Almost All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go

Good Monday to you, and happy last day of March! I can't believe it's behind us! Here's the way the Walking Facebook page is sending it off:

Seriously, that's fantastic. Totally my kind of humor!

I am sincerely hoping March goes out like a lamb (or a llama or a goat ...) and stays that way for a while!! I think we could all use a little less disturbance in the force, amiright ?!

The unpredictable weather has prompted repeated questioning from Pit Crew #2 regarding the weather on the day of the Half because, usually, we assume (even if wrong) that the weather will be along the lines of "what we've been having." With no recent patterns, it's just that less predictable! And, to that end, I have been pondering the "what to wear" question. I usually wear -- you guessed it -- "what I've been wearing," but I suspect (hope!) by then, I'll be out of the long pants/second skins and into ... capris? Shorts? Seriously, there's no telling!

The biggest what-to-wear issue should come as no surprise to you: Unless there is a definite weather shift one way or the other (serious cold snap or sudden warm up; both always possible), I'll need to meet it in the middle by wearing capris. However, you also know (even though I've not complained about it for about a year which is some kind of miracle) that I don't own nor have I been able to find capris with a normal sized pocket. Normal = can hold my camera. Ugh!

I've actually dreaded the idea of running that distance without my camera ... UNTIL YESTERDAY ... I actually found capris with normal, real-life-people-sized pockets. Ahhhhh ... Aaron and I were at the

store together when I found them. And, because he's that awesome, he kept going back and forth from me to whatever aisle we actually needed something from (you know, what we actually went to the store to get). He kept leaving me the cart even though he was the one who needed it. It was probably a hint to go ahead and fill the cart with as many capris-with-pockets as I could find so I would stop complaining about it. (Picture a cart completely full of capris ... Now picture a cart completely full of crappies because if you make a typo with capris, it basically becomes crappies.)

So, anyway, Thank You, Danskin. You've been my favorite brand of running pants for the duration of my endeavor, so I do so appreciate my new pants with pockets made by you!!

It's the little stuff ...! And, now I can put this 4-year search to rest for now. YAHOO!

I'm glad to have all options for the lower half ready to go. Now, if we could all agree on what the Pit Crew shirts are going to say and finalize my own, we'd be covered!! Two weeks to go with a 10-mile run at the end of the week -- both amount to plenty of time to get some thinking done!

In the meantime, I have one more thing to share off today's topic. So, yesterday, I made reference to the rampant cupcake theme that has taken on a life of its own everywhere including in the running world. Personally, I love it, by the way ... I think it's cute, I've loved my cupcake virtual race medals, and the theme itself inspired PC#2 to join me on a number of runs. Totally winning! Anyway, in a parallel relation to this theme, I saw this on the I Love To Run Facebook page yesterday and had to show you:

'Cracked me up!!

From the different sources where I've gathered information, by the way, you can burn an average of 100 calories per mile, just fyi. There are all sorts of calculators and tables on the Web to show how this works for you as it is based on pace, weight and distance (and, not all agree, but they are all very close). In the meantime, I thought this was hysterical, so I had to share!

With that, it's on to the rest of a busy Monday with all kinds of Monday things to accomplish! But, tomorrow? We run! It's the last 5-miler on the schedule (not counting the upcoming 10-miler), and Elly and I ready to hit it! Enjoy the rest of the start to your week, and we'll check in when we finish!

Double Dose Of Awesome

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 53 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 209.3 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 109.7 Money Found For Food Bank: $20.47

This is simply outstanding:

Of course, we all remember I needed a little empirical evidence to even consider yesterday's run something beyond 'acceptable'! But, when I set sail on this morning's run, you bet I felt every bit of those 12 miles, and I wasn't sure how to make it through today's! I'm not even kidding -- walking the entire thing was on my mind as an option! I resisted, though, because I really wanted to know that I could do it!

