In My Head

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 22 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 61.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 43 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.93

A number of years ago when I was training for my first Half Marathon, my training schedule went right through the middle of the summer. And, that summer was hot. I did not yet know how to handle running, which was difficult enough all by itself, when it was 80 degrees at 5:45 a.m. plus whatever crazed humidity reading came along with that! The advice I was given at one of our local sporting goods stores was to "just cover the distance." I was told not to push it at all; just cover the distance. I was further assured that just that movement would add to the stockpile in my muscles and successfully drawn upon when the weather was more conducive to running without fear of heat stroke. The moral of that story is the running store dude was absolutely right, and I lost nothing in terms of strength and ability during the interim.

It is this wisdom upon which I drew this morning during my four mile, ummm ... forward-motion activity, as I'm still anxious for this leg to heal. Seriously, even Elly was like, "Oh, mommy, c'mon!" at the beginning of our outing. I think she was chilly. She got over her eager ways when we got to places that had grass. Grass = Excellent Sniffer Opportunities:

If I didn't already love her, I would just from looking at this.
LOOK AT THOSE EARS!!! My heart be still ...

I'm not kidding when I say I had little ability to do much more than sort of bounce along this route, but it really was okay. Sitting doesn't feel any better than standing or moving, so I can't see where that's going to get me anywhere any faster than logging some muscle miles. It would help, though, if during those miles I wouldn't find a sidewalk jut to kick the crap out of. Oh, yes, that did happen. It was weird, though -- my right foot found the rut, but my left leg took the brunt of the impact. Look, I don't know why, either, but that's what happened. It's funny how much you don't really understand about what activity is tied to what muscle until you hurt yourself. Last I checked, though, I'm not running to learn ...

If I wasn't already running with my head, that sidewalk jut put every bit of energy up there. From refraining from crying out of frustration to seeing just how far mind-over-matter can take you, my brain kicked into overdrive. And, in about a mile, it landed back on this:

No kidding, out of nowhere, my brain defaulted to the word RELENTLESS. That totally worked for me. It didn't get me going any faster, nor should it have (that would have been stupid). But, it kept me proud of just going. TA. DA.

Okay, there are two more very important things to share. First, while I feel good about moving forward, we all know I do enjoy the occasional dinking around. I was investigating something in a store window, and, when I turned back to continue the jog, I looked down and saw ...

Only after I picked up the quarter did I find the penny at the top
of the pic. Elly was hiding it. She likes to play games.

Had I not taken time to stop and procrastinate investigate the window, I would have totally passed these. Whee!!

Second ... in the continuing saga of my conversation heart obsession, I find a need to update the bowl of hearts situation. You might remember I bought them primarily for decorative purposes as I didn't think anyone in the fam even liked them except, perhaps, Aaron. But, I have no real issue asking him to hold off on consuming them until after Valentine's Day. Anyway, I put them out on the table (so pretty!) and said nothing to anyone. Then, I noticed they seem to be disappearing. The cats? No ... they both sniffed and moved on. Aaron? I really didn't think so. Then, I discovered it's the same person who not only was with me when I bought them but also who agreed that they are gross. Apparently, they're not too gross ...

He discovered he likes the white ones. But, only the white ones. I suppose the supply depleted during his sampling! In the pic, he's digging for a white one to have me try. I tried ... I'll let him have 'em!

That wraps up a Friday! For the hurdles that are in my path right now, I really can't complain about the outcome. The miles are banked, money was found, Elly had a bang-up time sniffing all kinds of probably gross things ... what more can I ask for?

And, while this run today was in no way a failure, it would
have been very easy to decide it was. I've decided it wasn't.
(Laura Cosgriff Fitness Facebook page pic)

Have yourself a great start to your weekend, and I'll check in from what promises to be a very cold start to ours!

Relentless

It's been a long time since I've felt a bit "eh" about running, but I found myself there for most of this morning. It's due to my leg still hurting coupled with being really irritated about the fact that it still hurts. And, from kicking a rut in the ground? Something seems very unjust here! (Continuing the unjust theme: while I am glad it's a scheduled Rest Day from running, I did do my weights then restocked our wood supply for our wood burning stove. That's not restful. I couldn't help but think I need to milk this hurt-leg thing a bit more than I am ...!) Anyway, there's no question I will continue with what I've scheduled especially since I'm at the very beginning of the training gig where the miles are much shorter. It just stinks that tomorrow's run, for instance, is foreseeably not going to be as fun as I usually have. *sigh*

But, while I was working to resist the rather subdued mood I have wrapped around tomorrow morning's run, I came across this on the Barking Mad About Running Facebook page ...

... and, I felt a little spark!

