move -- it was vanilla flavored. Now, I love vanilla. Candles. Body spray. Extract for cookies. Nowhere in that list is there anything to drink. It was di-sgust-ing. Note to self: Grab water on the way back. Just. Water.

Okay, that turn around point I mentioned? You need to know that these double-back lengths have been my nemisis in every run they're used because there are always more people passing me on their way back than I pass on my own way back. (It used to bug me. Grrr.) Today, however, for the very first time, I knew I'd passed at least as many people as passed me. They just kept coming! I realized right then and there that that was my own personal best of the day, and I mentally celebrated for sure. This moment was not about who I passed. It was about how far I've come.

On that same stretch, I again passed the aid station (Just water, please ... yummy ... good to pour on my face, too ...), and the end was near. I love that moment when you can hear the music from the finish line because you know you're near. I sometimes hate that moment, too, because it feels so close but so far away ... Eh, I love it more than hate it! It was on this stretch, though, that I want to note I made a very concious decision to keep going. I was so hot and just wanted to stop in the shade, but I reminded myself to just keep moving. It happens to everyone. It was also on this stretch where I had to get rocks out of my shoes. Twice. Nice.

The next thing I knew, I was rounding the gates to the finish! I was super-stoked about my finish and about our finishing prize!


I wonder if I ran it twice if I would have gotten a matching set.
Excellent stemware swag! Mine is calling for a margarita, but
its first fill was that of a berry smoothie from the race sponsors!
We were treated right from beginning to end on this run!

Of course, my very favorite moment is that when the crew gives me their finishing cheers!

Hugs abounded from everyone, but Aaron is the least afraid of
my sweat and smell. He's also the one who gets the most excited
because he actually gets what it has taken to get to every finish
line. The rest of the Pit Crew just knows it happens. And, that's
very cool, too.

With that, there's another official run in the books. Who knew this would be a welcomed and excitable way to start a weekend morning in my world? I'm just so glad it is. See you tomorrow on Total Rest Day when I can tear myself away from the pool!

Purple Is the New Black

Hey, pretty cool that the first day of summer (aka: school's out!) landed on a Rest Day!! That totally worked for me. None of us have figured out how to sleep later yet, but it was nice for the morning to be a bit lazy!

As scheduled, I did my resistance training. I toned the leg work down a notch for today because of the 5K tomorrow. I figure if I have a taper week the week leading up to a Half Marathon, then I should take a cue and not overdo this the day before a run especially when it's so new in my routine. Even though I don't race, I do want to enjoy!

Okay, speaking of the run tomorrow, I picked up my stuff just a little bit ago. Here's the shirt ...

I've already said it and am going to again: Black? Really?!

Yes, I'm still on that! I'm certain there was a reason to choose black, I just don't know what it was. And, it's ugly. I did know it was coming, though, so I've decided to wear my favorite color instead:

I already own a like-colored shirt, so I'm good to go! Elly will
even wear her matching bandana even though she doesn't get
to go. AND, tomorrow is the debut of my new purple shoe laced
PC#2 gave me for Mother's Day. ALL SET.

Oh my gosh, I know ... like I'm such a fashionista and like this is all the most important thing about a run. But, the shirts and the swag are components of the fun, so I ensure my fun if it's not provided!

Speaking of swag ... do you remember at the Expo for April's Half when Aaron scored these?

Okay, I didn't, either. I finally remembered that he got them for filling out a survey for QT which is the same vendor that provided us the multiple sandwich samples to the point that I had dinner for two days -- booyah!

Thanks for multiple dinners, QT!

Anyway, after picking up my goods for tomorrow's run, Aaron swung by QT on the way home. It was at that point that he reminded me he had the above coupons for free drinks. FREE. ANY SIZE. Score! Running totally pays.

One of my favorite things about QT: Crushed ice!

Any size really did mean any size ... so, I went for it. Did you
 know a 52-ounce cup is the same size as my head? Now you
do. Oh, and did you know I cannot finish a 52-ounce Diet Coke
even over the course of a few of hours? (Aaron's a great helper.)

I love when the whole Pit Crew can partake
in the fun. For real. I love that. For all of
times they get up early to get me to a run
and for the waiting around and the cheering
they do, a free slushy is the least I can do.