Yes, I still have those thoughts. But, they've progressed from if I can do something to merely reminding myself that I can. Again with the empirical evidence. And, everyone thinks there's only one scientist in the house ... hahahahahaha!

Anyway, for real, that first mile blew!! My legs were aching and could have used a real warm up for sure. But, the whole experience was made much better by not just having Elly along with me, but Aaron actually kind-of-reluctantly-but-not-really jumped at the idea of joining me! Yay!! Oh, that didn't keep him from whining about the chill in the air (sigh) nor from trash talking about finding one penny more than I did this morning (yeah, trash talking it ...), but I was very glad for the company!

And, without Aaron today, this would not have been found!

I have no idea how he spied that amongst all of the dead leaves in the road, but he did, and our collective finds sent the Food Bank total over the $20 mark today!! YAHOO!! The $19 range was a long one ... let's hope the money pace picks up again!

In the meantime, you know how there's a rampant surge of the 'will run for cupcakes' theme? I'm just saying that this wasn't me:

For the most part today, we had the streets to ourselves. I particularly like the street option when there's someone else with me so we have more space to be side by side to accommodate the real reason anyone would run with someone: the talking. Or, is that just me ... Anyway, there were a handful of times we needed to jump ship and get on the sidewalk which is when this was my view:

I cannot tell you how tempting it was to goose her ...

Our route was not just profitable, but it was also a half mile longer than written on the calendar. Boo.Yah. Some days, a half mile doesn't seem very long. On others, it's forever. You now know why that earned an emphasized booyah ... for both of us:

On deck for tomorrow? REST. It might even rain -- how crazy would it be for a Rest Day and a rainy day to coincide?! I'd take it! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!! Do something that just makes you smile (We have some 4-square waiting to be played!), and I'll check in tomorrow!

I Do Like Indisputable Evidence. Just Sayin'.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 52 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 204.8 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 105.2 Money Found For Food Bank: $19.76

Happy weekend!! Mine started off with a long run, so let's do this!!

Here's the funny thing about running through my training schedule: On the day I run the first 10-miler, it's hard to imagine running the 12. Then, I get to the 12-miler, and I can only think, "Man, if only this were a 10-mile day!!" It's true, in those last 2 miles today, I caught myself many, many times defaulting to the "I'd be finished if ..." sentiment! Of course, 10 nor 12 crosses the finish line in a couple of weeks, so let's just say I am glad that my mental game is quite strong!

This is about to sound contrary to what I just said, but I spent a lot of time this morning mentally embracing such thoughts as intentionally running just in front of the vehicle that sweeps those not on pace to finish. I pictured striking up conversation with the driver while enjoying the new sites. Perhaps I could learn a thing or two about what I am seeing along the route that way! Given I was feeling some deep pulls in both my leg and my back*, I couldn't help but come up with a Plan B that entertained me! *Yeah, still ... it takes an effort to get there, but the long runs demand the effort ... and, that's when those muscles yell and call me names talk to me ...

Speaking of sites, here's my favorite from today:

And, this is one I'm glad I saw for a whole different reason:

Remember what I said about the plethora of banana peels
around here? I totally wasn't kidding!

For the most part, I was pretty focused today so I could just get this crap done stay in tune with how my back felt. I still managed to find 8 pennies totally old school ... only 2 drive-thrus on route, and only 1 had a singular penny. AND, you'll never guess what else I saw and not take a picture of: a used pregnancy test hanging out at the base of a parking meter. That was a first, and, believe when I say I've seen a lot of stuff ... some items quite related to today's find, just sayin' and just leavin' it at that!

I see your ear pen, Natalie Dee, and I raise you one
of the hygiene products and/or issues I've found
running. I find money out there, too, so at least my
world seems a little more balanced in the good-with
the-bad arena ...

It was negative by the way. I knew you'd want to know. I had to look since I didn't have to touch it to find out. I have my standards; they're pretty low, but they're there. When I found out, I had the following thoughts: "I wonder if she was disappointed or if she was relieved." THEN I had this thought: "I bet some dude took that and put it there after a bender."