I just loved the word relentless. It captured exactly  the way I was feeling when I turned the calendar page and knew race season was about to begin. I have been excited about April's Half since registering last Fall because I know exactly what I'm capable of doing as long as I keep going the way I did in 2013. I was (am) also excited to have registered for the Half in May with full confidence of turning the schedule around to do another so quickly after the one in April -- unlike last year when I had to wait and see if I would be ready ... or the year before when I realized I wasn't. That Spring one-two punch has been something I've been stoked  about for months.

Stupid Rut On the Trail Makin' My Leg Hurt!!!!

I have plenty of time for recovery and, again, am so very thankful this happened at the beginning of the schedule and not any other later time. But, that thankfulness wasn't getting me very far. Seeing the picture above, however, is relighting the fire!

It's an awesome pic and all, but it's also a little dark in the creepy sort of way in my opinion. Very Twilight. So, in a small effort to counter the dark with the super-sweet, you need to see the continuation of my love of looking at conversation hearts as displayed around the abode ...

Of course they go all the way around the window ...!!

Nothing is safe ...

Since Sunday when I first nailed that rut, my mind has been racing back and forth between the part of this ouchie that totally sucks and how it's holding me back and the relentless* grab for motivation and positivity to get back in full swing of the game. (* 'Seems that since I can't be relentless in motion, it went to my brain to do something about what's in my way. To know me is to know how much that makes total sense, by the way.) Maybe, just maybe, the scales are about to tip the direction I want them to go!! Tomorrow's the first test of the upgraded mindset! I'll let you know how it goes!

Expectations

Apparently, thanks to yesterday's Moment of Duh, today, it's two-for-one on the postings!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 21 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 57.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 39 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.55

Just as I was feeling confident my leg issue was healing quickly, I made a wrong turn with it last night simply getting into a chair, and everything re-pulled. NICE!! It wasn't as hurtful as the original moment of impact, but it still hurt.

And, it still hurt this morning. My morning run was something of laughable. Let's call it the morning hobble, and everyone will be on the same page. It. Totally. Blew!! By the end of what became two very, long miles (yes, I said two), I felt as worn as I used to when I started running. It was like I've never run a day in my life. It made my face do this:

Cumulatively, I have a couple thousand miles
on my feet, and this is how today's two-miler
felt. For real. Bleh.

Yes, I knew my leg hurt a bit, but I also expected it would be fine enough (is that a phrase?) to jog a couple of miles. For crying out loud. Expectations: In the tank! The good thing is I know this is temporary. I know it's "not me," and I know when my leg is ready to roll, everything will fall back into place. Until then, I will keep moving while not overdoing it and look forward to a normal run ... which might not happen for a few days!

At least tomorrow is scheduled for rest ...

"I'd feel worse for you, mommy, but you
didn't let me go. And, I don't know what
you mean about your leg hurting. I'm
just a simple girl with simple needs, and
those needs were denied today. *sigh!*"

So, the run didn't really make me happy except for being outside, but the 15 cents I found almost compensated for the outing!

Speaking of simple, happy things, this is sitting on our kitchen table right now:

Can I just tell you how much I love  the look of conversation hearts? They rank right up there with Christmas light bulbs ... I LOVE THEM. I think they taste disgusting, though, which is actually another mark in their favor as I won't want to eat them. Here's a question Pit Crew #3 (who was with me when I bought them and also hates eating them) posed to each other: "Don't you think that if something is gross, it shouldn't cost much?" You can guess I thought conversation hearts were less expensive than I discovered. You can also guess I based my assumption on my distaste for them. Evidently, that's about as reasonable as having expected a posting to go up when I do not hit the 'publish' button ...

Here's to things that make sense even if in your own mind! I plan to take it easy on tomorrow's Rest Day, and I support you doing the same! I'll check in then ...

Keep At It ...

Heyyyy ... you know what happens when you hit "save" instead of "publish"? It sits in your drafts!! It's like putting the laundry in the dryer but not turning it on ... as though I would know ... *sigh* ...

 

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 20 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 55.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 39 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.40

I'm approaching 24 hours without taking anything to dull the pain of Sunday's unfortunate fall ... yeah!!! There are still after-shocks depending on what I'm doing or how long I've been sitting, but it's getting better!

Between that and some pretty big life shifts, it's been a helluva way to kick off a training schedule I'M. JUST. SAYIN'. But, that's how it goes sometimes, and choices get made ...

I get there are unavoidables getting right in the way of a run. Today wasn't one of them. The temperature, however, was more than I wanted to take on, so I elected to do my miles inside on the treadmill. As I sit here, I can't believe it, either. But, I knew it was the best decision for not only the weather but also for the sake of running on consistent ground while the ol' falling-down muscles continue to heal.

It hurt not looking for money (for real, I'm not just saying that), but I noticed my money scoping has turned into a very useful skill. You see, it used to be that I couldn't look down while on the treadmill without my balance going wonky. This morning when I instinctively looked down, I noticed I held steady no matter how long I held position. As important as balance is, I'll take the reinforcement any way I can! I don't really suggest running while looking down on a treadmill, by the way, because doing so is even more boring than just being on one. In case you needed to ever know that.

