The Review

Happy New Year's Eve!! I hope whatever you have planned to ring out the old and in the new is exactly what you want it to be!

I just had a chat a little bit ago with Pit Crew #2 about New Year's Eve, and our talk made me realize I'm not a huge fan of the whole wow it's the end of the year/a new year is coming  thing. I mean, besides the fact that it comes every year, predictably on the same day at the same time (woah!), I've always felt a basic indifference about it. It comes down to this for me: I'm not going to resolve myself to do something different tomorrow when there's a darned good chance that if it needs to be done tomorrow, perhaps I should have been to work on it in August, just sayin'. That's the basic structure of my feelings about resolutions!

I do like to take a quick scan back, though, to see how far things have come, what was accomplished and where we're at while things progress through the change of the calendar! So, you guessed it! Here's a look at some of 2013's running highlights the way I see it:

Days run: 195
 
Goal of miles run: 900

Actual miles run: 917.8; 167.8 more than 2012

Longest run: 13.1 miles (I'm totally going to have run 13.2 next year just to change that ...)

Shortest run: 2 miles

Why so many more miles this year than last: I got hit on the head I decided I wouldn't be personally satisfied with status quo

Mileage goal for next year: 1,000

Number of official races: 8, 4 virtual/4 organized

Best running development: Discovering virtual races!

Most surprising running byproduct: Finding so many books about running that I enjoy!

Minutes cut off of previous best Half Marathon time: 11

Best race: Go Girl Half Marathon by virtue of the fact that I upgraded it from a 5K the day before the run

Dumbest decision: Go Girl Half Marathon by virtue of the fact that I kept running when the lightening started

Best official race swag: The winner of this category two years running is the Go Girl Half Marathon -- c'mon, the wine glass speaks for itself

Favorite race picture: And, with a sweep, Go Girl Half Marathon:

When you're yelling straight from your heart and gut, "I totally
did it!", well, that's quite a moment to catch in a photo!

Favorite virtual race: Virtual Sparkle Cupcake Race, July 2013. Hands down. How can I go wrong running at a distance with my running partner extraordinaire, Mary Kate, while running alongside PC#2 while she stretched herself to reach a goal she never before thought she could take on?!

Best virtual race swag: The friendship bracelets PC#2 made for all three of us in thematic colors

Best race medal: Roots & Blues 10K. While I have loved each and every cupcake virtual medal (I mean, how can you go wrong with blingy cupcakes?), I have to say it's the rainbow that takes the prize:

Most unexpected run: Roots & Blues 10K as I never intended to return to the event. Now, I suspect I'll be all over it next Fall!

Worst running wardrobe malfunctions: The saucy hot pink Sauconys that couldn't hold my big toe, and my candy cane knitted gloves starting to unravel at the thumbs!! (boo!!)

Worst running fuel: Pineapple-pepper jack pizza after having had artichoke dip.

Most annoying running partner: Elly, and not just because I often have to carry her poo

Most consistent running partner: Elly

"I rock! I rock! In every, single way,
I ROCK!"

Number of times Elly tripped me this year: None, but she came close once. Very  close.

Best running fuel: Having people believe in you. Including, and most especially, yourself.

When your hearts are what are waiting at the finish line ...

... you run with all of yours.

 From our crew to yours ...

... here's to looking forward to many more adventures together!! I'll see you tomorrow after kicking off the year with ... you guessed it! ... a morning run!

Skating Out Of the Year ...

Remember yesterday when I said I'd tell you how today went down with the hopes that no one actually went down? Indeed, I meant it literally ...

Those ain't your mama's Asics ...

That's right! This Rest Day meant SKATING!!

The skating gang's all here!! Aaron is a fan and Pit Crews for
us when we are in need ... his knee prevents the skating part
of the program for him ...

Last year, Pit Crew #3 seemed to have a goal of how many times he could stand falling down. That's not good for a mama's heart, but whatcha gonna do? This year, he had a goal to not fall down "much." (Much better all the way around ...) He was doing very well. And, then there was this time ...

... and, a few times after that, but only a few!

