Focus Then Dink

Happy Friday and happy last day of February!!! I know it doesn't feel like it's going to be March tomorrow, but it is! I'm not sure the Wintery forecast is exactly what is meant by "March Madness," but, I think that's exactly what we're about to get! In fact, the forecast for my next scheduled run on Sunday is not looking good for outside time to the point I almost got up today and ran a mile just because I could. Then, I thought better of it and stayed in bed! I could have done a mile, but I made myself take the rest that was scheduled. Weights will do for today; I need to not overdo the running when I'm having enough of a time with the schedule as it is!

I really did want to use some of my off-schedule days to add up some miles to the year-end mileage goal, but if this Winter has taught me anything, it's to make sure I'm completely in tune with what I need, body and soul, and take care of that in a focused way. While my leg is almost completely better, I can feel a twinge deep in the muscle if I hit it wrong. And, my back is almost all good from shoveling (just in time for another round of snow? Yeah, I think I have some young Crewers who might want to earn some money ...). So, now's the time to definitely focus on taking care of this mad crazy running machine my physical health!

Besides, I can dink around with my miles all I want once June starts and my two, long registered runs are behind me especially since I just learned the next cupcake virtual run is expected for May! WAHOO!! Like last year, their May run will likely translate into a July jaunt for me (as will be conspired with virtual running partner extraordinaire Mary Kate!), but, the point is, it's coming!!

The moral of my personal story today: Focus Now, Dink Around Later!

In the meantime, I treated myself to some prizes today ...

YUM.

That's right! The planning to paint this ...

I know, it's been a few months since you saw this ... like, four.
But, isn't there some saying about not rushing art? Or, is it
 you can't rush perfection? Or, is it love? Shoot, I don't know.

... took another step today thanks to not only paints and supplies being on sale but also being able to use a coupon for the full purchase on top of  the sale price!! That's music to the ears of this penny-picker-upper! Of course, I have two other paint projects in the queue along with the above, what can I say ...

My running brain is all over the place seeing as the weather doesn't lend itself to focusing on an upcoming Half Marathon, so why not let my creative brain go all willy-nilly, too?! I love the parts of life that don't have to be in order to still be really fun and, when I'm a little lucky, fun!

Enjoy whatever is swirling around your brain today, and I'll see you on my double-dip of Rest Days!

A Run In the Key Of "Trying"

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 38 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 120.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 58.8 Money Found For Food Bank: $13.16

You know you smell disgusting when you change out of your running clothes and let out an audible, "Uuuuugh!"

Those are gross.

Yeah, that happened. And, it's a moment where you want to look around for the source of the smell only to quickly realize, "Oh, hey. It's meeeee." Thank goodness for warm showers because they not only squelch the stinks, but the also warm a girl up because damn it's cold out there!! That's right, I've finally gotten to the point of profane punctuation as this has gone on long enough, don't you think?

By the way, I heard on a weather report this morning that 49 of the states are experiencing temperatures below freezing. What a united we stand moment, huh?

Anyway, cold or not, I got on out there for the week's long run because, cold or not, that Half is a'comin'!! I was pleased to feel not only the ability but the desire  to push myself this morning to really get the wheels turning to see what I can do right now. I admit to always being pretty chill about training and letting the chips fall where they may on race day, especially when the chips usually fall better than I train, but -- again! -- the elements have not only not been on anyone's side, but they've also not been mentally inspiring to even pretend  to want to try very hard. There's a difference in "going" and "trying", and I support both modes of operation. But, I feel like I've been going long enough without trying very hard, so I was glad to want to break that pattern today! (Don't worry -- it'll flip back around by about June ...!)

To that end, the first five miles were really good, and I was most pleased with that. I started feeling the burn somewhere in the neighborhood of closing in on Mile 7 which I would expect given the way this training schedule builds one more mile each week (therefore, the last mile is always the most difficult even when so many building up to it become easier). I felt a little more drained than I'd like, but given the righteous amount of runny nose issue with which I was dealing, I can only say I'm obviously not 100% cleared of my recent cold. That was also a super fun issue to deal with when I had no tissue and the brisk wind kept slapping me. I'm surprised I have any upper lip remaining in tact. This visual is precisely why there were no "after" pictures today.

You are welcome for that. However, I will show you what I did not plan to encounter somewhere in the middle of this route:

This is, perhaps, a third of what I saw just
in these two rows ...

Ah, yes. To many, a mere row of parking meters. To me, a field of dreams.

I have no idea how much money I found there, but I took a few minutes to cruise the four rows of meters! Along the entire route, I also impressed even myself with my coinoscopic vision capabilities (spotting a dirty quarter in a bed of gravel is not as easy as it might sound) to the total tune of 81 more cents for the Food Bank. BAM.

Oh, and, yes, I kept running ...

The fact remains that, by my definitions, "going" without really "trying" is still hugely beneficial to whatever goal I'm working on. Of course, just by going I'm trying, and I don't discount that. But, again, I know the difference between throwing down the effort and my site-seeing tours. That's all I'm saying. And, I get to decide what I want out of this which means I'm right.

You get to be right, too. Pick your path, and pick your way! Some days will rock, other days will decidedly not. But, no matter what, you're going forward. And, that's what matters. Be relentless with me. But, you might want to keep a bit of a distance right now because I'm not even kidding about this runny nose thing ...