So, I got in my miles, and I got on with my day. Clearly, Elly didn't run today, either, so she found something else fun to do ...

Apparently, Elly enjoyed the wind chill
not going below 0 today and had to roll
around in utter joy ...
Can't do that on a run!

... as did the cat ...

"Do what'cha love, mama.
Here, fishy-fishy-fishy ..."

I fully intend to run outside tomorrow morning especially since it's a very short one that's scheduled. Start your day winning your own fight and doing what you love, and I'll check in after the morning run!

From the Heart For the Heart

Okay, it's a good thing there was no running on the schedule for this morning because my leg still killed from yesterday's stumble-and-fall adventure. Of course, had I not run yesterday and waited 'til today, my leg would have been just fine. Can't win! Anyway, the pain progressed through the night finally waking me around midnight and carrying on until Aaron gave me some acetaminophen at 5 a.m. (Now, why didn't I think of that ...) That awake-not-awake time did not go unused as my would-rather-be-sleeping brain went on to solve a whole host of problems, but being awake most of the night killed any chance of a productive morning run. Again, good thing one wasn't scheduled!

By the way, the pain is less when I move and has gotten better throughout the day, but that was not the case this morning causing a lot of cringing and limping to get from point A to point B. I also found out just a short trip to the grocery store was enough to inflict a small brand of torture upon getting out of the car. I was so annoyed. So. Very. Annoyed. So, I licked my wounds by treating us to the yummiest bunch of strawberries I've ever seen in January ...

It's almost dinner time. That means these are about to be gone ...

In addition to doing my weights and providing a pretty decent side show to anyone who saw me walking this morning, I came across a great quote I wanted to share. It came from a Katie Couric interview of Pastor Joel Osteen on her show on December 19, 2013 (thanks to the DVR, I still had it a month later ... yeah, like most things media, I'm behind ...). Anyway, during the interview, Osteen said the following:

"I think if you start the day off grateful, you're setting the tone for the right direction. You know, if you don't set the tone yourself, you can't just let it default, or it'll default back to negative."

I would go so far as to say he's completely right about that. At least, that's been my experience. I can promise every day I run -- no matter how far -- the day starts off better than it used to. That's my time to wake up, get the blood going, loosen the muscles, have some guaranteed quiet time, to accomplish something, have some thinking (or not) time, reflect and say my morning prayers and to just be. And, how could I have all of that, plus be in touch with how thankful I am to be able to run, and not start off the day grateful.

You'll note that wasn't posed as a question ...

Whatever inspires you to start your day off as best you can, do it! It's awesome how that tone tends to carry through the day. Even if it's pushed to the background, it's still there as a foundation.

Tomorrow's day is supposed to start with a run! I'm confident I can get it accomplished one way or the other, so I'll check in and let you know how it goes ...

They're Baaaa-aack!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 19 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 52.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 39 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.40

Um, do you see what I didn't see on my calendar?

Yeah, I'm talking about that "3 mi" written exactly where I write any scheduled mileage for the day. Even though I knew my Half Marathon schedule was starting this week, it escaped me that that might mean today. I guess actually looking at the calendar would have served me well ...

I actually went to bed fully anticipating getting up for a 5-miler. But, my mind and body had other plans (see yesterday's attempt to sleep through the night starting at 5 p.m. ...), and, at 6 a.m. today, there was nothing less than an emergency getting me out of bed. Aaron checked on me somewhere in the 7 a.m. zone which is when he reports I told him, "I'm not making myself get up today." I have to believe him, but I have no recollection of saying it, and I wasn't out of bed until after 8 a.m.

Apparently, I really, really was tired.

Once up, I used my weights while watching my friend DVR, and I planned to be finished for the day. I didn't even realize I was scheduled to run today until we were heading out the door for a bagel. I didn't even care because I knew I could easily make the miles up.

Doing so came a lot earlier than I planned as I took advantage of the 50-degree afternoon and went on out! I took Aaron and Elly with me making it even better than I would have had this morning. We went to a trail which Elly went nutty about as soon as we got out of the car! I never consider that she remembers going; maybe she doesn't and it's just that she's excited about the plethora of new smells! Either way, she loves it ...

"So happy! So happy! Soooo Haaapppyyyyyyy! Wagwagwag!!"

I am not the biggest fan of the trail because it's so flat (seriously, who says that), but it was good for the trio, and I knew would be a nice change of scenery. It wasn't totally flat today as bikes have gone through the recently softer ground leaving behind whopping ruts. Unfortunately, one was bigger than I realized, and Down. I. Went. The "down" part wasn't much of a problem, but the kick of the rut starting the whole thing really pulled my hamstring. Hours later, it still hurts, but it's one of those that will hurt when I'm still and feel fine while I move. (I was so hoping the end-of-the-year falling down tally would be Elly: 1; Me: 0. So much for that.)