Pit Crew #2 and I faired better in the falling game (mom, 0: PC#2, only once!). We had a lot of fun cheesin' around the rink in between comparing which parts of our feet hurt from the skates.

For being very novice at this, we all had a great time!!


It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon of break!!

We also did a bit of poking around to see what Christmas remnants remain ... I scored a package of Peanuts people (which was called something like "Peanuts Skating Figures" ... perfect for the day, amiright ?!):

I was serious about being serious (which is different from the other day's decidedly indecisive stance ...) decorating for Winter, so these little guys are perfect! They can live there on the table with the snow scene PC#2 made for us. Perfect!

Oh, and look what we saw on the way home ...

AND then look what was in the mailbox when we arrived home!

The virtual medals arrived!! Nicely blinged, too!!

I hope your day was full of fun whatever you did!!

Am I alone being in disbelief that tomorrow is the last day of the year?! I've been thinking more about looking forward than rounding out this one. I suppose tomorrow's a good day to take a moment for reflection before launching forward, huh? We'll see how that turns out. In the meantime, happy eve of the Eve!! I'll check in tomorrow ...

That's a Wrap

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 195 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 917.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 464.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $3.74

As planned, the trio of running gal pals hit the road for one last tromp through the streets for 2013! It just seemed right for it to be the three of us given all of the running we've collectively done together this year. That it was the coldest morning we've had in a week, well, that couldn't be helped!

There were a few things working against us this morning besides the cold (with a wind that took a couple of nasty slaps at us along the way). First, it is break, so Pit Crew #2 wasn't especially stoked about not sleeping in. Fortunately for me, spending time together trumped sleep!

The other issue was our running fuel, aka: last night's dinner! We celebrated Christmas with some friends which included a super-yum dinner of pizza which was the chaser to the artichoke dip I made. While I am not a great fan of pizza, the exception to that rule is when thin crust pepper jack and pineapple pizza is available. Well, then, all bets are off, and step aside, please! It was all delicious, and I felt every bit of it throughout our first mile this morning! Oh, and I really didn't care!

(Side note ... 'want to see what my friend make me for Christmas? Check it out!!):

Are those ornaments fabulous or what ?! I love me some
Christmas bulbs that bling!! It makes me forgive the pizza
dinner. Oh, wait ... she didn't make me eat it. I did that all
by myself. CRAP, no one to blame but me ...

I was going to sucker PC#2 into a longer run than we ended up doing, but the cold wind blew that notion right of my head. I would have powered through the pizza issue, but the combo of that and frigid gusts kept my distance expectations in check! We boogied through one drive-thru to the tune of 3 cents. That drive-thru is another reason I wanted PC#2 with me because she is the one who suggested I ever go through it in the first place, so it just made sense to have her with me to round out this aspect of this year's running!

Very quickly, we were finished:

Thank you, gal pals, for being with me
for so many miles ... physically and in
supportive spirit!

I realized a couple of things while on this run, all topics pointing to the fact that I'm pretty much a tool. First: Another reason I thought it would be cool to have this run with PC#2 is because I know our virtual medals are on their way, and I thought they might show up today. So, how cool would it be to run together again and get our medals?! SO cool ... until I realized it is Sunday ...

Second: I've been rolling around the idea of taking a Rest Week before the end of the year for a couple of months now. Recently, I got on board to finally plan on that, and it was going to start tomorrow. But, today, I realized I committed myself to the do-something-every-day for 2014 thing, and I now have no more full weeks left! Doofus!

And, finally: If I'm going to do something every day of 2014, that includes the first ... which follows our annual New Year's Eve appetizer dinner. If I thought last night's dinner was bad running fuel, I'm in for it on Wednesday. Now, that's some excellent planning, don'tchathink ?!

Oh well. That run will count in its own way, but not in any grand, getting ready to rock way. In the meantime, I have two days off, so I'm going to enjoy them! I'll check in tomorrow and let you know what went down. I just hope I don't end up meaning that literally. You'll understand ... see you then ...!

Just One More

I don't know why I keep insisting on putting a lot of extra things like chores or other household duties on Rest Day. You'd think I would have learned by now that such activities involve a crap ton of extra physical activity. Suffice it to say, I should probably be pleased with the bazillion extra squats and stair-mastering of today. Instead, I'm just annoyed that I have yet to learn the concept of being a little more respectful of the rest  concept of Rest Day.