I bet I'm right about the latter ...

So, with about 4 miles to go, I was really feeling this run. I even chose to walk a couple of stretches today. I don't think they amounted to much in terms of distance -- quarter of a mile maybe? -- , but they did a world of good to give those cranking muscles some relief. When I hit a particularly steep hill, I blew off the top third to make sure I wouldn't get hurt. Besides, the route for the upcoming Half is supposed to be flat, so why push it? Who am I kidding, I wouldn't push it even if that very hill was on the route, but it gave me some instant peace knowing I'd get plenty out of the strength training that comes from climbing hills and could blow off part of the running.

I routed myself for its end point to be where my Pit Crew leader could pick me up. He sits and reads while having Diet Coke, I get a ride home. Win. Win. Anyway, while I did have the 8-tenths in me to accomplish 13.1 miles, I was glad I didn't have to. My feet hurt (that's a whole other issue I'm having with some toe rubbing and a toe nail that was cut too short ... pales in comparison to muscles, so I'll stick with that!), my back and my leg where still whining a bit, and I was ready to finish.

Hey, Nancy, how'd the run go?!

Then, I cringed just a wee bit when I asked Aaron for the time. I fully and completely expected his watch to say 9:45 a.m., and it didn't.

It actually said 9:32 a.m. when he told me.
Hey, it takes a minute to have things
register much less take a pic!

The short of this story is that I am actually exactly on the same training pace I've ever been for every other Half I've run (except for Roots & Blues; that training was such a mess I don't even know if I was aware of keeping any track of time. Or, if I could tell time by the end of it.).

I was very happy to see this outcome because it reflects that while I'm not feeling up to par, there's more strength on reserve than I tend to remember or even give myself credit for. And, that translates into feeling very confident, rather than fearful in any way, that I'm truly up to taking on this distance and not just pushing through because I already signed up. I didn't think I was doing that (especially when I'm making back-up plans to make the sweep vehicle driver my new BFF), but it was nice to have something indisputable!

I will take that victory and run with it ... literally, tomorrow. There are 4 miles to cover! I wonder if I can talk anyone into going with me ...?! I'll check in tomorrow and let you know! Onward with a happy Saturday to all!

Rest Day Perusal

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Can you believe March is almost over?? Where'd it go?! I had a very hard time getting on board with it ever being March ... or, Spring ... given the crazed weather, so trying to convince me that I have a Half Marathon to run in just two weeks is a difficult task indeed! It's so weird!!

I started consciously thinking about it today, because ... well ... because I kind of have to. That and I have my 12-miler tomorrow morning, so mentally getting on board is prudent! I started thinking about all aspects of it including one of my very favorite activities: THE EXPO!! (Yeah!! Buy stuff!)

I was mentally mapping my run when out and about with the Crewers today. We checked out a local store that had some fun things to see ... kind of reminded me of the Expo perusing! For instance, there's this:

Loved this -- and, not a hobby-runner anywhere can't relate to
such a sentiment. Let's face it, sometimes, we're all kinds of mess!
I've grown to embrace the beauty of that mess!

And, then there was this:

What's an outing without a nod to the sweet hound?!

And, we all loved this:

Bring it.

Of course, just like at the Expo, I took more pictures than bought stuff, but that's alright because that's how I roll! It was a fun way to look around and giggle with my Crew pals on this Rest Day!

Tomorrow? It's the biggest training run on the schedule, and I'm almost  looking forward to it!! I keep mentally running routes to decide which ones I want to see, scope and/or revisit. I'll check in and let you know how it all shakes out! In the meantime, enjoy the kick-off to your weekend, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Love My Selfies

Happy Thursday! Happy Rest Day!!

Speaking of Rest Days and my recent re-embracing of them, I just stumbled upon this on Facebook:

I laughed out loud as I answered myself with a, "Um, no, never done that!"