But, what a better way to break in the new kicks, huh? Yeah ... for real ... here they are ...

'Look familiar?! Yeah, they're going to look familiar for a very, long time as I bought 2 pairs! The short of the story is that my very cool Asics, after only 49 miles, started to break through at the toe. You know, the very issue I've had and that has come to intimidate my shoe buying process because so many shoes "these days" have the wider, lighter mesh. And, mesh that isn't tightly woven simply does not work for my feet. Period.

I have to hand it to someone -- the shoe manufacturers? The shoe store managers/buyers/owners? I have no idea, but I am so very thankful for the evolution of return-in-store policy for shoes. When I bought the two pairs of Asics back in December, I made triple-sure I could bring them back if there was a problem, and my return of them to Dick's Sporting Goods (give a shout-out when earned!) was completely painless.

Anyway, the old blues served me beyond my expectations the first time around, and I was fortunate to find two more in the exact model. They felt exactly the same today as when I broke in my first pair; I can tell it's going to take some time, but that time will come, and they're just fine! Here's to hoping the next time you hear a thing about my shoes it's because I'm showing off the cool shoe laces I just put in 'em!

And, let's face it: Not only are awesome shoe laces important, but ol' blues totally sport a variety fancy laces better than the shoes I just returned ...

One more thing about today's run ... There were about a billion geese on the lake! Can you see 'em?

All of those dots on the water are geese. Not leaves or other
sundry tree things: Geese. And, this doesn't even capture the
half of them! I was so hoping they wouldn't start flying
overhead ... have you ever had a goose poo on your windshield?
I have. 'Nuff said!

I have checked many times, and I know I am not scheduled to run tomorrow! It's a good thing, too, because I have to stay up and watch the latest Bachelor wedding. I make no apologies.

Here's to things working out and groovin' forward even if not the way I planned! Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Oh My Oh My ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 18 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 49.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 36 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.40

I fell asleep for a nap this afternoon around 5 p.m. and could have slept 'til morning. It was that kind of yesterday.

That's exactly why this morning's run was something of a miracle. I was tired and didn't really want to go. Aaron was chilly and didn't really want to get colder. And, then there was Elly who doesn't really factor into the equation because when does she not want to go?

And, so, we did.

Tired, cold and waggy. You apply.

For all of the reasons I wanted to skip today's run, I'm glad we went. And, it'll happen again tomorrow -- well, for the girls, that is. It'll be the day to break in the new kicks. Yeah, for real. Already. New ones. I'll explain tomorrow; can't even discuss right now. That's what shoe trauma does to this girl.

Believe you can do it even when every fiber of your being is telling you otherwise, and I'll check in after our morning run!

Sometimes, It's Best To Listen and Believe

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 17 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 48.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 35 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.38

I have to concede that I probably should have just completely planned on running inside today. I mean, I thought about it. I even planned on running most of the distance inside. I just wanted that one, little, teensy-weensie mile outside.

Well, I got what I wanted. But, boy, was it miserable!! I wasn't even a quarter mile into that mile when one of my thumbs was numb. Numb. Totally and completely numb at the top of it. I tucked it into my fist and under my sleeve which helped ... except it didn't help the other one. So, that hand received the same treatment, but holy runny nose, it was somethin' out there! Unlike the other day when I was going to do one and then kept going because I warmed up, there was no question today that staying out there was just dangerous, and I made that mile go by quick.

I wanted to wrap it up as quick as possible, too, as I didn't know if a dog's nose and human skin are similar in the danger zone. I think she's more protected, but it can't be by much when the wind chill plummets the temps. I was stoked to get out of it (with 31 cents in hand just sayin'). And, Elly's nose was fine:

"Here, I'll check it for you, mommy. Slllluuuurrrp!! Seems
just fine! Now, here's a lick for you ..."

I came home to finish up the running on the ol' treadmill ...

... while Elly couldn't get enough of following Lizzy around and sniffing her because Lizzy had just come from her annual show everyone who the most bad-a*% cat in the world is check up at the vet:

Elly is saying, "You smell weird," while
Lizzy is saying, "If I have to turn around,
I am going to knock. you. out. I told the
vet what was what; I'll show you!"

She's so obnoxious at the vet that it's almost embarrassing. But, I digress.

Thanks to the DVR and motivated by the desire to not lose any extremities to frost bite, 3 more miles were cranked out in relative peace and ease. Not too shabby for a Friday. May yours have started out and continue on in a similar, steady groove, and I'll check in after tomorrow's whatever-I-do!

Besties

Thanks to the recent onslaught of wicked-cold temperatures and the whipping winds, I have a new best friend:

I am among those who get the really dry skin that gets to the point of burning while itching in the Winter, so this recent weather is most uncool. Very cool is that I picked up a few of these samples at one of the race Expos and still have them. Thank you, Gold Bond people, for the samples. You made a believer and a purchaser when I actually remember to pick it up while I'm at the store out of me. For real, if you have that over-the-top dry-ouchie skin problem, this. is. the. stuff!!!!!!