In the meantime, I've settled on tomorrow being the last run of 2013 (yay!)! It just made some sense. What makes more sense is that I plan to have Pit Crew #2 with me. (She just doesn't yet know it.) It makes sense to have her along to round out the year where was a big participant in this gig with me. And, of course, Elly will come. It'll be a girl thing ...

It will be the last journey of all for my shoes. What's weird is that for as much as I've not really enjoyed them, they've been on more running miles with me (710!) than any other I've ever had. Funny how that works out.

So, here's to you, dependable blues ...

Jeez, I knew they were worn down, but ...

... as I've appreciated you even though you took months to break in. I appreciate you for taking me safely through broken glass now and then, for mostly protecting my feet when I went through puddles, for carrying me through a thunderstorm, for keeping decent grip on ice, for squishing through mud we didn't see coming, for holding up when you probably should have broken down, and for sporting my rainbow shoe laces like no other shoe could.

Here's to just a few more miles together before your retirement. Thank you for never giving up on me even when I was cranky about you.

We'll all see you after the morning run!

Excellent Investment

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 194 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 915.6 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 462.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $3.71

Happy continued holiday week! I hope yours is full of good!! Mine most certainly has been including a fun after-Christmas shopping scour yesterday where all of us came home with a fun prize or two. My personal favorite find was this little fellow:

Everything about him screams  happy!! I had already decided that when the Christmas decorations come down, some Winter/snow ones are going up. It'll help ease out of the Christmas bonanza of color and fun things strewn around! Besides, this little half-price fella needed me, don't you think?

Speaking of needs in my world, the whole point of having a mileage goal for the year was to keep my motivated to keep going. Without some kind of motivation (which I need), I would stop (which I sometimes want). However, having surpassed my goal, my motivation has waned a bit. To my own surprise credit, it hasn't waned as much as in past holiday stretches, but I've certainly had my moments of just not wanting to bother.

Today's run had its own special brand of need in that I was reasonably confident, given our plans, that my afternoon would be an emotionally bumpy ride. I've learned that starting my day off with a run is probably the best way I can ensure being ready to tackle a day in every way -- physically, emotionally, spiritually -- so, there was no way a run wasn't part of the morning plan! Elly told you yesterday I was decidedly indecisive about how to approach the run, and I finally figured out that was because my focus was on how long I "should" go. Therefore, I changed the focus to creating a route that maximized money-finding potential, and I was fired up to get out there! (I know: Alert the media!)

I didn't take Elly in part because I wasn't sure how long I was actually going and, in other part, because I didn't want to get locked into her pace. (Don't tell her, though, seeing as that very pace is what got me going in the first place!) She was happily hanging out on the couch when I left, though, so I think she was more than fine basking in her own post-holiday laze!

Not taking her worked out great for me because I could just cruise. And, it felt awesome! Even the hills! (Whuuuutt ??) Most areas were free of ice hazard with just a few, small stretches still refreezing overnight. Decorations are still up making things bright and happy ...

... There was moneymoneymoney  in both anticipated and also unexpected places to the tune of 76 cents today. (Yeahh!!) And, take a look at what else I found ...

It's a wooden Fisher-Price Little People
airline stewardess!! Seriously ... right there
on the side of the road. Ran.Dom.

I mapped my route later to find out it was five and a half miles that I banged out in a time frame that made me feel strong and ready to take on the day. The post-run Diet Coke didn't hurt such matters, either!

I'll go ahead and report the outcome of the afternoon plans in that I was unfortunately accurate that my body and heart needed the reinforcement provided by this run (not to mention a whole lotta in-the-moment prayer!). But, the good news is that I anticipated it, and that I did something about it. Investing an hour stockpiled exactly what I needed to stay strong throughout the day. It's not always that perfect, but it is often that close. Yet, another reason to run.