In the meantime, I have finally decided to address a topic that won't change the world, but it is, nonetheless, worthy of note as far as I'm concerned. The topic: Selfies.

I'll just launch: It's amazing to me the upheaval of negative opinion with regard to selfies in general. Granted, you should most certainly be watching where you're going or otherwise not impeding on anyone else while taking one. But, other than that, why all the hatin'?!

Yeah, I'm going there ...

I was watching Good Morning America yesterday, and there was a segment about the recent rise in plastic surgery as a (supposed) result of people not liking how they look in their selfies. The real surprise (er, annoyance) for me with regard to the story wasn't so much the topic; it was how negative the anchors were in their introduction to and commentary regarding the story! I was just waiting for one of them to throw up a little bit, or at least gag, just having to say the word. And, the opinion about the concept itself was clearly displeasing.

I really don't understand. People have been trying to take pictures of themselves forever. I remember the days of giving the camera to the person in the group with the longest arms hoping to get everyone in the group shot frame! (My first real success at this practice was on our honeymoon ... Aaron's arms were just long enough to get both of our faces and necks in the pic!) And, the self-timer wasn't some random invention: It grew out of desire! It's simply amazing to me that the dominant opinion I hear is that selfies are egotistical, and that's it. I even heard a recent radio segment where the host was blah blahing about how conceited "youth of today" are because they so love taking pictures of themselves.

Huh. Kids wanting to take pictures of themselves. Teens wanting to be included in a group. Tweeners wanting to have proof, if you will, or at least something to hold on to that gives them a sense of belonging. Yeah, that has nothing to do with developmental stages everyone including the idiot radio host went through. It's just about the 'youth of today' who suddenly have digital cameras in hand and want to use them and now they're all wildly stuck on themselves. Wow ... so conceited ...

Back to me (See how I did that?): I love the historical and story-telling of pictures. I like to see people in scenic pictures for a whole perspective. I like for all to be included -- including the picture taker. (And, when I'm the picture taker, I make no apologies for wanting to be a part of the moment.) And, I love the digital age where we can goof around and catch fun moments without any real consequence if we don't like the turnout (delete button vs. film development, anyone?). I guess it's because I've always been very passionate about pictures for a whole host of reasons that it bothers me to see a simple topic be turned into one that can't be discussed without someone looking like they've smelled something bad.

This was the last story I saw on GMA yesterday before I headed out to run with Elly. That's why you saw one of these ...

Oh, yes, it's the same but different as yesterday's cliff hanger. I did it twice. Because I can. Digital age, baby! And, I caught Elly with her tongue out. Again. Until randomly snapping pictures of her while running, I did not know how often she did that!

I thought about the GMA story quite a bit while I ran. My dominant thought was, really, how thankful I am for the technology and ability to take them because not only does it allow me to document some really awesome  moments like ...

... my annoyance waiting for Elly to satisfy her sniffer again when I'm just trying to run (hahahaha), but I truly appreciate all of us being included in a pic whenever we can.

Everyone's in on the action of a celebration!

Oh my gosh, I love when a selfie turns
out to be this kind of mess!

I couldn't help but also reflect on how many pictures of my family (the one in which I grew up) that I don't have. Sure, not everyone was terribly picture compliant especially as often as I would have had a camera in their faces, but I'd have more than I do because there would have been more opportunity. Personally, that's something I'd value.

"If I could take selfies, mommy, I'd do it all the time. So,
thanks for taking so many of me for me. I do so love myself."

So, it's not all about the ego, and, even if it is for some, so what? It's not hurting anyone. And, the reason they're being taken is because they hold some value for the person taking it. No one else has to understand.

There. I was tired of being quiet about it!

With that, it's time to continue on with Thursday! I'll check in on tomorrow's double-dip Rest Day!

Onward We Go!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 51 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 192.6 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 105.2 Money Found For Food Bank: $19.68

Has someone been spying on Elly so as to make this card?!