Tomorrow's a break from running day, so we'll see what I end up doing. In the meantime, be your best you whatever that means, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Whatever 'Normal' Is, I Think I Felt It

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 37 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 112.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 58.8 Money Found For Food Bank: $12.35

Remember being a kid on the playground all excited about being at recess, but it was too cold to do much else besides pull your hood up, shove your hands in your pockets and jump up and down while repeating amongst your friends, "I'm so cold!! I'm so cold!!! Brrrrr!! I'm sooooo  cold!!"

Now, picture a kid all grown up with her hands shoved in the front pocket of her hoodie to keep the -1 wind chill from freezing off the tips of her fingers while she runs with her dog. It was quite a sight, I'm sure!! I have no pictures of it because my hands were shoved in my pocket, but I do have a picture of Elly being oh-so patient and safety conscious at an intersection:

"I can't do red-light, green-light. Colorblind and all. But, I can
do look right-look left-look right again. I'm cool like that."

The distance was covered, no one fell down even without the use of my arms for general, everyday balance (bonus!) and I found 36 more cents for the Bank. Wahoo!!

In the last half mile of my very short two miler, I finally felt ... normal again. I'm telling you, the challenges presented this Winter have really rattled the norm, and it is only because I've been through this training schedule before that I have maintained faith it works. Nothing about running lately has felt normal or like I could even pretend to take on the 13.1-mile distance; I've had to draw on history to believe.

On top of the general challenges, I had my eye on April's race as the one where I could "easily" (not sure if that's the right word) set my own personal record without wiping myself out in the process to get there. The way training is going, I'm not so sure that's going to happen. Finish and finish strong? Yes, that's for sure. PR? That feels like a stretch.

I'm truly okay with it, though. In fact, I'm more than okay with it. I'm honestly so glad I haven't pushed running to the side amidst the hurdles that every day I keep going feels like I'm building to a massive victory! And, when today's last half mile felt so normal, well, it's hard to describe how that felt. It was like confirmation that having faith in the process and in continuing forth during those days it has been a drag (or just so darned cold!) was exactly the right way to go even on especially on days it didn't feel like it.

While I normally long run on Friday or Saturday, neither of those two mornings accommodates that plan. So, I'm heading out for my 8 tomorrow. Part of that time will be used to continue mentally planning my shirt for April's run. I started brainstorming the idea last week, and it started coming together this morning -- of course, that happened during that last half mile! I have a number of weeks to think and plan and rethink and redesign, but, it's fun to have something motivating to mentally create to distract me from what's sure to be a chilly run!

We're all tested in countless ways. That's unavoidable. It's what you do during the testing that matters! Most of all, keep the faith in yourself during the process! I'll see you after the morning run!

Ready To Be Warm!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 36 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 110.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 56.8 Money Found For Food Bank: $11.99

I honestly do tend to like the cold. But, I've about had my fill. I'm sooooo ready for Spring ...

And, tomorrow is going to be even colder than today. Yikes!! That'll speed up the ol' morning run! Or, at least, I won't be tempted to turn the shortest run of the week into anything more than exactly what I'm scheduled to do so I can get out there, and get back in here!

How is it that I'm already up to the 8-mile long run week when I barely feel like I've embarked on the training schedule journey? Seriously, the weather is messin' with me. It's going to be the week of the Half Marathon, and we'll have just thawed, and I'll be all, "Um, nu-uh, it's not this week, I just started running outside without being all bundled up!" Just watch: It'll be one of those days that snaps from cold to hot, and we'll be walking through every aid station after Mile 6. That, however, will make for some fun, in-focus photos, though, amiright ?

I got a nice shot of Elly the Contrarian this morning on the fly. See?

That was before she spazzed about the big-truck traffic. Even better, she had a moment where she heard what she thought was a big truck coming up behind us, but it turned out to be a big engine in a smaller vehicle. She was poised and ready to run sideways until she couldn't figure out if she was supposed to be afraid or not. Oh, her wee little brain ...

We covered our miles and scored 52 cents for the Food Bank fund. You've not seen this very often:

Some of that money is clean and shiny!!

By the end of the run, the cold air had my nose running in a most disgusting way, and my eyes were all kinds of dried out. And cold. Cold eyeballs are weird.

"I'd lick 'em for you if you wanted me to
to warm them up, mommy. Nice hair, by
the way. Sluuurrrrpp! "

I think I just want the sun. And, some warmth. Not a LOT, but ease me into it!! I know I'm not alone waiting for that!! In the meantime, Elly and I will hit it again tomorrow -- quick out and in and done! Stay warm if you, too, are getting chilled to the bone, and we'll check in after the morning run!

No Need To Go It Alone

Okay, as promised to myself, I spent some time this morning investigating yoga-or-other options out there to address my "I'd like to improve my strength and flexibility" issues. Cutting to the chase, step two of the process is making a visit to the same place where we swim, and talk face to face with someone about options and cost. All of my time on the internet just ended up boring me because everything started to look the same. And, that happened because it's one thing to read descriptions about classes, etc., and it's another to talk to someone about all details involved including (and, probably most importantly) appropriate skill/ability level. Too many questions came from my research, so, it's time to talk.