Tomorrow appears to be scheduled as a Rest Day while I pick my way through the rest of the calendar year. I anticipate one more run this calendar year. Maybe two. One. No, two. Waaaittt ... one. Seriously, I don't know. But, it doesn't matter as this is my window to dink around before kicking off scheduled training in January! With that, make sure you are investing in yourself as needed to keep all of your systems well fueled, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Another View Of Christmas

A very special thanks to Elly who gave me today off while she guest blogged!!

Happy day after Christmas, everyone!! I don't really know if this is a special day or not, but everyone is still home around here, and that makes it awesome times four for me!! In the meantime, I wanted to take a minute and share with you how Christmas goes around here for the hound!

Now, you've seen in mommy's writings that, sometimes, I'm a bit naughty because I think it's fun (and, sometimes, tasty) to get garbage out of the cans when my people aren't home. So, when I kept hearing the buzz about Christmas coming, I wasn't sure if that included me or not. But, when mommy hung the furry kids' stockings, mine was front and center!

As it should be. I have more ornaments than they do, too. I rule.

Those hung there for quite some time. It was longer than I can remember because I'm not awesome at remembering stuff. But, the excitement around here started to build over these past couple of days, so I figured the big day was coming! I was very hopeful because I've worked really hard to be good. Wait ... I've worked very hard with mommy running, and I've worked hard at intending to be good. I figured my efforts were worth something.

Well, first thing yesterday morning, everyone got up all psyched to get into their presents (the very ones that had a barricade of chairs around them so I couldn't get into them overnight. Like I would do that! I would be insulted, but I don't know what that means.). All that happened for me right away was being ordered to the couch -- the very couch I couldn't even sleep on because of the barricade! There's no justice for a pooch. And, it seemed the excitement abounding was not for me ...

Drat.

Making matters worse, the next thing I knew, mommy went over to them  (you know ... Lizzy and Daphne ... the ones who get me in trouble for snarling at them even though they bother me just by being here. Jerks.) and gave them treats from Santa!! I heard mommy say the treats were bacon, egg and cheese flavor!! What the heck?? I bet I'd like bacon, egg and cheese if I ever got some!! Look at Daphne just licking her lips after getting hers:

All hope of fun for me was slipping way away from this loyal hound. That is until mommy said it was my turn to open presents. Family first, then Santa. And, by family, she meant my cousin, Abby! I've never met her, but I hear this is a love-by-association thing. Evidently I sent her a treat bag, too. But, I forgot. (We've already covered my forgettin' issue ...) Anyway, my bag from Abby rocked!!! It had treats bigger than I've ever seen, bacon chewy strips (take that cats!!) and rawhide chips!! I've never been much of a chewer, but these seem to have quickly converted me!!

Hey, mommy and daddy ... remember when I wouldn't chew on
that steak bone you gave me? It's just that my taste is more
simple, that's all. See?? Nom nom nom ...

That cat comes closer, and she's goin' down.

You don't know this, but mommy said if I snarl at her, I won't
be in trouble because I'm minding my own business while
she's about to get up in mine. Come closer, kitty ... cooommme
ooonnnnn ...

The cat kept her distance and remained safe, but I finally took that rawhide down! Ohhhh, did I want more!!!

And, just when it seemed my world couldn't get better, I got my Santa gift!! And, it was suuhhhweeeet ! A new leash!! That isn't just a fashion statement; that's more exploring time!! WAHOO!! We went out immediately to play!!

Look how proud I am!!! And, pretty!

Dum-dee-dum ...!

The non-fur-coat part of the family got too chilly to stay out very long, but I understand. Besides, there is nothing like the promise of fun outings like a new leash!! And, won't I look smashing  for Valentine's Day with this baby?! Ohhh, yeahhhh ... In the meantime, let's just pretend say it goes with everything!

I'm so pretty ...!

Tomorrow's another day! But, I don't yet know if it's a running one for me. I know mommy's going, but I also know she has decided to be indecisive (figure that out) about tomorrow's distance. So, someone will check in. In the meantime, I hope your day after Christmas was as good as the day itself. It was for me ... I got another bag of rawhides!!! Mommy will see you tomorrow ... I'm off to chew!