That's precisely how she acts when certain factors are in place:

• she figures out I got up and got dressed without showering
• she investigates which shoes I put on. Oh yes. She knows.
• she follows me around without being told, "No, Elly, not today."
• And, finally, the key to her heart: The leash comes off its hook.

Booyah. Spastic dog.

"You forgot 'beautiful', mommy. Spastic,
beautiful dog. *whapwhapwhap*"

We had an easy three to go this morning with the only real factor making it not very easy being I didn't really feel like going the amount of wind and the blinding sun. I don't like the former, and I'm not used to the latter, what can I say ...

Elly had her own issues when she set off a firestorm  of dogs barking. First, one started from behind a fence. Then, another was set off behind a privacy fence (always confusing for a hound), and, finally, the third chimed in. Elly let our her usual 'am-I-wimpering-or-am-I-gearing-up-for-a-beat-down' noises while she trotted along:

"They're coming from all directions! They're everywhere!"

"But, I'm ready. In fact, I think I'll eat them."

That was her main event excitement. Mine was in finding more money than I would have guessed on this route at this distance (6 cents is 6 cents!!) as well as additional BBs ...

Fantastic!

From here? Two straight days of rest (yeah !!) before 12 on the weekend!! In the meantime, I hope you've taken a moment -- even just a moment -- to make sure what you're doing right now (not literally right now ...) is what you want and what you need and not something just because you always have (or, in my case, said you would for no apparent reason)! I continue to do this mental house cleaning, and it's doing me wonders!
And, tomorrow? Not only do we rest, but I'll let you know what this is all about ...

See you then!

Managing the Mind

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 50 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 189.5 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 102.1 Money Found For Food Bank: $19.62

Holy moly, there was some wind today!!

It clearly makes no difference how sick of the cold all of us are; it just keeps on comin'!! So, Elly and I bundled up ... wait ... I bundled up, and out we went for a smooth five miles!

The route did not lend itself to finding any treasures, money or otherwise, but it was a good one in terms of challenge (duration of hills) and testing my endurance as it is -- or is not -- at more of a race pace. It's not that I ever race, per se, but I did want to see where I'm really at so I know how to mentally coach myself in a couple of weeks.

It turns out that all systems fired rather well, but I'm not sure today's pace can keep up at more than double the distance. That's fine, I just have to figure out what to do about that from the beginning of the race so I'm not a withered specimen by the time I make my way across the finish line! One of the particular challenges of these things is coaching yourself in a way that you know best amidst the massive amount of adrenaline that just oozes from every direction. It's easy to get caught up in that, so I think this upcoming run will put my mind to the test more than my body until I settle in after the first couple of miles.

While I actually focused today (I know ... weird), Elly did the site seeing for us. Doesn't she look like one of those focused hunting dogs waiting to pounce its prey?

"I'm a lover, not a fighter, mommy. You know that. Ooo ... bird!"

She'll be pleased in the morning as she joins me for the week's short run! Then, there are two Rest Days until the longest run of the training schedule slated for this weekend! I'll check in tomorrow with the wind down before the wind up! See you then ...

Decision 2014

Hello! Happy Monday! And, all that jazz!! I hope your week started off with a great day!! It's a Rest Day here, and that worked out just splendid for me!

In fact, it's back to calling them Rest Days as I've made a decision. Here it is *ahem* : After almost three full months of doing and thinking (both  were important), I've decided to put aside my do-something-every-day challenge and continue to focus on the delightful balance I'd struck between running and the rest of my life!

Insert applause: HERE!!

I took on the self-imposed challenged to see what I could do/if I could do it. And, to be honest, I have no doubt that I could do it. But, I plain don't want to anymore. Half of the days off of running became a drag because I felt I had  to do something else. I'm certain that it didn't work well for me because even though there is certainly a benefit to any and every bit of exercise you can do, I did not have a goal beyond "can I do this" to keep me motivated. I already knew that answer, so, it bored me. Or, it annoyed me. And, I'm finished with it.