I've decided my best move is to go where someone already knows and is already somewhat invested in me especially given the number of times I've been invited to join a class as a guest. Yes, yes, they want to sell classes. But, they also know me. For sure, I think I'll have the best outcome by at least starting in a familiar zone. Stay tuned ...!

This research was a great reminder that I don't have to always take things on and figure them out all by myself. In fact, some of my best accomplishments have involved others in some way ... running and my super-fab support system ring a bell?! For running, I wanted and fed off of the cheering support. For these add-ons, I could use some assessment and advice. Who better to ask than someone who's already looking out for you?

Research, check ! Plan, check ! Weights lifted, check ! Hey, that's not a bad start to a Monday! Hit your Monday head on -- preferably in the company of those who will support your efforts!! I'll check in tomorrow after what promises to be a pretty chilly Tuesday run!

I Have the Creakies

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 35 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 107.5 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 53.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $11.47

I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but I'm strongly considering looking into a yoga class (even as far as Hot Yoga just for the novelty of it). I'm having a time loosening up in the mornings, and even if I had the perfect system for stretching, I know I wouldn't stick with it because it bores me. It's like when I took an independent study class in college -- the experience totally blew because I missed the imposed structure as well as the accountability. Apparently, most forms of current exercise, or the pieces that compose it, are my independent study nemesis. I know the stretching and balance of yoga would do me a world of good whether I was running or not, so I'll be scoping this out and reporting back.

Pretending? Or, doing? We'll soon find out ...

In the meantime, I drug my sorry self out to the streets this morning for four miles with the pound hound! It might go without saying that my spry girl is not currently in need of a doggie-yoga equivalent, and she was all. over. the. place. It was like she's never before been outside, and every smell was a show stopper. Literally. She'd jump in the grass and put the breaks on burying her nose in the grass like her life depended on it! Cute? Yes. Annoying? AND, HOW. Oh, and my back really didn't appreciate the repeated jarring ... crazy dog ...

"But the nasty smells are ohhhhh soooo sweeeeeeet!!!"

I totally appreciated the 56 cents of riches I found along the way, though, so there was a great added bonus to the morning! Oh, and I found this:

When is the last time you saw one of these?! It took me right back to my very first 45 rpm record purchase -- 1980, Diana Ross singing "Upside Down." Ohhhh yeahhhh ... played it during indoor recess in 6th grade. Good times ... good times ...

ANYWAY, I'm still going along. The recent color rush has helped as well as the Glow Run activity. But, clearly, I need to truly restoke the body fire to get the morning creakies out! Oh, and a little consistent warmer weather wouldn't hurt!

I can't control the weather, but I can continue to plan for moving forward! Perhaps some yoga research will be a part of tomorrow's break from running day! I'll check in and let you know -- enjoy the rest of your weekend and wind-down of the Olympics!! See you tomorrow ...

Glow

Happy Saturday!!!

For my Every Day in 2014 Personal Challenge, I chose not to do my weights and, instead, go for a walk with Aaron and Elly. We had one more "nice" day before the temps drop again, so I wanted to take advantage of it without suggesting running on the trail so I can kick another rut, stupid trail. Besides, what's better than some just-being-together time? The 'every day' challenge doesn't need to be that big of a deal; it just needs to be something. And, today's something was like a mini date. With the dog. While picking up kindling for the foreseeable fires. While finding pennies and BBs. Sweet!!!

Speaking of walking, just out of curiosity, I decided to poke around Facebook to see what kinds of walking pages there were. Can I tell you how many zombie-related (think Walking Dead and the like) I scrolled through to find the first walking-for-the-alive page? It was worth it, though, because the first one I found (a community page literally called, "Walking") had this as one of its posts:

I saw it and was all, MY PEOPLE!! There was a solicitation for "what's the best thing you've found walking" ... it seems no one who commented has my propensity for scoping money. That just leaves more for me ...

I hope to be out there in the morning (vs. on the treadmill) scoping for more! In the meantime, allow me to bullet-point the themes of a conversation I had with someone today. This is someone who is a consistent treadmill runner to whom I mentioned the upcoming Glow Run:

• I swear, no one is watching you. In fact, no one really cares how you do.
• It's themed for fun; there is no competition.
• If someone is competing, they'll be way up front and won't even know you're there.
• All activity levels participate; think about Aaron who isn't medically allowed to run, but he'll be there walking up a storm!
• I swear, no one is looking at you.

Besides, they'll probably be looking at the awesomeness of Team Puppy Pace!! HA!! (Do you think someone makes glow-in-the-dark hairspray? For real, how awesome would that be ...)

Don't hold yourself back if there's an opportunity for fun! Too often, we invent reasons to not get in the game. Don't worry about anyone else; take care of you! Get out there and glow in your own way, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Funky Fresh With the COLOR

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 34 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 103.5 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 49.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $10.91

It hit me this morning that I need to take some deliberate steps to spice up my running routine. Yesterday's registration for the Glow Run was a great start to shaking things up in a way that speaks to what inspires me, and I wanted to continue that as much as possible while getting to the other side of injury, having the sickies and bad weather.

COLOR TO THE RESCUE.