Pretty super-duper that I had more fun with the Expo residuals than I did getting my new goods, huh? Eh, whadda ya do ... I'm totally looking forward to the run, though: new event + new course = all good! AND, I'm relieved I didn't sign up for the Half because it's going to be a HOT one in the morning! They even moved the start time earlier for everything given the forecast. Blech. (Hey, great day to wear a black shirt ... just ... sayin' ...)

I plan to cruise the 3-miles straight to an ice, cold Diet Coke! Have a great start to your day! See you after the event!

Good With the Bad

UGH to getting up early!
Super-UGH to heat and humidity at 6:45 a.m.!
Hooray for the run being short enough to bring an excited, waggy Elly!
WooHoo to logging the miles!
And, BIG, WHOPPING YEAHHH for tomorrow's Rest Day!

I'll see you after resistance training, and we'll preview Saturday's 5K!

Just Me and My Road

School is winding down around here which is always very exciting! I remember how much I loved summer coming as a kid, and both junior Pit Crewers have expressed similar excitement. This is, perhaps, why I was a little taken back on this last full day of school morning -- When walking up to school with PC#3, I said, "Hey, this is the last time we'll walk up to this school together, just us." To my surprise, he got a little misty! Of course, I felt terrible (nothing like bringing on the bummer when dropping your kiddo off at the doors of school). I knew he'd bounce back as soon as he saw one of his friends, but still.

I gave him a hug sending him on his way, the way I have for so many years, then turned with Elly to take off on our 3-mile route. The way we have for so many years. I was grinning to myself about how sweet I found that moment with PC#3 and his sweet sentiment, when, in an instant, I found myself in a similar misty state. It hit me that this was the swan song of this particular route. To be honest, I wouldn't have predicted that I'd care. Evidently, my heart knew better:

To you, mile 0 - .7: I hate you. You're deceptively up hill for almost a mile, and that's just mean. Good for me, but mean. But, I do enjoy you, big, furry dog who lives on this street, because you say hello almost every morning. Loudly.

Hey, intersection at .7-miles: I totally dig you. I have spent a lot of time here waiting for cars, and while I used to be impatient because I had something to prove to myself about not stopping, I'm glad I chilled and learned to appreciate the down time. I enjoyed hanging out with you. Very sorry you had so much road kill to endure, though.

And, friend Trash Can right after mile 1: You are a life saver given I have a pup that utilizes her poo bag within the first mile. Many times over, I thank you!

Miles 1 - 1.4: You provided Elly with delightful smells of rotisserie chicken every morning, and I thank you on her behalf. It is also here where I was first (and often) cheered by my Good For You lady. Thank you for being her driving route, too!

Miles 1.4 - 1.6: It is not you that I thank as much as I appreciate the countless cars who allowed me to run against traffic along your stretch because your sidewalk randomly ran out. I always thought that was weird, but I hope you felt the love as I returned many times over.

Intersection at mile 1.6: Intriguing ... until today, I thought you were the 1.5 mile marker. I used this spot as my turn-around point when it snowed and the upcoming sidewalks weren't clear. I'm pleased you didn't let me catch on that I was going 2-tenths of a mile more (one tenth to the corner, one tenth back) than I knew. While they don't matter now, those 2-tenths might have done me in during those earliest running days! Thanks for letting me now know that I was stronger than I thought I was. It is also here where I knew if I hadn't yet seen my Good For You lady, I wasn't going to see her that day.

Miles 1.6 - 2.1: You are one busy stretch given the amount of traffic, the number of cars coming in and out of parking lots, the bus stops and pedestrians ... all while I'm going directly into the sun. Of all stretches on the route, yours was the liveliest of all. Thanks for the entertainment. And for the most-random money.

Miles 2.1 - 2.5: Please thank the big, huge trees that lined you. After coming out of the into-the-sun stretch, I always appreciated the shade!

Hey you, Intersection at mile 2.5: You're the same one as at mile .7, but you always seemed different. The traffic was thinned out by the time I saw you again, so I didn't often have to wait. I liked when I had to, though, so thank you for the times you showed me the hand!

Mile 3: You are the point where I always knew I could stop. You were on a perfect down hill in the shade. Years ago, I always stopped here because you have a wicked little incline right after you and it made me think bad words in between heavy breathing puffs. Anymore, I bypass you and get myself up that hill. But, I thank you for the option.

