Umm ... BRRRRRRR ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 172 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 865.6 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $55.27

I found the Snoopy Facebook page!
Yahoo!!!

Happy, Happy Halloween!! No matter what you do today, from nothing to full-on Halloweening, I hope it's a great Friday!!!

Okay, so you know when it's all windy in the Hundred Acre Wood and Pooh and all of his pals blow around but affectionately refer to the weather as "blustery" and it's all cute and stuff? Well, clearly, I'm not out there running in the Hundred Acre Wood because there was nothing appealing about running in today's blustery weather! And, by 'blustery,' I mean slap-the-crap-outta-me cold!! (A phrase not used in the Hundred Acre Wood, I'm bettin' ...) I saw it was 46 degrees when I headed out which, believe it or not, is fabulous running weather once you get going. But, today's wind didn't provide much of a chance for a warm-up. It was really quite something.

Also, it made my hair do this almost the whole time ...

... which made most of my run look just like this:

I'm not even kidding.

I'm not sure how I saw much of anything, but I did get lucky and find all of this ...

Even better, I didn't just see this, but I also actually caught it on camera:

So, what happened was I was running along when I looked up long enough to see the big, blue bird riding its bike down the street. I was fascinated! I just stopped completely to watch it ride! Lucky for me, she stopped, so I thought I'd try to slip in a pic. I just knew it would turn out blurry given I was trying to be sly, but, there it is! I'm so glad you get to see it because how often in life do you see a big, blue bird walking away from its bike?

Immediately after the bird watching, I turned around and saw a woman walking down the sidewalk in a Captain America outfit. It was more like a fleece pajama get-up, but it did the trick. And, it was at that moment that I remembered it was Halloween. Suddenly, the big, blue bird made a whole lot more sense.

My only regret in stopping at that point was just how quickly what little run-warm I had went away, and I was suddenly freezing thanks to being sweaty. The bird was a price worth paying, though, as was the quarter I found almost right at my feet where I stopped. BAM.

I had my groove on for this run because I was motivated to finish. I know I was on similar pace as I am during an official run where I'm motivated by the event and adrenaline and not often by the weather. Once the temps settle in to this kind of chill, my pace will settle, too. But, today was not that day!

It wasn't Elly's day, either, as I swore her off of running until after Halloween to make sure her leg had ample time to heal. I was kind of glad when I couldn't find Jacques last night (remember him?!) ...

Jacques is magnificent!

There he is dressed for Halloween! 2013

 ... because I know how tempting it would have been to bring Elly along today! I'm quite certain he's amidst the Christmas decorations, seeing as his last outing was in his Santa suit (yeahhhh!!!), but my quick scan last night produced no Jacques. He'll break out during the Christmas season, so stay tuned! In the meantime, Elly did greet me after my run with a big ol' Halloween hug!

Okay, it's going to be 24 degrees overnight, so you can guess I'm pretty happy I already planned a Rest Day tomorrow!! I do love the cold, I'm just not yet ready!! I will be checking in, though, so, stay cozy, and I'll see you then!

Patterns

I did something this past weekend. It may not seem like a big deal. But, it was.

It all started when I got out the Halloween decorations I had yet to place, and I came upon one of my favorite sets:

I collected 'em from Hardees back in the day. Goblin in a
Cauldron. Cat in a Pumpkin. Ghost in a Bag. And, my fave
to look at and to say, Bat in a Stump.

Sometimes, this little group goes on display in some little nook where it can't be appreciated as much as I think it deserves. So, this year, I decided it was going right in the middle of the kitchen table (ta-da!). But, for that to happen, something already there had to move.

You know how you decorate for holidays and certain things have their places and that's just where they belong so you never, ever consider moving them? In fact, it just seems wrong to even consider changing it up? Yeah, I've been that person ... but, this weekend, I went all willy-nilly and moved one of my beloved hedge hogs to make room for the Hardees Halloween Quartet:

He seems happy there in his Fall foliage with his friend Tilly.
He may not want to return to the table ...

I moved that gold pumpkin from the table, too ... Great Scott, I was on a tear that day!!!

Okay, this was a monumental kind of thing for me. I mean, that hedge hog belongs on the table. It's the perfect spot, I get to see him and it's just where he goes. No other place will do, right?! Evidently, wrong ...