Of course, the weather hasn't driven me inside to exercise too much this season (because I tend to be a cold weather glutton for punishment), but it was a weights day today ... conveniently scheduled on a day where my schedule couldn't accommodate a run anyway.

Speaking of indoor activities, I wanted to share something I read yesterday ... I just picked up Dr. Phil's Self Matters: Creating Your Life from the Inside Out book. It is, of course, about you; basically, understanding your life experiences and then how those experiences influence your opinion of yourself. (A great read to not only understand yourself but to also understand how you affect others ...) Anyway, he had a great statement in there I think everyone should grab hold of and embrace:

"Where you are now, everything you are, everything you do, begins with and is based on what I call your personal truth. I mean whatever it is that you, at the absolute, uncensored core of your being, have come to believe about you. The personal truth is critical, because if you believe it, if it is real to you, then it is for you the precise reality that you will come to live every day."

I loved this reminder because it's far too easy to mentally design a life that promotes defeat instead of success. Why oh why is it easier to bow out than to get in the game (amiright?)?

Dr. Phil goes on to say that it makes no difference what story you're espousing to everyone else (and, they probably see through the crap, anyway, if you're not being authentic or if your actions and words don't match up); what matters is what you say to yourself. Your actions are going to follow either way, so why not choose the path of being mentally positive and constructive, and (therefore) successful!

It took me a long time to identify myself as a runner -- longer than it's ever taken me to positively/constructively identify myself in any other role I've ever had. I will tell you, though, that once I claimed it internally, the activity became soooooo much easier (even on hard days), and -- perhaps more important! -- way more fun!

And, see how it works with all kinds of roles?!

Here's to being your own best friend and biggest fan, and I'll see you after the morning run!

No Thinking Required

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 16 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 44.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 31 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.07

Today's was a run exemplified the notion of, "Don't overthink it. Just go." In other words, it's because I had it on the schedule to run that I went and not because I was super enthused to do so. In fact, I wasn't super enthused throughout any of the run (that's a lie -- I was pretty stoked to wind up having found 56 cents in those 3 1/2 miles, but that has nothing to do inherently with the running activity ...). There's nothing wrong, it's just one of those days where the wind pounding my face (again) was hacking me off, and the idea of being in a warm bed was wayyyy more appealing than being out and about running like a fool.

But, I wanted the run to get done. And, so it was ...

Besides, how on earth could I deny Elly who, once she heard I was out of bed, was by my side constantly letting me know she didn't want to be left behind like she was yesterday.

Here's Elly post-run yesterday. Post my run as I didn't take her.
(Nice bed head, girl.)
"I will not be left behind tomorrow, mommy, and I'm going to
make certain of it. Just you wait."

Before we left to run, she was pulling her usual "I'm here! I'm still here!" movement which is when she walks down the hall with me, but she turns her head back to make sure I see her. She's literally like a walking capital C turned sideways. It's kind of funny ... until it doesn't serve her well like during this morning's run. It was when she was running forward but looking backward at some car that she fell right in a hole. It was deep enough for her chin to hit the ground, but it was wide enough to do no damage to her leg. (Many times, like when we run up on broken glass or other hazard, I say a quick prayer of thanks for God watching over my puppy's paws; this prayer was a big one.) While I saw the hole, I had no idea she was looking backward, so I gave her no warning. *sigh* Fortunately -- very fortunately -- all turned out well. Oh, and she had a great "What the bleep just happened?!?!" look on her face right after. That was actually kind of excellent.

Besides the fact that there were snow flurries (so pretty!) by the time we hit the second mile, and they lasted the duration of the run, the rest of our adventure was uneventful except that we did it. Today, I'll take that as a victory because I just wasn't feelin' it today!

I was, however, feelin' the love. Sweet girl. Thanks for taking
one for the team, by the way.

And, just as point of interest, I gave Elly another check of her paws and legs once in the car (although, really, she'd just run a couple of miles post-fall ... I think I would have known if there had been a problem), and I couldn't help but fixate on how her feet look like blocks.

How very Fred Flintstone ...

Tomorrow's a day of rest for her and weights for me while I take a day from running before figuring out what to schedule on Friday which is supposed to be stupid-cold in the morning! I'll deal with that later and check in tomorrow! See you then!

What I Meant vs. What I Did

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 15 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 40.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 27.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $7.51

The first steps of the first mile today were painful like something was pounding on my cheeks. That pounding came from Old Man Winter wanting a little respect for the heads up I received about this morning's weather -- the warning I chose to try and negotiate. Yes, I heard there was a -10 wind chill out there, so I compromised my original 3-ish mile plan into a 1-mile-then-clean-the-house (aka: cross training) one. I also decided not to bring Elly because not only was it nasty cold, but I also needed to stop at the store on the way home, and I was not going to leave her in the car in this weather. Was that not enough to keep the cold slappin' off of me? Evidently not. At least, not in those first steps!