This is one of my favorite spots in the house! Those pictures
are from a calendar I had when I was in high school. I always
knew I wanted to frame and hang (most) of them when I had
my own house. More than 15 years later, I got it done ... and
read about when I had an algebra test and when I had a date
with my boyfriend. Who doesn't need to know those things
almost two decades later?

Clearly, color inspires me! It makes me want to groove ...

For. Real.

But, I've been so distracted lately that I haven't even done the most basic of my running desires which is to make sure my shoe laces are awesome. So, white ones that came with the new shoes ...

White? Really?!

... yeeerrrrrrrrrr outta herrrreeeeeee!

Sweet swap!! Nice that I now need to
sweep the floor from the gunk on the
bottom of my shoes, but whatev ...

This swap was excellent news for Daphne as she acquired a new toy:

And, then there was mopey dopey Elly who hadn't yet been told she wasn't coming with me. But, I think she felt a disturbance in the force around her:

"She's over there all kinds of excited getting stuff together. But,
she's not talking to me. This doesn't look good for the pup."

It's because I love her that I didn't take her. She's not currently conditioned for 7 miles. Sorry, Elly ...

Anyway, the color campaign didn't stop with the laces! Out with the blingy pony tail holder, and in with a color splash!

It's actually a headband, but it slides around a lot more than
the other ones I have. No worries there ... it keeps my hair
back this way! Nothing like an excellent repurposed item
that's going to more use this way than its intended use.

By the way, Pit Crew #2 giggled while she took that picture telling me afterward that my thumbs up made me look like a unicorn. If I'm going to be called something, a unicorn is pretty good if you ask me!

I was looking forward to the run, but I wasn't completely confident in how it was going to feel. Being on the back end of this cold means I have residual goo that's difficult to release (see how I tip-toed around being disgusting while making the circumstances clear? You're welcome.), and I've not had good time to bounce back and feel particularly strong. I feel quite the opposite, in fact -- a little physically deflated. But, that's okay. It'll come back.

I was right about feeling pretty "eh ... how's this really going?" along these 7 miles, but I'll let my time do the talking in that I ran this route in about the same amount of time I would expect on a "perfect" day. That'll keep a girl motivated!

Yay for me! And, now, I must blow my
nose ...

To get myself out there today, I focused not on the run at all but on finishing it. I always always always feel good about having gone. I just had to get there.

I felt good about this outcome today, too!

POW!! 87 cents and a BB, baby!

This run might not have felt awesome physically, but it was a great training run in that it -- specifically, running into the sun which I've not seen in weeks -- reminded me of how very unpredictable the weather can be on April's race day: sunny, raining, 20 degrees, 60 degrees ... And, that can all turn on a dime! So, it was good to be reminded that anything can happen on the day of the run. Keeping an open mind makes for a happier runner!

Also happy is that it's FRIDAY!!! Let's bring the color around full circle, shall we?!

I do so love the kick-off-to-the-weekend Friday!! I hope you enjoy(ed) yours!! I'll check in tomorrow with whatever I manage to accomplish on the Every Day in 2014 challenge or other fun thing! See you then!

Shake It Up

I am not one to easily adopt the opinion of others at face value. In fact, I can't remember a time I gave that a whirl. My ears are always open, though, and I'm very interested in the opinions and perceptions of others. After all, what better way than to challenge my own beliefs to make sure I'm holding on to an opinion I actually still believe, or to discover that, perhaps, something big or small has changed in my life or in the circumstance, and it's time to take another look.

This applies for me for situations big and small, so it should be no surprise that when I started learning there were such opportunities as Color Runs and Glow Runs that I dialed in my listening skills as the controversy began! Controversy? Yeah, people will argue about anything, and this is no exception.

In case you don't know, a Color Run is where spectators have a supply of colored corn starch, and they launch it at the runners as they go by. So, when the runner is finished, they are, potentially, head to toe technicolored (there's even a website for the nationwide event full of pics: thecolorrun.com ).

A Glow Run is at night featuring black light zones, music on the course and an after party. Neither event is billed as a race but as a fun way to move.

And, therein lies the rub. No, no the stupid fish that's about to get eaten -- The basic controversy over these and other events is that they cheapen the race aspect of running. The "anyone can do it" push is offensive to many who race, and believe when I say I've read a lot of snarky comments about those who run but do not race.

To those who do not want to participate in non-race activities, I say: Then, don't register. For instance, I do not like having things thrown at me, therefore, as much as I dig a rainbow of color, I will not sign up for a Color Run. But, I do not begrudge those who do it. In fact, I'd love one in the area so I could sign up the kids and throw stuff at them. (awesome!) However, a run at night with black light zones and crazy music and something fun my entire family can do together that we've never done? Hell-to-the-yeah, Team Puppy Pace is comin'!!! That's right ! We are a named team for the upcoming event!

This opportunity hit my in box at the perfect time. With my Half Marathon schedule going but not yet motivating (many thanks, crappy weather ...), this was a great event to shake up what's currently kind of mundane! And, it'll be so much fun to do with the whole crew in between my April and May events ... super score!

I'll take the color but pass on the pelting ... Glow Run, here
we come instead!