None of this is to say I won't be active on the Rest Days. Let's face it, the days of practically imposing a moratorium on moving on Rest Days is well behind me. And, I'm thankful for that. In fact, I think by lifting the requirement, I'll be more inclined to think of something fun to do. And, on days I don't feel like it, it'll be just fine.

I think making it almost three full months is actually something to be proud of. I don't recall the many rounds of running I tried before it finally stuck lasting three months at a time! And, even if it's not necessarily something to be proud of, I definitely feel good about giving it enough time to make a solid, vs. a reactive, decision.

I'll react to my decision now, though: WAHOO!!!!

Oh my gosh I love rainbows! And, I think Natalie Dee is
hilarious! And, I'm so relieved to make this decision! Whee!

No, I don't think of myself as a quitter in the least. In fact, quite the opposite. And, deciding to refocus and stay in tune with what I need and want to accomplish is most definitely a means to that end!

Don't be afraid to reevaluate, adjust, tweak, twerk, change, realign ... it really is okay!! I'm a fan of doing things for a purpose authentic to the person, so, this person is sticking to running all by itself right now! Speaking of goals, tomorrow's slated for a morning 5-miler! The hound and I will check in after!

Hey, Inertia ... Flip Faster, Please!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 49 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 184.2 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 96.8 Money Found For Food Bank: $19.62

You know how I've been among many to note you should never, ever judge a run by its first mile? Okay, I'm about to rephrase:

Never, ever judge a run by the one you take on the day after your 11-miler. Just. Sayin'.

The training schedule, when followed correctly and isn't messed up by random life changes, has a 4-miler scheduled after both 10-mile runs. (The first time I saw that, I thought it was just mean, by the way.) So, this is one of many times I've run the very next day after 10 or more miles. You'd think it would get better. It hasn't for me, though, so in a wise decision to build in an excuse to just kind of cruise along, I took the dog. YEAH, I used her. Totally. She didn't seem to mind. In fact, she doesn't care what reason I'm taking her as long as she gets to go!

Every, single time I turned around this morning, Elly was at my heals. Waiting. And, looking longingly. But, as soon as I'd look at her, she'd look away as though she wasn't doing a thing ...

Your waggy, insistent tail betrays the coy
look you're trying to pull off. I'm totally
on to you ...

So, I finally got myself in gear, and the hound and I took off! Might I note that I'm getting a little more than weirded out by seeing these?

I know I've not yet mentioned it, but there has been a whole host of banana peels strewn around out there! They're in completely different locations from each other, too, so it's not like there's any rhyme or reason. They're just out there. And, when you barely catch it out of the corner of your eye because you're smart enough to look down for money, it's difficult to push away that stuff your mom always taught you about how it's possible to slip and kill yourself on a banana peel because anything can happen (or whatever that's about). I don't think it's a banana peel that's going to get me, by the way. A sidewalk jut or rut in a trail? Possibly. But, not a banana peel.

I continue to mention the weather, however, because it's noteworthy. And, obnoxious! It was 26 degrees when we went out!! I didn't wear an ear warmer, but I should have! The wind was whipping and my ears were burning and my legs were cursing me for making them run again today. Drat! Nothing felt right!!

This was right, though:


It's been a long time since I've scored a haul of these!! And, how cool is it that to get them, I have to stop for a few minutes. OH DARN! It makes it even more difficult to pick them up while wearing gloves, too, by the way. So, I called that 'more rest time'!

And, along the 4 miles, we scored another 14 cents. Whee!!

I will forever be fascinated and perplexed by the pennies that
aren't.

What was really right about this whole run was this particular picture that I caught at the very end:


On the fly for both of us, could I have asked for a more fabulous picture?!

I like this one, too:

"This is sooooooo aweeeesoooooommmeee !!!"

