Sticking With the Plan

I woke up this morning at 6:30 a.m. and thought I wasn't going to be able to fall back asleep. I even almost got up and conacted Juli to see if her earlier-in-the-week invite to run together this morning was still an option as I'd declined with it being a scheduled Rest Day. I'm glad I resisted the urge as not only did I fall back asleep, but I did so with gusto! Evidently, one more day of chillin' in the morning was just what I needed! While yesterday wasn't chock full of strenuous activity, it was very full of extra activity -- enough to even wear out the busy kitty:

"What."

I do not get a pass tomorrow morning, however, no matter how much I feel like sleeping in again (because I will feel like sleeping in again!). I might want to keep this from last week's Baby Blues comic in mind in the morning:

(side note: This totally caught my eye not just because the dad was talking about sweat, and that made me think of what a sweaty mess running often makes me, but it grabbed me because of the raking theme. I hate raking. I've always hated raking. And, I often had to rake when I was a kid. It sucked. And, there is nothing that could have convinced me it was a worthwhile activity. Come to think of it, there was a time no one could have convinced me running was particularly worthwhile, either. Funny how things change. But, I'm still not raking.)

There's more decorating to do tonight, and there's some running to do in the morning. I'll check in tomorrow to report on both! 'See you then!

Turkey Trax Four Pack!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 180 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 847.9 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 407.1 Money Found For Food Bank: $.35 

 

Happy day after Thanksgiving!! Have you recovered form your feast?? Everyone over here is doing just fine after a really nice, cozy, family celebration of all for which we have to be thankful (including our annual Thanksgiving viewing of Home Alone while we eat dessert ... fabulous!!). But, all of that was kick-started with what has become another Thanksgiving tradition for us ... Turkey Trax!! Here's how that went!

 

You don't know this, but at packet pickup, Aaron was talking to another man in line about how wonderful the weather was for the 2012 event. They were right as there was no bundling up required, and no one froze any toes waiting for the event to begin. While listening to them, all I could think was, "That's sooo  not going to be the case this year!!"

 

AND, it wasn't! It was 27-degrees-Brrr !! But, that didn't stop us or the other 700+ people ready to trot!

The boys with their cooked turkey hats ... complete with race
bibs (identifying the safe cooked temperatures ... fun and
educational!)!

Indeed, these were the crafts we did last
night! Our turkeys had bibs announcing
their safe-this-year status with Friday and
Saturday's dates ...

We looked around and were surprised at the lack of festive headwear given what we've seen in the past. Perhaps everyone was too cold to try and look snazzy! There was a father-son duo in the spirit with these, though:

Not only were these hats awesome, but one of the men had on
a shirt that said, "World's Greatest Grandpa." I'd have to agree
he's on the list if he's going to wear that hat in a run!!

And, two women dressed up their dogs:

Look close ... the doggie's tutu are the tail feathers!! AND they
matched their owners! It was very, very clever!

There were two of them, and they were
so excited that they didn't want to sit
very still. You get the idea, though!

Before lining up, we also ran into our unadorned neighbors:

I didn't ask them if I could show their faces. So, I took a second
picture of them from behind. I try to be respectful after all.
I mean, what if he's such a good runner because he's running
from the law? JUST KIDDING.

The man is a frequent participant of the long-distance runs (you might recognize his shirt!?!), and he's one of those runners who can fly  over such a route. For the Turkey Trax, though, he told us he was walking with a group because one of the friends in their pack not only does not run and will not run, but she also told him he should walk with her and just be thankful on this day to have friends. HA!

By the time we lined up to start, both of my big toes were frozen. I distracted myself by taking a few more about-to-start pics. Because it was awesome to do so.

Because ... why not?!

I see no reason not to!

The photo excitement didn't stop just because we started:

Oh ... my ... goodness ... (love her!!)

I have zero recollection of taking this. I really do not pay very
good attention at these things except to not step on nor trip others!