I think the combination of recent life events and some unexpected Winter blahs was starting to get to me, so I'm thankful for this little shake up! I'll be thinking about it (a girl's gotta plan, you know) on my long run tomorrow! I have absolutely no idea where it will take place given the unsettled weather we're having. My fingers are crossed it'll be outside -- with no ice -- but, we'll see (and, it will be more fun than today's weights, but whatev), and I'll check in after!

Hanging In There

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 33 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 96.5 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 49.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $10.04

Oh my oh my oh my oh my I am so over the ice capades!! I mean, I know it's out there, and I try to plan for it. But, you know what you can't always plan for? ICE.

I expected this ...

... which is just a sample of the 1.1 miles of nothing fun. This is exactly the stuff I've been crankin' about that melts during the day and freezes overnight. And, there is nothing that can be done about it. Good times. I went down to my knee once, and I slipped only two other times. And, that's when I was being super-Über careful. Just think of how this all would have gone down -- literally -- had I not been on the lookout?

There were clear spots along the way, but, before I knew it, something like this would pop up:

And, you know what blows about that? Where you see snow, it's actually ice. So, I couldn't crunch my way through any of it, but I could have fallen on my butt any number of times. Thank goodness for the grass when I had it!

This was fun, too:

Running along  ... doo-doo-dooooo ...
and, then, not so much as the snow plow
blocks another sidewalk!

*sigh*

But, before I characterize the entire run as a drag, I have two highlights. First, we found 14 cents taking us over the $10 mark. Wahoo!!

And, second, here was my favorite and most unexpected moment ... There we were, plodding along on some sidewalk, when two street sweepers headed our direction. (I thought it was pretty funny seeing as the gunk they would normally sweep up and away was frozen under the ice, but whatever.) You know Elly tends to get a little nervous or even spastic when a truck is near her, right? Well, I stopped when the sweepers got closer because stopping sometimes calms Elly. Then I felt a wee tug on the leash only to turn around and see the girl had jumped up and over a retaining wall. You know, for safety.

"Beauty and brains, mommy. Beauty. And.
Brains. I've got it all."

Seriously.

It was soon after that we, thankfully, finished our miles. I actually felt mental relief doing so because I could get my brain off of high-alert status! Friday's long run is going to take some considerable planning. I'm not yet sure what I'm going to do, but I have a day to figure it out.

Be careful out there! These suddenly nicer days can be deceiving in the mornings! I'll check in tomorrow on the rest from running day and share the next new thing the fam is going to participate in! See you then!

Sounds Like a Plan

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 32 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 93.5 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 46.5 Money Found For Food Bank: $9.90

I am happy -- really happy -- to report, before I say anything more about today's run, I did not fall down even one time. Oh the opportunity was there, but I didn't answer those knocks!!

It was almost 40 degrees at the time Elly and I headed out (which is such a shift in temperature that I had to stand and think about what I wear when it's 40 ...), and I was looking forward to hitting the streets! Fortunately, I did a last minute re-route because I anticipated sidewalks I normally rely on would not be accessible due to lingering snow and ice. While I was right about that, and while my re-routing saved me a bunch of hassle, there was about a quarter-mile stretch that, while having been cleared, has melting snow draining and refreezing on it overnight. I was thankful there was just enough (frozen) grass alongside the sidewalk so there was somewhere to go; I was more thankful I didn't bite it the number of times my feet found ice when I didn't see it. We'll count that stretch in the mileage even though the only sweat I broke was out of nervous, fall-on-my-butt fear. It was covered nonetheless.

Oh, and I fully intended to show you a picture of this treacherous stretch except I managed to forget my memory card. So, I'll just show you a pic of me and the pooch from when we got home:

The rest of the route was in decent-to-good shape, so I'm hopeful conditions will only improve (and not backtrack!) from here! It's amazing to me how ... what's the word I'll use ... underprepared? ... I feel about April's Half. It's actually more amazing to me that it's not freaking me out. The way I see it is either I get in 6 or 7 solid weeks of good running and fulfill the vision I've had for that run, OR I deal with the fact that I can't control the weather and just give it whatever I have at the time, no expectations required. I take that back: I expect to have fun. That is my priority. The chips can fall wherever from there, I'd just appreciate (a) not having an injury, and (b) no lightening.

The best thing is I honestly do not care however April's Half shakes out at this point. I was bothered a bit when I hurt my leg, and the ice compounded a wee little rattle inside that was nagging at me (because of the hopes I've put on this run). I'm pretty much past that at this point. I just have to see what's presented for training opportunities, take full advantage of what I get, and devise the best have-fun plan for that day based on what I'm ready to do.

And, that sounds like an awesome plan to me!

And, neither is my running. But, we both are awesome.

Speaking of awesome, today's run was not without its monetary riches! Check it out:

That's 65 cents for the morning, baby! Watching for ice, watching for money: Totally the same movement and sense of balance! Elly hasn't been running with me in so long that she had to get back in the swing of suddenly stopping for cash. Frankly, she was all kinds of ditzy on the run from beginning to end. I think the fresh air went to her brain and messed her up.

Well, that's one step forward in the right direction to getting back outside on a regular basis! I suspect it'll be another week or so until the ice issue is behind us as things continue to refreeze overnight, but I'm starting to see the light!

Hang in there when circumstances out of your control are poking at you. Like many have said, it's not what you are handed, it's what you do with what you are handed. Or, something like that. We'll see how things go with the warm day-cold night issue again tomorrow, and I'll check in and let you know how it went!