By the way, as I covered my face with my hands in the first stretch, I thought how handy it would be to have a scarf. Then I thought about the scarf (or, was it a blanket ...) I once tried to knit ...

... I got about as far as these, and then I bagged it. Just a note.

I really did intend to run that single mile and totally count house cleaning as a cross train (when you clean the whole house, it counts), but the plan did nothing for me. I wasn't inspired, and it wasn't a plan I would be proud of today. Besides, once I was on the stretch where the wind was to my back, it was easy to forget how much it had just hurt my face. So, you just know another plan erupted ...

Oh, yes, with 18 cents already in hand, no dog and an unchartered stretch to run, I decided I needed to keep on going once I hit the first mile. THAT plan was inspiring!

Onward I went even though I was now going more than a mile straight into the wind. I was certain I could handle it especially when I know from experience my ear warmer works to warm frozen cheeks. I also had a hood, so I figured I'd be covered. What I didn't realize was that once I was warmed up from that first mile, the wind didn't bite as hard, so moving forward was just another cold run ... complete in finding 31 more cents along the additional two and a half miles!

I wasn't sure exactly how the route would be or how it would all go, but I had a lot of faith that it would be more than worth it! It's much like how I felt 20 years ago today when Aaron and I went out on our first date ...


... I wasn't exactly sure how things would go, but I was ready for the adventure! Like with all things that matter the most to me, I couldn't necessarily see what today would look like. But, I did know enough to know he was worth the effort and/or risk because the potential payoff could be more than I could ever imagine myself.

And, as with running, I. WIN.

I'd state a plan for tomorrow's run, but who am I kidding ... as if I will necessarily stick to it. No schedule, no promises! Well, except the promise to myself to GO. The foundation sticks; the path can change as it often does! No matter what it looks like, I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how it went!

The 'Very Rights' Of Today

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 14 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 37.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 27.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $7.02

There is something very right about starting the day off just the way you planned. (Well, almost just the way I planned ... I did not plan on staying up 'til midnight watching junkie tv, so I didn't get as much sleep as I should have. However, that is what the day-off nap is for, right?) Aaron, Elly and I got in a morning mile finding 2 cents and some more BBs along the way.

That stuff is very right. This orange we saw at the store later, though, looked very wrong:

However, getting super-delish strawberries on the super-cheap was very right!

I'm not sure if this is right or wrong ...

... but, it was right when Aaron and Pit Crew #3 told me about it, it continued to be right that I had my camera on hand, and it was totally right to hand it to Aaron for him to return for a photo without his even blinking an eye. All things right.

Also right was scoping a scrapbook aisle ...

... even though I wouldn't let Pit Crew #2 leave this aisle until she repeated, "Yes, mom, those are super yum" after me. Robotic recitation accepted.

Oh, and this isn't just right; it's just true. For wives everywhere:

You can tell my morning was chock full of things that fuel me -- family, running, crafting, favorite fruits and, well, things that bring on the giggles! It was a great way to spend the morning with everyone off from their normal routines while continuing on with my own personal challenge! See? It can all fit in!

Routine is restored tomorrow! I'll check in then but not before passing along a most excellent sentiment posted at I Love To Run ...

... there's something very, very right about that on any given day! See you tomorrow ...!

Close Encounters

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 13 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 36.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 26.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $7.00

I was very motivated to get up early to run. I know a few days ago I said I was going to take the weekend easy, but I guess I didn't really mean it. After having run one mile Friday and doing weights yesterday morning, it made my brain a bit batty to intentionally plan to go a mile today and, likely, tomorrow. I needed to pack some punch into this morning. And, so we did!

Elly not only had her breakfast but plenty of time to digest when we headed out. It was still a bit dark. See?

Hello, moon ...

It took no time to see some color in the sky, though ...

Fuzzy. Because I'm wicked fast I was taking it on the run and
didn't work too hard for it to be in focus.

So, while the sky battled it out between the East and the West, Elly and I got ourselves warmed up, and we fell into a really good groove. There wasn't much to see in the beginning (um, it was even darker at the ground than it was in the sky ...), but we didn't miss this little oddity in the road:

Ohmygosh! Justin Bieber's been around!!

There was a whole dozen in the yard in a pile. This just happens to be the one that got away. Odd. Nothing to figure out, though, so we moved on.

There were two big notables for today. The first came about when we approached an intersection with a stop light. A dude emerged into sight just ahead of us, and he made it to the intersection before we did. Now, more often than not, when people are hanging out for a light to change and I/we approach, there's some kind of movement from that person: A glance toward us; a nod; talking on their phone totally ignoring us; a shift of weight from one foot to the other; something. Not this guy. He was standing straight up with his arms, well, out but to their side. I can only describe that he looked much like this ...