Now, you know how much I love running with my pup, but she is unequivocally uninvited to these events. I not only don't want to deal with her in a crowd, but she doesn't need to be freaked out by it, either. Many dogs at events are generally pretty chill, but this black one was spaz-tastic. And, not in a good way.

For real. Doggie on the right. Get. A. Grip!

We cruised around the pooch pack, and, before I knew it, I was on my way to rebuild the Food Bank donation collection!


It's a QUARTER, baby!!

I caught the quarter out of the corner of my eye and knew I had just enough to time to cruise over and pull out my once-upon-a-time soccer prowess to kick it out of the way of the oncoming pack of runners. I did so with some precision that amazed even myself (seriously ... kicking a coin can result in success or just tripping yourself), and I went to the side to retrieve it. AWESOME way to start the rebuild especially when I later found a dime! Whee!!!

Soon after, we passed the first mile mark:

Look at all of those people trottin' up that
hill ... I hated that hill three years ago.
This year, it's where I found that dime!

Soon after, the temperature seemed to go from woo-whee-brrr to holy-crap-who-turned-up-the-heat ?! Of course, that all turned around again when we turned a whole different direction and caught the frigid wind. (Pneumonia, anyone?) It was all good, though, and how could I ask for a better way to weather the route -- literally -- than with our family four pack? Simply put, I couldn't.

We all skidooed up the last hill, which is the true final push of the route, and cruised around to the end where we all held hands to cross the finish line! Whee!!!


And, look who I found at both the start and the finish?!

Therrrre's Melanie!! She cruised her run!
Here's to another great finish for her
especially because she -- unlike her friend
here -- hates the cold!

Because of the chilly wind, we didn't stick around very long after the run. We got our water bottles, said hello to some pals, and we were on our way to continue our Thanksgiving traditions.

I most definitely do not kid myself into thinking that starting a day of feasting of with a 3-mile run does much-to-anything to counter the day's deliciousness, but I absolutely hold that it's a great tradition we've folded into our Thanksgiving. We all get to do it together.

By the way ... check out the dude on the left ... I'd say that's a picking-up-a-penny pose if I ever saw one!!

For as much fun as that run was, I'm rather confident I'm going to be on my own Sunday morning when my running schedule resumes! We'll see how that pans out, but, in the meantime, I'll check in tomorrow from a bonus holiday Rest Day! Happy continued digesting!

Blessed Indeed

I think this about sums it up:

Indeed. That's how I feel about the four of us.

We shivered. We ran. We played games. And, soon, we eat.

The race recap will keep 'til tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope your Thanksgiving is chock full of all the things that make your heart happy! 'See you after recovering from a feast ...

All Kinds Of Preparations!

This year, I got smart and figured out just how much cooking for Thanksgiving I could do the day before rather than the day of. Yeah, it takes a while to figure out the system! So, with the turkey bathing in its brine and the house smelling all kinds of warm and cozy with pumpkin pie, Kentucky Derby pie tartlets and green bean casserole, it just makes sense to also think about running, right? (um ... no ...) But, whether it makes sense or not, we took a kitchen break and headed to packet pick-up for tomorrow's run!

The store hosting the pick-up is teeny-tiny, so all four of us being in line made no sense. Therefore, Aaron received the honors of being in charge:

Large and in charge. That's my man!

He sailed through the pick-up line like a champ:

Shirts, bibs and timing chips for all!

Here are the fruits of his labor:

I do love that they have printed Thanksgiving Day on them, but I'm skeptical
of the screen print holding up on these. They're kind of slick like the old school
printing that cracked and peeled. I don't have high hopes for their duration, but
time will tell.

And, look who was in line behind us?!

There's Melanie!! You remember her from September's 10K!
From her own description, you might not recognize her
tomorrow given her bundle-up plans ... yes, it's supposed to
be mighty cold!! AWESOME FOR RUNNING (says I)!!

By the way, we happened to park by a candy shop, so we had to go in and wander. They have great chocolate, but I really wanted to scope their usually awesome Christmas ornaments. Nothing caught my eye this year, but this caught everyone's:

Samples two days in a row. I'm detecting
a trend ... perhaps they'll have samples of
the age-group winners' pies tomorrow?
Aaron might not go the route if they do ...