What Gives?

Okay, now, wait a minute ... I ran 6 miles yesterday with a head cold and a mostly-sore body, and I came out of that feeling mostly great. But, today, I spent an hour doing house work and a load of laundry, and I'm exhausted. For real.

But, aren't the lines made by the vacuum oh-so-worth it?!

None of that makes any sense, but, if I had to crack the code, I'd say house work needs to take a complete back seat to running ... yeah !! (Dream on!!) At least today's weights work just happened and left me alone as it should be!

In the meantime, I'm hopeful about the week's runs because everything is melting ...

To you, this is nothing but a flight of stairs. To
us and the dog, it's a flight of stairs no longer
covered with ice which means Elly can finally
use the door most convenient to all of us to go
outside!! This picture should be titled,
"Sweet Freedom!!"

Hopefully, the icy mine fields are melted by morning so I can get back in the groove!! February has been chock full of uncertainty and wrenches in plans all over the place ... I'm ready for some routine!

Let's see if tomorrow can kick start that desire! I'll check in after the morning run and let you know the status of the elements (if the ice melting and sliding off the roof -- and scaring the crap out of me in the process -- is any indication, we're about to head down the right track!). Happy Monday, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Get Back Out There By Getting Back Out There

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 31 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 90.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 43 Money Found For Food Bank: $9.25

It wasn't pretty. But, it was accomplished!

As determined to do, I hit the roads this morning to get my long run on! Not knowing the condition of all chosen paths, I left Elly at home (to her dismay until I distracted her with a rawhide) and hit it solo, sore back, clogged head and all!

It was a huge relief to be in the fresh air! It was so nice for scenery to change, for my pace to adjust as I hit inclines and down hills (my fave -- ha!) and to actually go somewhere while logging the miles! However, the differences between running outside and using a treadmill came screaming at me, and I can only say the first two miles felt pretty brutal. I've searched my brain for a less dramatic word, but that one best fits the bill. I felt like it was my first day out ever. Yeah, I said it: ever. Pretty much every part of my body including my snotty head hurt which made paying any attention to how I felt physically nothing more than an adventure in feeling defeated. That, or it was hilarious given how I felt vs. what I know I can do.

I went for the latter and had a chat with myself about how these feelings will pass. I just need some time to reboot. It's been weeks since I've run outside and even longer since having a solid long run, so expecting miracles the first time out -- or, putting myself down for the current condition as though it will never get better -- is ri-donk-u-lous.

And, just as I was feeling very settled and peaceful about my mindset of faith, I came across the first of my monetary finds. It was a penny in the middle of the road, there for no apparent reason. I mean, it's not like I was running through a drive thru. No, it was found completely old school. And, that felt very, very right.

Here's the total for today with the penny closest to the bottom
-- the one covered in salt from the snowy roads -- was the first
find. 'Appropriate in both manner of finding and its condition
reflecting what's been going on!

Every mile after two actually felt better than my wobbly re-entrance to the outside world! My clogged head was a little bit of a challenge, but (you guessed it) it was better than being on the treadmill!

Hey, did I mention it's been snowing making it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to run outside?

Tired from running? Only a little bit.
Tired from chock-full sinus cavities that
somehow exacerbate the rhythm produced
from my pounding feet? Um ... yes. 

It was nice to be out and about. Even with some unplowed sidewalks or pathways that were somewhat shoveled only to now provide an icy minefield, it was worth every head-pounding step!

What's funny is that, physically, I feel oh-so-much better for having gone out. I think the movement regreased the joints and muscles and got all of the feeling-strong mojo flowing again! I can't say the same for my head, but I can't expect it all at once!

What's also funny is was coming home to a few beings that had not moved since before I left. Here's Exhibit A and Exhibit B ...

"Move? Why would we move?"

There was a day I would have talked myself out of today's run, or, at least out of the distance, but I've learned it's not necessary. Just because it won't feel perfect doesn't mean it won't be worth it! Having a rest from running day scheduled for tomorrow doesn't hurt, either, so I'll check in from there!

Bust a Move

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 30 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 84.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 43 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.93

I just finished doing something I've not done for what seems like forever: I just mapped a run.

Whuuuuuuut ?!

Could it really be that a long run is not only about to happen but that it also is about to happen outside?!?! I can only hope. Most factors are reasonably in place: My leg is mostly fine and only seems to annoy me when I'm sitting (bodes well for a run); my cold keeps venturing throughout my body, but whether I'm moving or at rest, I feel the same; there *seems* to be enough of a pathway to run where I want especially if I get up and out early to beat traffic, and, most important, I'm determined as hell to get.out.side. !!

However, no sooner did I finish my map when I looked outside to see this:

Um, where'd you come from, sleet?!?!

Seriously. This better stop. I'm bustin' outta here tomorrow!!!

There's no real point in watching a forecast because they keep changing faster than I can keep up. So, I'm heading into tomorrow determined to get outside. If need be, I always have the default plan on the 'mill ... ewwww ... (although I cannot complain about this morning's DVRed entertainment while 'millin' because I had a fantastic, what-a-bunch-of-trash episode of Dr. Phil recorded. Whee!).