Ah, Mile 3.2: You were my original end point. It is to you I determined I should run to end my outing. It is here where I finished my very first 3-mile run without stopping, and it is on this point I finished a run on my 40th birthday. Elly has received countless end-of-the-run thank you kisses here, and, one day, it is here where I even found a dime. You, end-spot, have not been where I finish anything; you've been where I've racked up countless victories. You are a great spot.

After my run through memory lane, Elly and I wrapped it up as usual:

Let's see: Elly smiling; pennies in hand; Elly's eye boogers;
my hair in complete shambles ... Yup. Picture perfect!

I stood and took one more look at where I was and thought back to when this all began. Just me and the road. I didn't really know it mattered. But, it's neat to learn that it did.

With that, we were off. I'll see you tomorrow from another route! The runs must go on.

Thank you, original running route.

Joplin

Today I remember the people of Joplin, MO, as it is one year ago that an EF5 tornado ripped through their community leaving behind incomprehensible destruction.

It jumped at the opportunity to participate in a benefit run for Joplin last July. I was thankful for the opportunity to do something for them. Anything. One of my favorite race moments happened during that run as I passed by a volunteer directing us on the course. I thanked him for pointing me in the right direction as I stumbled through those 6 miles in the very sudden onslaught of heat and humidity. Immediately, he replied, "Thank you. I grew up in Joplin." I was immediately humbled that my participation in that run actually mattered to someone. I mean, really mattered.

It is my understanding that this particular run raised thousands of dollars, all of which went to the recovery efforts because everything required to facilitate the race was donated. Everything. People are good.

Don't you love when you take on an endeavor for one reason only to find out that the initial, common interest can be parlayed into something bigger and better?! For all of the runs I've done, this is one of my favorites. You wouldn't have known it by seeing me at the finish line. But, it was.

My thoughts and prayers are still with you in Joplin.

One Person's Trash = My Treasure Trove!

Welcome to Monday!! Did yours start as bleary-eyed as mine? I must report: I am exhausted! The end of the school year does that to me, and this year is not only no exception, it also seems a bit more over the top in terms of my trying to maintain walking in the upright position!

That being said, you can bet I have been so very thankful I decided to not run that upcoming Half Marathon ... it's this coming weekend! Holy moly, what was I thinking by considering that? My being very tired at the end of the school year is as predictable as Christmas being on the same day each year, so I clearly had lost my brain in April's post-Half Marathon emotional rush! Oh, and check this out ... it's supposed to be 90 degrees by then! (yowza!) I know they have something like 9 drink stations along the course, but I'm not sure that would have been enough. In fact, I'm pretty sure I might have camped out by the second one and just hung out with the volunteers toasting the other runners with my energy drink. ("Cheers, and bravo! I'll be right here if you'd be so kind to let my family know when you see them at the finish.") I'm happy to have entered the 5K and am looking forward to it ... but three miles is all that day gets!

In fact, given my current state of alertness and energy, I decided to take this week down to 3-milers to just chill and regroup. Resistance training will continue at its current level, and I will ramp the miles back up after this week. I need balance in my world right now, not just in my exercise!

This is where the 3-years-ago me would have just blown off the week, but I definitely know it's important to keep at it with NO excuses (no matter how many I say to myself in my head!). So, off I went! And, to my delight, the morning temperature was awesome, so I was able to bring Elly!

Hooray! I love this pooch!

She's a great pal, but not terribly observant sometimes ... look!

See that to the right of her front paw? I do,
too, but she couldn't have cared less. (Does
she think her bandana wardrobe is free?! Oh,
wait. She doesn't care.)

And, when I say look, I mean CHECK IT OUT:

You have got to be kidding me ... this stash was right on the other
side of Elly strewn in one small area. It very much looked like
this handful was a nuisance to someone, and out of  the ol' pocket
it went. FINE BY ME! Cha-ching!! Snoopy bank says "thank you."

This find was very pleasing and certainly helped with the more-money-than-miles mantra, but more awesome was seeing my Good For You Lady (who wished me a very happy Monday) and seeing these:

Seriously cool!!! I came up on them expecting they'd just be
orange (which is cool by itself), but then I was treated to these!

With that, the we finished up, I did my resistance training and treated myself to lunch with a friend! Ahh ... a great way to spend a Monday! See you tomorrow on Total Rest Day!!