That tray was full when we got there. I went to the bathroom, and this is what was there when I returned. We did not do that.
Besides everyone getting their cold-weather clothes out for the morning, we're good to go with the exception of one last detail Pit Crew #2 and I need to make tonight! (Yay arts & crafts!) I'll show you that and all of the fun from the morning run tomorrow! 'See you then!

Donation Day 2013

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 179 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 844.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 407.1 Money Found For Food Bank: $22.72 in change; $25 in bills

2012 Found-Money Food Bank Donation: $7.83

And, today, we donate!!

First, it was a really lovely morning ...

for the dynamic duo to head out and run ...

... because that's where the money can be found ...

Then, we had to come home and do some accounting. The banks were busting at their seams:

And, once I got the disintegrating stopper out of Lucy, all spilled to be counted!

After that stash, we moved on to the "found walking around" jar (inspired by the "found while running" collection) ...

And, then, it was time for those of us who picked up pennies and those who saved a little every week all year to give:


(And, apparently after that, it was time to go to the nearby grocery store, and get a sample of a little somethin' ...)



It's a sushi sample. And, it was delish. But, I digress ...

Today's final tallies:

• money found on today's run: 14 cents
• coins + bills 2013 running donation: $47.72
• "found walking around" donation: $23.37

The bigger number:

The $71.09 total of money just hanging out on store floors and on the streets translates into

1066 pounds of food

for those who need it.

 

As a point of interest (because I was interested), the running donation equals 715 pounds of food. I think I am speechless. All I did was run.

 

I have no better way to wrap up today's thoughts other than to say I am humbled by how big of a difference it will make just from stopping for a second and picking up a coin. We are so fortunate to have this gift to give.

 

With that, I will check in on tomorrow's Rest Day where pre-Turkey Trax excitement begins!



About a Dog

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 178 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 841.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 404.1 Money Found For Food Bank: $22.58 in change; $25 in bills

2012 Found-Money Food Bank Donation: $7.83

Today was quite a day for Elly!! First, let's give her the day's shout out for turning her running odometer over the 400-mile mark for the year!!! WAHOOOOOOOO!!!!

Look how proud she is!! I think I love that picture of her ... *sigh* ...

She really earned this one. I not only brought her on another 6-miler, but I also took her on a route I questioned in terms of her scaredy-pants tendancies when there's a lot of traffic around her. In addition to thinking the traffic might be a little lighter with the upcoming holiday, I was also in the mood to accommodate and anticipate her anxiety, so it was a great day to see if this is a route that holds potential for more runs together in our future. Now that we've finished it, I give it the 'strong possibility of return together' status!

Not only did she keep her wits about her for most of the run, but she was really put to the test when I really really really had to use the bathroom, and there really really really aren't many options for a girl when not only are most businesses not yet open, but I also have with me a dog. The problem began with a very small drink of water before I headed out. I don't normally eat or drink anything before running, but whatever toothpaste we're using made my mouth feel all dry. I figured a little drink wouldn't hurt. Well, by Mile 3, it was hurting my bladder! While I'm sure I could have finished without using the bathroom, I really didn't want to especially when I saw a couple of porta potties on the route.

At that point, it simply had to be done.

Suffice it to say, Elly was ad-a-mant that she was not going in the porta potty with me. You should also know that you can still lock a porta potty door if you have a leash going through it. Oh, yes. We know that for sure.

"You had your space, I had my space. It
worked out just fine. Besides, what kind
of dog do you think I am by suggesting I
go in one of those? Puh-leeeez."

We got it worked out, and I have to say the last half of the run was much more enjoyable than the first!

There were two other notables for the day. First, for about five minutes in my second mile, it was snowing!! There were big, fluffy flakes drifting around, and it was wonderful!! I would have missed it if not for being out in it!! Snow!! Super-score!!