While the long run and my dreamscape visions are on deck for tomorrow, I have to share a few things from yesterday. Let's start with my annual and only (by specific request from yours truly) gift from Aaron:

Oh, hell yeah ... I think I'm glad a long run is in my near future!

And, this year, something came over me, and I got a pack of cards to give to family (I never do that, not even to Aaron. I just never have ...). Here's the cover of the pack I picked:

Are we surprised?

And, then, I have to share the card Pit Crew #2 made me:

Cutest. Thing. Ever.

She seems to have caught on to my random and new obsession with the holiday hedgehog, and she commemorated it beautifully!! I love this thing!!! (My dad has a similar obsessed-love/hate thing with pink flamingos. I've never completely understood it but have certainly indulged. Thanks to the holiday hedgehog, I think I get it now ...)

With that, it's a wrap for the day, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Love Letters

It's difficult to love something when expectations aren't fulfilled, amiright ? Ah, but that's when it's important to remember that it's fair to hope for an outcome, but it's hardly ever fair to expect it. Case in point:

Dear Running,

My expectations of you have been squished almost this entire calendar year. I've already fallen down, there's been a lot of snow and ice, I have a cold that is going to make you a challenge in the next couple of days, and I've seen more treadmill than I care to consider. I suppose none of that is actually your fault, though. And, even though I'm really kind of disappointed in our training thus far, I keep coming back. So, I suppose there's something to be said for you. My expectations are my problem, I suppose. With that being said, I admit I still love you.

Signed,

Disgruntled Puppy Pacer

I'm not the only one whose expectations have been smashed this year so far. If Elly could write a letter, she'd address it to me for not fulfilling her running desires.

"It's not your fault, mommy. Besides, how
could I be upset with someone who keeps
me in such fabulous fashion?! Thank you
for my new bandana!! Slurrrrrp!"

We can't always control how things go, but we can control what we do with what we're handed! To that end, I'm flipping my long run tomorrow with Sunday's short one to give one more day of (hopeful) ice melting and one more day to push this cold to the wayside! I'll play whatever hand is dealt from there.

In the meantime, Happy Valentine's Day! Focus on everything you love, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Revisit, Review and Rethink!

This nuisance of a cold I seem to have developed is keeping me guessing. No sooner do I think I have a handle on what it is I'm dealing with that it changes to something else leaving behind no trace of what happened prior. It goes like this: I have a nasty, red, sore throat. Wait, I mean, I have a lot of body aches, but that's all. WHAT I MEAN IS I have wicked-itchy eyes and a case of the sneezes, my body feels fine, why do you ask? Oh, what I'm saying is I'm tired but feel okay otherwise ...

For real. I guess it makes it all interesting, right? Given its course, though, I'm quite confident I will be able to run outside on Saturday's long run as long as enough street/sidewalks clear by then. I'd love to say adios to the treadmill for a while -- not that I haven't appreciated having one ...

In the meantime, I had to share that I think I've stumbled upon my new favorite food:

That's exactly what it looks like -- peaches from a can!

Of course this isn't a new discovery for anyone, but it's a rediscovery for me. I used to love them as a kid, but somewhere along the way, they not only left my world, but I also managed to, well, demonize them. Peaches from a can? Puh-leez!! Given my culinary desires, that I ever even formed an opinion about fruit in a can is laughable.

Canned fruit was a staple in our house growing up. I also remember the day my mom kept strongly suggesting my brother and I have some canned peaches for a snack. That was code for: Eat something better for you than the ice cream. (So, we did, in fact, split a can of peaches before eating ice cream. The latter is such a duh.)

Once I was out on my own, apples became my fruit staple because they were so inexpensive and I was on a major budget. And, as I grew and heard more not only about buying fresh as much as possible but also about how much sugar is packed into canned fruit, well, bye-bye canned fruit!

I've done no investigating in the canned fruit aisle for going on two decades until yesterday. What validated (oh my) my pursuit was watching the Food Channel's Rachel vs. Guy celebrity cooking competition and seeing Herschel Walker put canned peaches in his cobbler because it was taking too long to peel and cut up the fresh ones. With all of my cooking and recipe knowledge (whuuuut ?) I was certain he'd be crucified by the professional chef judges, verbally smacked sideways for what I just knew was an egregious culinary error.

When I could not have been more unbelievably wrong (hearing one of the pros basically say he could not possibly care less where the peach came from ... no exception, not "well, it happened to work here, but usually these things suck," nothing), I decided I needed to revisit the canned fruit aisle. I did so yesterday, and, to my surprise, not only is there a packed in just water option (!!!), but they're also way more reasonably priced than I expected. And, they're as delish as I remember. They tasted awfully fab on my oatmeal, too ...

It's funny the decisions we make along the way, never revisit and just accept as accurate. From my thoughts this week about what we think of ourselves all the way through something as ordinary as canned peaches, I suspect there are a number of "truths" we hold dear that we could probably revise or even let go.

I know I, for one, had plenty of thoughts about myself I had to purge before lacing up my first pair of running shoes ...

Chew on that as we head into Friday!! I do so love Friday ... and, I love Valentine's Day! I'll check in from there on this double-rest from running combo!