Gifts Abound

Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours!! I hope today is everything you want it to be and that you are wrapped in the meaning of it most important to you!! Today I celebrate the birth of Christ and all of the love and goodness afforded me for it. I am thankful for unconditional love and the grace given to me to strengthen me to take on the gift of each day to its fullest.

I realize I don't necessarily demonstrate grace when I fall down. But, that's different!

Our day today started out just the way I hoped -- decently rested!! I so loved Christmas morning when the young Crewers were, well, younger. But, I won't even pretend I don't like that they're old enough to either (a) sleep until the family-negotiated 7 a.m. Christmas morning blitz time, or (b) stay in respective rooms until said time as instructed. And, leave mom to her zzzzz's ... It's just better for everyone.

Thank you, Pit Crew #2 and #3!!

BEST. GIFTS. EVER.

Indeed, they are the greatest gifts given to us. But, we all got some excellent goods, too! Among the stash, Aaron fed my running love on a handful of levels ...

Let's see ...

• a perpetual calendar (Peanuts, of course) themed, "Kiss Another Day Hello." Very appropriate to keep my mood cheery when I get up early to run! And, if I'm cranky, at least this calendar will make me smile!
• another dry-fit shirt to keep me super warm in the Winter and in a color where I cannot be missed!
• the Mile Markers book that I worked on reading months ago but couldn't finish before having to return it to the library. I knew from the beginning I'd want to own it, though, so it all worked out well!
• two more installments of The Puppy Pacer printed and in binders!! See?

He went for it, too ... new labels for all of them complete with puppy paws going up! Each binder also has a new cover page with the dates included in the volume plus  a picture from that time. Out. Standing!! He totally knocked it out of the park on this one as it came straight from his heart!!

Oh, and that dime in the picture above?

Yes, that's a chocolate dime to represent
one of my favorite finds for the Food Bank!

It wasn't all about running, though ... he pampered my favorite Rest Day treat, too, in a number of ways ...

You can guess the (of course!) Peanuts tin is full of popcorn. (I love these tins for trash cans!) You can also guess the popcorn inside is terrible, older than dirt, not of the most fresh selection, all of the above ... SO, there's a bag of kernels to pop as desired to compensate for the trash can kind! AND, how 'bout that puzzle?!?! Let's see ... a puzzle of popcorn in rainbow colors!!!! It's like it was made just.for.me!!

I hope the magic and joy of the season and day are with you right now!! Elly is guest writing tomorrow to let you know how her joy was something of questionable! She'll see you then!

When Half Is a Whole

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 193 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 910.1 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 462.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $2.96

Last night, Aaron asked how far I was running today. After I told him, he asked if I'd like company! Whuuuuuuuut ?? The forcasted temperature was that it was going to be frigid-cold. But, he offered! My plan* was for a strolling-kind of two miles (can you tell I'm riding out the year in an easy slide?), so I didn't argue about the temp and accepted the offer!

*side note: Not until I sat down to write and looked at my scheduled plan for today did I realize I slotted myself for four miles today. I had no idea until now. Hahahahahahaha! I love it. And, I'm not even sorry for having cut it in half!!

With a short distance plan, we set no alarms (ahhhh ... I think my real Christmas break goal is to see just how many days I can sleep in. So far, I'm three for four!!). Once up, I saw the thermometer read 2 degrees. TWO!! I kind of giggled. Hey ... it was like a theme today: Two people, two miles, two degrees. Awesome!

ANYWAY, yes. It was cold. And, things are still covered with ice. See?

You can see the sparkles here ...

You gotta love a little morning bling!

And, check out the grass!

Elly is no fan of this ...

And, the trees ...

Nothing was keeping us back, though! I got ready, Aaron super-bundled, and we were off. Wait, did I say there were two people? I kinda meant three ...

It's the return of JINGLE JACQUES!!!

For being 2 degrees, it wasn't that bad out because there was no wind. By the way, no wind is a face-saver!! It's also an attitude saver ... Anyway, we trotted along chatting about the day's plans and the evening plans and things we're excited about for tomorrow. All the while, Elly and Jacques did their thing:

"GET ON GOIN', DOG!! WE HAVE
ROAD TO COVER!!" (You might recall
Jingle Jacques is bossy ...)