The other notable was hoping to chip away at that 22 cents I needed to reach $22 in change before tomorrow's donation and finding 80. BA. DA. BING. Awesome!!!!!!!

With lots to accomplish today, I'm off! By the way, Elly is using the rest of her day to recoup from the big outing and the celebratory 400-mile moment:

Here's to hoping your Monday started off just the way you wanted, and we'll see you after the morning run!

A Metaphysical Precision Collision

(A very special thanks to the writers of the movie "St. Elmo's Fire" where Rob Lowe's character described his car crash as a "metaphysical precision collision." His character was an idiot, but I always loved the delivery of that line.)

To know me is to know I love to create. Writing, painting, scrapbooking and every little thing that encompasses those activities feeds my soul. I could live inside of a craft store. Period. So, when creative-me and running-me collide, it's enough to make my head explode (in a good way, not in a gross-what-a-mess-and-we'll-miss-her way).

You see, we've needed a painting over our love seat for years. I like the decoration we have right now, but I've always known it was temporary until I was inspired to paint something specifically for that space. I knew I needed to just be patient and wait until something spoke to me.

Something finally did, and there's no one more surprised than I that it came out of a run. You've seen the picture ... it's this one:

Everything about it screamed, "I need to hang on your family room wall!!" So, with a 50%-off coupon in hand, I was off to Michaels! After a very long debate with myself over what size canvass to buy, I finally decided, purchased, and it's ready when I am:

I cannot wait to dive into that project!! Patience ... patience ...

Unlike running, I can't schedule and require painting to happen. Not only do I need the focused time, but I need to be in the right mood. The holidays will either make this tricky or inspiring, so I'll keep you up to date!

Oh, and it will, of course, be titled, "The Morning Run."

In the meantime, I had to wander a bit before picking up my canvass, and there was another place that spoke to running-me ... the holiday headwear!! For our upcoming virtual run, plans are coming together, post-run celebratory food selections are happening, AND headwear is already purchased!! (Yes, you need to do so early while the good stuff is still available. It's not like it's July; don't judge.) There were some fun options out there including ...

I loved the ornaments on the antlers!! Usually, antler hats are
without such adornment, so that almost pulled me in.

But, I didn't pick those or the sparkly green number peeking its way through. I'm just going to go ahead and show you the selection because it's awesome.

Pause while I take it off to see it in full ...

Can a Christmas novelty hat be called, "Simple elegance?"
I THINK SO. The bling is the elegance in case you're confused.
I get being confused by using such a term in conjunction with
an activity that makes me a sweaty, smelly mess.

I've always said to make whatever you do as fun as possible!! I think the planning so far on this upcoming run fulfills that sentiment!

In the meantime, it's time to map out a run for the very, cold morning. I'll check in tomorrow after thawing out!!

Prepared

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 177 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 835.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 398.1 Money Found For Food Bank: $21.78 in change; $25 in bills

2012 Found-Money Food Bank Donation: $7.83

 

My head was not exactly ready for this morning's run. It was a very full week, and it felt oh-so-awesome under the comforters with the heater running in the 26-degree weather. I wanted little to do with getting up much less going running. I wasn't bitter; I just wasn't into it.

 

But, for someone seemingly so uninvested in getting out there, I had my thinking cap on while getting ready. I double checked to make sure I had on the right pants (right = has pocket). I took the time to change pants when I discovered I had on the wrong pants. I remembered to do my squats and heel lifts while brushing my teeth (see how I combine the warm-up with the teeth time? Efficient, I am!). And, before heading out, I grabbed my camera even though I was mentally uninspired. (No one needed a repeat of last week, amiright ?)

 

Elly was way more inspired than I to go which actually perked me up a little because she's so excitable and cute. (Pit Crew #2 was not inspired to go with us at all even though I asked her nicely and told her I would run-walk it. Just noting.)

 

For the most part, it was just a run like most others. It was cold, which I do like, and I found pennies strewn throughout the route which I totally like. I also like that right after the very moment I thought to myself that there was no way I'd run into Juli again this week, I did.