(source here) By the way, it wasn't really too cool that the only image I could come
up with in my head was that of a Stephen King novel. Stephen King novels are
spooky. Not that I would know from reading one. But, I was somewhat interested in
watching this miniseries on TV ... because Rob Lowe was in it ... I digress ...

... only, just standing. Not a movement. Not to mention, there was no traffic coming from any distance, and I do mean zero. This is usually when people scoot across the street, signal or not. But, not this guy. He just stood. Very still. It was a little creepy, I have to say. SO, Elly and I made sure there was plenty of room between us, and with only enough hesitation to triple check that there was really no traffic, we jumped ahead and took off. I won't say it was a full-on sprint, but it was similar effort I give when I'm in an official race and decide I'm going to work harder than I train. In other words: Get the rear in gear. As luck would have it, I had a used poo bag to dispose (when is that ever fortunate?), and I came upon a trash can that allowed me to look back and see if Mr. Stand was still there and/or coming my direction without being totally obvious about checking on his whereabouts.*

* Author's note: There have been a handful of times that I run by someone that gives me a little bit of the willies where I come up with all sorts of escape routes only to glance back and find out they're not even in sight because they went a whole different direction. Always good to check, though, amiright?

Okay, anyway, I glanced back while depositing the bag (oh my gosh, this is sounding very suspect, isn't it?!) and saw he was, indeed, still walking our direction. He wasn't in any hurry, but I still told myself to keep. on. cruising. Oh, and I thought if I get really creeped out, I can take a picture or two over my shoulder. That's about all I had going for me besides Elly who had given absolutely zero indication that she sensed anything threatening. Perhaps that's because my ultimate conclusion was that this dude was drunk or high (I'm thinking high as he seemed to steady to be high. Not that I would know.). No matter his condition, we were all safe, and I have to admit hindsight brought me to the conclusion that both Elly and I totally rock for being physically ready enough to turn up the volume on our run without issue. It never hurts to keep spinning a scenario until it's all kinds of positive, does it?!

Alrighty, that was human encounter number one. I'm not sure it counted as an encounter, but I don't care. Anyway, numbers two and three happened in drive-thrus -- you just had to know this was going to happen at some point! The first is one I never go through because they're always open. But, opportunity knocked with no one in line, and I answered to the tune of 8 or so cents. As I was collecting, I heard someone above me who seemed to question why someone was there until she realized I was picking up change. "OH, SHE'S FINDING CHANGE!" she announced with a laugh to whomever was with her, so, I stood up and flashed a smile while showing her what I found. She acknowledged my efforts with a return smile and continued affirming laugh while Elly and I went on our way. I flashed another huge-probably-creepy smile at another employee in a later drive thru (one that wasn't yet open). When the man realized I was not there to do harm nor cause trouble, he returned a most pleasant smile. When he smiled, he looked like a grandpa who was enjoying a little visit. It was unexpectedly comforting to have such an encounter (and quite the contrary to the dude at the intersection ...).

Our run was a good, strong one, and we hit the seven dollar mark of change found for the Food Bank! Already seven dollars!!! Running is totally worthwhile ...

Tomorrow's run is already determined to be a morning mile with my man, so no more thinking about it for the rest of the day. May all of your encounters today be as pleasant as my last two, and I'll see you after the morning run!

It's All In How You Define It

I was listening to one of my many DVRed episodes of Dr. Phil yesterday when he talked about what he defines as a life decision -- which is one you make to literally change your life's course. Specifically, he outlined a life decision is made from the heart, not the head, because the head can justify anything to fit ones needs or desires. Ain't it the truth ...

I don't have a clue as to what the show's topic was during this discussion, but as I applied his definition to my running, he was absolutely right. When I started running 5+ years ago, I could intellectually list the many reasons the odds were stacked against me for success, and, that list could have been used to justify not getting in the game. After all, I'd used components of it before, amiright ? That start to running, though, was entirely different: I ignored every reason to fail (and, boy, did I know what they were), and I absolutely  drew strength from my heart. I ran because I very much wanted to, obstacles be damned!! I looked not for justification to quit but for justification to keep going ("If jogging hadn't kept my dog's toenails trimmed, I might not have stuck with it." ring a bell??) I was looking to change the course of my life, and I truly do believe that is driven from the heart!

I totally get how much work it is to get what's in your heart override the voices in your head when it comes to the bigger challenges we face. But, I know how very possible it is to do so.

It was my heart that drove my weights workout this morning as I fully intend to succeed at my do-something-every-day challenge, but all my head could think about was how I wished I were outside running! So, that's tomorrow's plan. In fact, I plan to run long even though that wasn't my plan for tomorrow as of yesterday (follow that? Oh, and remember how I said having a specific schedule was really, really good for me? This is further proof as to why ...). I just really want to look for money go long. Of course, Mother Nature and her surprise hail storm of moments ago and the iffy forecast for overnight may change those plans in which case I will run a quick mile, and call it good!