Write It Down

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 29 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 81.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 43 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.93

I knew my day was going to be pretty busy, but it turned out to be 3 hours busier than I even anticipated in the longest version I had in my head. On my drive home, I had the following stream of consciousness occur: "It's Wednesday (evidently, I had to remind myself of this). I run on Wednesdays. Crap, when am I going to ... WAIT! I already did! 'Seems like a very long time ago that I ran. SO glad that's behind me for today."

And, here's why I bring this up: The only -- and I do mean only -- reason I got my run in today is because I made and kept the appointment with myself to do so. I already have it on the calendar, therefore, it is a priority. There are definitely days I need to move the time, but those are days the run is moved, not deleted.

Weekend plans ... weekday plans ... long run ... short run ...

We make appointments for all kinds of things in life we value. Running (or other exercise), prayer, a pocket of quiet time, (insert your activity of choice) ... those aspects of life matter. They rejuvenate. They refuel. They promote well-being. They keep us sane. They deserve a spot on the calendar.

My off days are more flexible, so I couldn't say right now when I will get in my weights tomorrow. I only know that I will. I'll check in after.

By the way, I think I've caught a cold ... Leg injury, snow and ice ... yeah, catching a cold sounds about right!

Who Did What With the Who Now?

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 28 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 79.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 43 Money Found For Food Bank: $8.93

(A very special thank you to Aaron for the title ... he used to say this all the time when we were first dating and he wanted me to clarify something or even just find out what was going on. It always made me laugh.)

Twice this week, I've had really good talks with friends about the difference between who we are (our foundation) and what we do (the way we carry out the dailies). What came shining through both discussions is how easy it is to let what we do/the way we conduct ourselves overshadow and even alter our self perception about who we actually are ... what's critically important to us ... what we're really made of.

My overall thought on the matter (solution, if you will ... I do like to problem solve) is that if we can define our foundation and focus on it, our actions will fall into place. Keep and repeat the actions that work and contribute to the larger picture; reassess or even bag those that don't, but certainly do not beat yourself up for an unsuccessful moment.

Focus on the foundation is key.

The best part about really being in touch with what you're made of is that you can rely on yourself to determine how you're doing. The opinion of others -- good or bad -- really won't matter a whole lot. Feel free to let me know you think I rock ... but, I cannot rely on it nor should I look for it.

I've had this outlook for as long as I can remember, and I think I finally get why it took so long for me to call myself a runner. It really wasn't because I didn't feel worthy of being among all of the other billion people who could also move their feet forward across many miles. (I certainly had bouts of insecurities, but they were short lived in terms of worrying about what other people thought.) I think it took so long to call myself a runner because I took it literally as though it was part of my identity: I am a runner. Bleh. No ... running is what I do, but it's not who I am.

I've talked many times about having dug deep and drawing upon those foundational values that have carried me through all kinds of situations, especially through the challenging ones, to get through some of my runs. Not quitting, keeping going (is that a real phrase?), persevering, standing back up when having fallen down (boo!) ... all of those are things I do. They come out of who I am.

It just so happens that this activity often gives a sparkly trinket ...

Each of these trinkets holds a different story leading back to the same theme of what makes me up on the inside. That's why I'm proud of them. Oh, and I like them because they're pretty.

Know who you are, and the rest will fall into place ... trust that.

Of course, sometimes being in touch with this is super-annoying because the who I am really does hate the what the treadmill is for. I was thankful for it when I had three miles on the calendar, and it was -3 outside, though!!

I'll be yearning for the outside as I run on the 'mill tomorrow morning. But, that particular whine is what I do ... See you after the morning run!

Life Doesn't Really Care About That Rut In the Trail, In Case You Were Wondering

The world around here is working to get back on track after a dump of ice and snow and a whole lot of yes-we-have-school-no-we-don't-what-are-we-doing-today! On top of it being a day to sneak in the weights on this rest from running day, I spent most of the day doing deeds that are far from restful like cleaning ...

... and, finally getting a shovel to the deck so the poor dog can finally go outside from upstairs:

Thanks to our friend Ice Storm, we didn't even bother to try and
shovel when the snow dumped on it. A week later, we're getting
just enough of a break that the ice might melt ... provided the
snow is off of it. Isn't it funny how some things, like not removing
the snow, make total sense until they make no sense at all?

Between my leg and the muscle that injury has been pulling a wee bit in my back, this was not a banner day. Icy Hot to the rescue ... ahhhh ...

But, you know? It was all totally okay, too. Sometimes, things just need to get done. I do not believe in pushing myself to the point where I will foreseeably hurt myself, but I do believe in doing what you can when you can. I'm thankful for a healthy body that heals!! Well, eventually heals. That comes with the 40s territory!

I'd say I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning's run, but I'm really not. While many sidewalks and streets are shoveled or otherwise attended to, there's still a layer of snow that will refreeze tonight. So, the concrete I see this afternoon is a total tease and not ready for a morning run. Yet. So, I'll get on the treadmill and do my thing.

By the way, by the time I get to run outside consistently, April's Half is going to be on top of me! I barely feel like I'm in the training schedule because of how many miles are on the treadmill. Weird!

Have I mentioned I cannot wait to get back outside?!?!

Keep after what you're wanting to accomplish even if all of the pieces aren't in place ... they will come together! In the meantime, I'll see you after the morning tread ...