Along the way, I thought about those visuals of the old year leaving as an old man while baby New Year comes along. I always think about how weird it is for that dude to age so much in one year. But, on this run ... a two-mile run ... where I was really kind of tired, I kind of got it. For sure, this next week is the 2013 Running Nancy shuffling off of the calendar page for a much earned rest to make way for a vibrant, ready to take on the streets runner. In new running shoes.

But, not before a few more outings!

In the meantime, we wrapped up today's jog much better for having done so. And, a little chilly once we stopped:

My frosty-faced man ...

But, not without happy hearts for starting the morning off together:

Jingle Jacques says, "DARN TOOTIN'
it's awesome to spend time with ME!"

And, tomorrow? We celebrate! Given the buzz about the house, I'm certain I'll be three for five on days slept in ... just sayin'!!

Enjoy your evening no matter how you're winding down or gearing up for tomorrow!! I'll see you then ...

A Gift In Running

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 192 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 908.1 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 460.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $2.96

When I started running in the first place, I had no idea the places it would take me. And, that it has brought me to the world of virtual races, well, color me stunned! But, what a gift these virtual runs have turned out to be because I've gotten to connect even better and share them with my friend Mary Kate!! And, Pit Crew #2 has hopped on board for a whole hosts of reasons -- not the least of which the very fun, sparkly cupcake medals we get to earn! -- which means I get to share more time with her. AND, our whole families have hopped on board and taken part in each of them in some capacity!! What. A. Gift!!!!

Here are today's players!!

Allow me to introduce you to Mary Kate's husband, Chad!! Mary Kate and I
both had in-person running partners this go around!! Whee!!!

A run to celebrate the magic of the season further enhanced by the magic of Photoshop ...

 

And, here's how it came together on this end ...

This particular virtual run snuck up on me not just during the week but also yesterday itself. The young Crewers and I were still working on Christmas cookies ...

This lovely moment comes back to bite me
during my second mile ... something about
eating cookie dough then running ... 

... when I looked at the clock and said to Aaron, "Holy crap! How can it already be 4 p.m.! Hey, do you know we're supposed to run in an hour and a half?!" (Hey, remember when it took me months to train for a 5K, and then I had to focus that morning until it was over? And, then, I needed a nap?)

You can guess everything came together, though. I threw on my running duds and leashed up Elly who had been sensing something exciting was about to happen ... and, she made certain she was front and center ready to join the fun! Also joining us in their own capacity was the male side of the Pit Crew!

Running? Not this time ...

Earlier in the day, Aaron and I were talking about the road conditions which looked fine for the most part, but there were definitely patches of ice here and there. I did manage to remember to buy a new flashlight, but I still ran scenarios about how much it would suck to fall (seeing as PC#3 already fell once and slipped on the very icy grass in an entirely separate incident that morning). Aaron suggested following us in the car just in case someone needed some help ... a great idea that morphed into having Christmas music playing for us as well as the option for a hot chocolate break if so desired (see pink thermos in car ...). It was like planning to run just in front of the vehicle that sweeps people at a race who aren't on pace to finish fast enough only exactly the opposite especially when, on this run, Mary Kate, Chad and I were guaranteed to finish in the top three of our age group!! WE WIN!!

Anyway, the official start of the run call was made ...

That's me talking to Mary Kate ...

... and, that's Elly telling me to quit my yappin'
and get to steppin'!

So, we all took off!! Aaron and PC#3 followed a few feet behind us, and the plan for them to do so was more brilliant than predicted because the headlights illuminated much more of the street that I even considered! Seeing as the focus of our original discussion had more to do with the novelty of a hot cocoa break than it did safety, well, you see how I lost sight of that priority! Whoops. Well, fortunately, the running gods were looking out for us because mere seconds after I almost asked PC#2 for the flashlight, we rounded a corner not yet lit by the headlights, and my feet caught a stretch of ice. Elly managed to navigate it, so I was screwed in position only to go along for the ride!

Legend has it that that particular stretch was about 100 feet, and I glided across with the grace of a ballerina on one foot while singing Christmas carols to PC#2.

Aaron's version of the story is that the stretch was about three feet. What does he know; he was paying attention to driving.