In the meantime, here's today's good-with-the-bad moment: Aaron and I conspired on what we needed from the store, and even though he headed out with a list, I just knew there was something I was forgetting. How many times have we all been there? Anyway, I kept thinking about it, and I finally got my answer when I walked down the hall and narrowly missed stepping in the cat barf. That's when it hit me: Carpet cleaner. That's what was missing from the list for the store ...

"I'm here to help. And, you are welcome."

Thank goodness for cell phones to add to the list ...

Well, inside or outside, something is happening tomorrow. I'll check in and let you know the outcome! In the meantime, check out what's in your heart ... you might be surprised about what you find ...

Productive Justification

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 12 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 31.7 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 21.9 Money Found For Food Bank: $6.43

The weather report this morning was that it felt like -1 outside. Seriously, this temperature roller coaster is more than I know what to do with! But, it's not like there's anything I can actually do about it. So, I did what I could, and I went for a run!

Before you think I'm entirely stupid crazed for doing so, it's an off day, so I was only going a mile. With this being a 3-day weekend, I'm utilizing today-Monday for some down time/off days where I mix and match mile runs with weights. With tomorrow morning's plans set earlier than easily accommodates even a mile run, I was running today no matter what! Before you think that sounds like a big ol' justification for running outside, let's not forget there was a time when all of the justification would have been about not going ...

AND, because it was only a mile, I felt great about taking the pup!! Double the runners, double the fun, right?! That holds true especially when both of these runners enjoyed the unexpected dusting of snow!! Whee!!

Snow: Goooood. Crazy-sharp wind in my face: Baaaaaad.
See Elly's ears for confirmation of the wind. Yes, that's from
the wind; she's not that fast!

The snow was light, and the wind was whipping. So, one of us received a little surprise to the face during one of the bigger gusts:

Better her than me ... I MEAN ... poor puppy got hit with a
blast of wind followed by a cloud of snow! I'm not really sure
she noticed the snow to the face, but I did because she's so cute.

Speaking of cute, you might recall I do so love puppy prints in the snow ...

Not just any puppy ... my puppy ... *sigh* ...

Okay, here's the real breakdown: Had this been a scheduled run longer than a mile, I would have been a fool to do it because it was just too darned cold. But, it was a get-the-blood-cruising/do-something day, so this is what I chose. And, as a point of interest, I found 36 cents within that singular mile. Boo.Yah. You just never know; but, I always hope!

 

That hope (and movement) was totally worth freezing my fool cheeks off!

Post-run mild wind burn ... not how you want your cheeks to
get rosy ...

I'm pleased to report the do-something-every-day streak is thriving and quickly becoming an easy part of my morning plans. Also pleasing to report is that my cheeks finally thawed. Anyway, I'll be at it again tomorrow before the day takes off, so I'll check in after!

Change Brings Change

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 11 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 30.7 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 20.9 Money Found For Food Bank: $6.07

There's probably something wrong with me that my only real motivation to get out and run today was that I was itching to find some money. There's not even a guarantee of finding any, but I seem fueled by the hope. My lack of inspiration comes from the continued freedom in my schedule. Like in the rest of my world, I thrive under structure while I work hard to persevere when things are loose. I'm like a kid with too many choices and distractions, so it makes my head spin a bit. But, I'm 45, so at least I have a handle on what I'm mentally fighting (a willy nilly schedule) and not thinking that something's wrong with the activity itself, therefore, I must quit.

Nope, no quitting required or even desired here as I've worked to make the very best of these last few weeks before returning to a grind I actually enjoy! I was up and out earlier than I have been recently, so I didn't really believe there was a dusting of snow on the ground (just thought I couldn't see clearly in the dark) until I slipped on it. That made me a believer. See? There it is ...

I know, it doesn't look like much ...

... but, it doesn't take much to make it a little slickery!

Elly had zero problems on it, and, fortunately, there was plenty of traction on the fresh flakes. It was when I landed on spots where someone or something had gone before that I was on high alert to balance and/or slow down!

The change in schedule today, though, translated into a good stack-o-change!

That's 70 more cents, baby! I do love finding the silver!

Money's cool, but it's not very pretty, so here's a look at something I saw only because I had to stop and scratch an itch that I could totally reach, but scratching with gloves through two layers of shirts isn't very efficient. Anyway, see? Pretty!

How very Christmas-y!! Oh ... wait ...

The next two days are rest days of sorts ... no long(er) runs scheduled even though I'm sure I'll get a mile or more in. The commitment for the next few days and through the long weekend is to do something. Then, there's one more week before the training schedule kicks in. It's so weird to actually be antsy about starting that up, but I'm ready to take it on and feel the success it brings!

Before then? I chill ... I'll check in tomorrow! Happy Friday Eve!