Elly could hardly believe her awesome
fortune seeing her gal pal again!! I mean,
I was very happy, but there's nothing
quite like Elly-happy!!

I saw her ahead of me coming my way, but I didn't yet know it was her. I'd already gotten Elly and myself into the bike lane to give the mystery runner the sidewalk when I not only heard someone yelling (um, that was Juli), but Elly also started going nut-ty. Between Elly's ballistic moves and Juli waving her hands over her head, there was a whole lot going on on that sidewalk!

 

There was also a whole lot going on in the runny nose department for all very chilly runners involved (seriously ... gross, but it sure does tell you who your friends are when they put up with such things), so we exchanged our quick hellos and good-byes and went on with our respective runs. Yay to encountering Juli without having to chase her down in my car!!

 

In other notables today, I saw this:

Don't get me wrong, my heart goes out to anyone who has lost a pet. It's the basket. Are you supposed to put the cat in the basket if you find it? Wouldn't it be fabulous if you did and the cat stayed until its owner picked it up? Picture it. It's cute.

 

Okay, down to biz: I have two more runs before Tuesday's donation day which is awesome because I can run one money pit route on Monday and the other on Tuesday. It's quite excellent that it worked that way! AND, according to the current tally, I'm only 22 cents away from 22 dollars in change! There's potential for hitting that, don'tcha think?! It's possible I'm a few cents off one way or the other (especially given I've been throwing the bank around and spilling it everywhere, but I digress.). Then, there's a Rest Day before the fam does the Turkey Trax run!! Whee!! That's a great lineup!!

 

With that, it's time to cruise into the rest of the day. I guess the moral of today's theme is to be prepared even if you're not feelin' what you're supposed to do. It worked for me today. It also works that I have friends who don't mind being chased after in a car and/or exchanging snotty hugs. Ooo ... that's my other theme: Make sure you surround yourself with people who don't care that you're something of a dork.

 

I'll see you tomorrow from Rest Day!

Unexpected Running Talk

The whole reason I swapped around my running schedule this week was to accommodate the dentist appointment I made six months ago and could not change last minute.

The funny thing is that my hygienest is also a runner, so we spent what time she didn't have her hands in my mouth talking about running-related stuff. But it wasn't all what might you think. Check this out: Apparently, her family creates what they call a "Memory Tree" at Christmas where they collectively hang important momentoes from the year. Included are any race medals she has earned. She disconnects them from their ribbons and hangs the medalion. Of course, I then told her she needed to hang a few virtual cupcake medals next year. She perked up hearing the cupcake theme (that'll get'cha!), and I'm pretty sure I've sold her on at least giving it a whirl! How could you not want to jump on board earning a cupcake medal?! I mean, really ...

My hygienest is pretty cool, too, as she likes to talk about her experience as a whole and isn't hard core about any of it. We agreed our favorite part of any race event is crossing the finish line standing up. That's my kind of race talk! And, she wears these shoes ...

Oh, hot pink saucy shoes, how I loved you for the very short
time we were together ... At least my blingy running girl has
staying power!

... but, hers are dark purple with a yellow swish thing. They're awesome. I kind of wanted to tell her I hate her for being able to wear them while I can't, but I didn't think she'd like being told I hate her. And, that's probably not well-advised on my part seeing as she had the sharp objects in my mouth and near my eyes. I'm a thinker like that.

I don't always have my thinker very well tuned, though. Check this out ...

Double Drat!!

I've been well aware for quite some time that the Food Bank Snoopy Bank bottom could not hold the weight of what I've found. Just a month ago, I picked it up only for the bottom to fall out and spill everywhere. Clearly, I didn't learn very well because I did it again. Ugh.

It actually is a good thing that donation day is just around the corner because both the Snoopy Bank and the Lucy annex are completely full. Pennies are actually sticking out of the dog house slot. It's pretty awesome, and the overflow is not going to stop me from continued investigation! Tomorrow's route is pretty decent in terms of being an opportunity for some target-rich running, so I'll let you know what happens after the morning run!