I decided along the way that the impressive feat isn't so much the double-digit miles the one day, it's the run that follows! Okay, yes, yes, they both have their merits. I think I just wish it didn't take so long for my inertia issues to flip on mornings such as this! Seriously, I finally felt like I was getting going in mile 3 when it usually takes just that first mile ... better way late than never I suppose!

Tomorrow is Monday, and we start that out with a rest!! I'll check in then!

Number One Twice

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 48 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 185.1 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 92.7 Money Found For Food Bank: $19.48

You might recall from yesterday that my mission on today's run was to see something I've not before noticed. I see no reason to keep anyone in suspense, so, here it is!

I KNOW!! Who expected I'd find such a thing while on a run?
Seriously, it's quite an adventure out there!

Having a random agenda on which to focus helped motivate me to get up early and get on out there. (Going to bed much earlier than I usually do most certainly helped, too!) I will be the first to confess that the double digit miles come with double the mindset: For all of the good and empowering and holy-crap-I'm-such-a-stud feelings that come from them, it is not easy to get up and actually do it. And, you might think that having a bunch of double-digit runs that it mentally gets easier. Speaking for myself, it doesn't. Don't get me wrong, it's not that it's such a drudgery and I hate it. Hardly. It's just that the time and effort it takes to finish hits me square in the face when I have the choice to get up or to stay in bed. That's all I'm saying!

Now that I'm to the part of the day where I get to think happy thoughts about having accomplished such a thing this morning, let's look at how it went! Come along!

Ah, sunrise, how I love you! The sun did nothing for the
temperatures this morning, but it put on a great show to
start the day!

This is the first open daffodil I have seen
this Spring! Evidently, my observation
skills are sorely lacking as there is a whole
patch of bloomed daffodils right up my
street. But, whatever.

Just past the daffodils, the elusive, fading
pink flamingos lurk ...

After getting righteously skunked at one
of my favorite drive-thru options, I passed
by this row of HAPPY.

Within a mile of my finish, I dusted off the soccer skills to
kick this out of the middle of an intersection. It's like finding
the jewels amidst todays 20 cents of running treasure!

My route landed me a couple of miles
away from home, so Aaron put on his
Pit Crew hat, and picked me up! Before
my finish pic, a little coughing fit was
in order.

Eleven miles! Or, as I like to think, I'm
number one! Twice!

Yeah, for real, the gloves were on the entire run, and I was completely comfortable in them. It's past the middle of March! Pit Crew #2 asked me if I thought it would warm up before the run. I told her, at this point, I kind of hope not! I, for one, will not acclimate very quickly! But, of course, I'll take what we're handed ... the bling comes not matter if you're running, walking or crawling across the finish!

Okay, and if I continue to kick things -- like unforeseen juts in sidewalks -- with the same leg that nailed that rut back in January, crawling across the finish might just be in order! Check it out: About 6 miles in, I'd been running in the street not only because there was no traffic around, but also because the street tends to have fewer jut hazards. Mere feet after deciding I was just being silly and getting myself on the sidewalk, WHAM! Same leg, almost the same pull! Thankfully, unlike in January when the pain of the pull immediately bled through my muscle and literally took me to the ground, this one started in the same place but wrapped around my entire leg almost like a bandage. It was weird. Anyway, I immediately threw myself against a telephone pole and stretched as well as I could. I simply could not believe this keeps happening to the same leg, same spot. Grrrrr ... Fortunately, between the stretching and about 50 yards of walking, I was able to resume without issue. I can feel it not, but it's not going to be a big deal. Unless I do it again. Vegas, draw up the odds ...

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to know my schedule is messed up yet again this week, so it looks like there's a short run on schedule for tomorrow! That'll make Elly happy even if I don't wake up very enthused! I get to sleep later, though, so, already, it's starting off great!

With that, it's time to continue on with the weekend! Enjoy your Saturday, and we'll see you after the morning run!