Both stories are total lies. In truth, the moment held about a foot or two of internal terror where I thought, for sure, I was going straight down. Then, there was another foot where I realized, "Wait, I'm sure I can avoid such a calamity." Mind over matter, right? In the next foot, I realized my pound hound was totally and completely pulling me like she was a sled dog completely oblivious of my potential plight. From there, and for about another six feet, I just embraced the moment and went along for the ride!

To be honest, once I was fully present realizing I was quite steady, upright and being pulled by my dog, it was kind of fun. The better moment was it all ending and ending well. I stopped, regrouped my footing situation, took a bow to the boys in the car, and we resumed!

The dramatic reinactment shot ... Oh, but
PC#2 gave me props for not falling. I'll
take the high praise!

(Speaking of reinactments, here's the ice as it looks in the daylight after being dusted by snow ... while PC#3 demonstrates how one might lose balance on such a treacherous stretch)

See? LONG! And, I rode the whole thing ...

An-y-wayyy ... close to this time, Mary Kate and Chad were enjoying their adventure! Beautiful sunset, anyone?!

It was Mary Kate's awesome idea to run through Christmas
lights ... I'm glad they got both the sunset and the lights
surrounding them!! It's quite romantic, too ... she didn't tell
me if they stopped and pretended they saw mistletoe ...!

When not scouring the streets for another ice capade, PC#2 and I took in our sites ...

Yes, indeed, the reason!

Miles away, as the sun set and lights continued to come on, Mary Kate and Chad were caught by a similar scene!

Just another way I felt totally connected
 at a distance on this run!!

And, how about this from the local end?!


Elly totally dug this one ... I suspect it's
because a male totally dug it in a whole
different way earlier ...

Meanwhile, the distant-from-us runners were finding a host of goodness and having a lot of fun doing it! See?!

Chad getting his awesome on as part of
the festive display!

Mary Kate said it was just for me ... (how'd she know? HA!)

Speaking of larger/inflatable displays, PC#2 and I came upon a large display and just had to check it out ...

We were running so fast, it wasn't in focus. Just. Kidding.

Santa's in the tent ... Now, I like sleeping, but nothing about
that screams comfort or cozy to me!! Brrrr  and yeouuuch  on
the icy grass come to mind!! I'm a terrible camper, though, so
what do I know. And, he's inflatable. (Overthinking it a bit?)

Yeah, they're blurry. 'Wanna know why?! Because of a certain someone:

"You're telling me you can balance on the stretch of ice, but
you can't keep the camera still while I'm yanking the crap out
of your arm? Seriously. Not my fault. SLURP!!"

Elly was something else on this run, by the way. When she would remember the boys were in the car behind us, she'd run forward while looking backward at them because she wanted to be with all of us. I reminded her that her miles don't count unless she actually runs them as I pondered putting her in the car except that she would whine the entire way watching us run ... there's no pleasing some, is there?

But, doesn't her new leash look festive and fabulous?

Anyway, before we really knew it, we were in our home stretch ...

... and, so were our friends!

I love this one ... (bravo, Chad!)

One of my very favorite parts of these distant runs is the call at the end ...


I love swapping the congratulations. I love hearing how excited Mary Kate is and sharing with her my experiences! I love giggling over particular moments we'd otherwise forget in a later email. To be honest, in these calls, we just kind of laugh and gush. And, it's very, very good for the soul!!

Way to go, friends!!

Thank you, PC#2 for wanting to come with me!

And, thank you to my men who took great care of us during our run!! I took care of the young one by letting him get inside where it was warm while the rest of us went to check out one more house not on route ...

Elly says, "I smell cocoa ... gimmee !!"

An outstanding adventure if I do say so myself made all the better for the people (and, beast!) who joined me!

Oh, and to cap off the evening, dinner was thematic ...

All food in the shape of a cupcake. Or, an actual cupcake.
Sometimes, like when making sure your dinner has a theme,
you just go for broke, amiright ?!

Thanks for coming along with us!! Virtual spectators for our virtual experience!! Together, the picture is complete!!

Elly and I will be checking in again tomorrow as the magic of the season continues!! See you then!