Brain Drain

HAPPY FRIDAY!! Wahoooooo for Friday!! I hope yours is going great -- I'm exhausted!! No, there was no running today. Instead, I took this break from running morning and spent it having breakfast with a friend! I love those days!! It was really fun and a great way to kick off a weekend! All of our words managed to wear out my brain ... it was awesome ! If you, too, are a talker or know someone who is, then you understand!

That's my friend Cindy: Self-proclaimed avid non-runner,
awesome running fan and superb talker!

While sitting there chatting, we saw a guy run by who had a fabulous spring in his step. He was bouncing along weaving in and out of the light poles or whatever object was blocking his direct path. Clearly, he was doing some agility work, but, boy, did he look like he was having fun doing it! *boing!*

I'm mentally planning for tomorrow's run to be equally fun even though my mission has to do with distance over being agile. I also have on my agenda finding something along the way that I've not before noticed. Oh, and it has to be cool. This isn't as random as it sounds -- I planned tomorrow's route to go in front of a house that sports a blue flamingo in its yard so I could show my dad. However, I happened to drive by today and notice the blue flamingo is gone! So, out with that idea, and on to see if I can keep my eyes up from the money scope long enough to notice something new ...

We'll see how that turns out especially when there's every chance I won't be completely awake when I set sail! But, sleepy or not, here I come, miles 1 through 11! You're mapped, and I'm ready!

Start your Saturday off with a bang or a bounce or whatever it is that inspires you, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Could It Be? Is It Really Spring?!

I woke up very surprised to hear it's the first day of Spring because I always thought the seasons turned on the 21st of their month ... shows you what I know! So, to that end, GOOD-BYE, WINTER, I mean ... HELLO, SPRING!!

I also woke up bummed to have evidence of a back not yet completely healed (saw it coming, just hoped for different!), but, I do have two days of a break from running before hitting the long run this weekend, so it should be fine. A drag, for sure, but fine. I just keep my eye on the prize ...

Enjoy every part of your first day of Spring, and we'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

We Did Run, Right?!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 47 Nancy's 2013 Mileage: 174.1 Elly's 2013 Mileage: 92.7 Money Found For Food Bank: $19.28

Not only was it a running day, but it was a bonus day for me because Aaron joined me!! He had the day off after some travel, so what better way than to hit the streets for three miles with me and the hound? Who wouldn't want to do that ?! heeheehee ... He's a good sport. He was a double-good sport because it was super chilly!! The upper 30s with a big ol' wind is not particularly enjoyable ... unless you're behind Elly watching her ears:

Thanks to Aaron, the run really flew by. I don't even remember most of it because we talked and giggled and complained about the wind and stopped at a store for a potty break (confusing Elly on so many levels) and just had some fun.

Also thanks to Aaron, though, he broke Rule #1 of scoping drive-thrus for coins; the "Don't scare the people there" rule. I can't honestly say he necessarily scared  a manager who suddenly showed up at the window, but he certainly brought attention to us with his very exuberant, baritone-of-a-voice proclamations of, "A DIME!" And, "Ooo, there's a pennyyyyyyyyyy." Rule #2: No calling attention to the pretend covert op ...

All together, we found 36 more cents. Better yet, I found these:

It's another bounty of pink flamingos!! You might recall that my dad loves pink flamingos the same as my love for hedgehogs grows (I know, weird ... but, awesome ...). Anyway, a picture for him was very necessary. Elly found it necessary to take the picture and run because there's a dog that lives behind that fence, and, sometimes when we run by it, the dog bolts out and scares the crap out of her. Poor baby.

Before I knew it, and with little recollection of the run-for-running's-sake, we were finished!! And, boy, did we look fantastic when we were!

Don't hate us because we're beautiful.
Elly says, "If that were the case, everyone
would hate me all the time ...!"

Recalling the steps and the streets or not, we did it, and they're in the bank! The 11-miler is on deck for Saturday but not before two breaks from running in a row!! I know, I just did that!! I love how it all worked out! I'll see you tomorrow on the first of the duo!