Moving that hedge hog fit right in to a theme I've been noticing around me lately, a theme of patterns that haven't been challenged even though they're not really working. I am not alone in what I've observed. I might add, I'm in some excellent company. It's not abnormal, but it sure kind of sucks once aware of it! Sure, everyone is getting by. But, who wants to just get by? And, isn't that often the way? We slip into a comfort zone and either don't reevaluate it often enough to see when it needs some maintenance, or -- worse -- we see it might not be working very well, but we're too comfortable to do anything about it, and we settle. The devil we know feels safer than the one we fear.

That's no good.

Relocating my hedge hog was far from a life-changing move. But, the principle was profound for me and a good reminder that frequent check-ins on how things in life are chugging along is a really good idea. Some patterns are probably working and can be left alone. And, then, there will be the others ...

This is a good time to add that if I didn't challenge and re-challenge  and challenge yet again beliefs I had about myself, I would never have run a single step. Just. Sayin'.

Feeling stuck? Take a few minutes to reflect and reassess. It might be time to realign or carve out a new path entirely!

Speaking of stuck in a whole different way, check out what I stuck in my plants:

Yes. I do know how fabulous those are!!

And, tomorrow? We bundle up to run!! I'll check in after thawing from the morning run!

Custom Run

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 171 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 861.2 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $54.63

Okay, so here's how it went down today:

I planned to run four miles, but three sounded much better. So, I did that.

In the first half mile, I ran past a mom and her little one waiting at a bus stop. The boy asked her, "What's she doing?" The mom said, "She's jogging." The boy asked, "Why?" I could only think, "Out of the mouths of babes ..."

Then, a quarter mile later, I saw a used diaper that had been discarded on the side of the road, and I could then only think, "Out of the butts of babes ..."

Soon thereafter, I thought I almost stepped on a baby frog ...

... until further investigation showed it was just a blob of mud.

Ooooo, then I saw this:

It's the tree from yesterday just at a different angle. Sweeeeeeeet stuff, there, Fall!

Today's route was happily altered to accommodate paying our electric bill. I figured if I was going to run past the building, I may as well multi-task.

I bet they loved that I was all sweaty and gross. I kept my distance. And, I definitely remembered to get my receipt.

Always get a receipt. One time, I handed my bill and payment
right to the cashier person, and we ended up with a "Did you
forget to pay your bill?" note in our mailbox. Ummm ... no ...
Fortunately, they believed us and didn't charge us a late fee.
Can you see this penny-picker-upper handling it well if
charged a late fee for something she wasn't late doing? Yowza.

So, the outing was customized, productive and pretty refreshing. 'Not a bad way to start a Wednesday! But, it's not how I'm starting Thursday as it's Rest Day tomorrow! I will check in, though, so I'll see you then!

Reflection Of All That Is Me

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 170 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 858.2 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $54.61
 

I've often said my running is a total reflection of my life. Somehow, it's the one thing that pulls together, in one place and at one time, everything about what makes me up, and then it spits out the result for all to see. That's been both good and bad, but who's keeping score?

I thought about this notion today as I set out on my run. My back issue from yesterday was better this morning, but it still lingers. I can't decide if that particular spot on my back is a release to peace or my personal portal to hell. I'd prefer the former, and would further prefer the process speed up and send the stress a'steppin' ... Anyway, given how I was feeling, I did question what running would do to my back: make it better, or make it worse. But, even though I wondered, there was no question I was going to try. And, there is most certainly a day when I wouldn't have even considered going for fear of making it worse further fearing what that would mean for how I'd feel the rest of the week, what I would or wouldn't be able to do, blah blah and BLAH. That Nancy lived uber-conservatively which is a cover story for fear of (fill in the blank). Whether it worked for me at the time or not is irrelevant: It doesn't work anymore. So, today, I hit the streets.

There was quite a wind biting at my fingers, but it was a beautiful morning. I'm glad I didn't miss it! And, from the onset, my back felt perfectly fine to take on the run, so there was no worry there. In fact, the more I move, the better it feels, so running was probably the best decision I could have made. I wound up walking a stint or two to restart after waiting for traffic lights or from picking up a few scattered pennies. I could have immediately jumped back into pace, but I didn't have to. So, I didn't. Ohhh the power I wield ...

I also just stood and looked at this scene because it's one of my favorite spots around here:

 

And, I certainly enjoyed seeing these ...

... even though I couldn't help but think they look like they're trying to bust out of jail.

Tomorrow morning holds another run wrapped in the promise of another beautiful morning. I'll be out there! And, I'll check in after ... see you then ...



Let Go

Okay, so my Monday started off well mentally but not physically as a specific spot in my back seems to have collected all of the stressors of late, and it's letting me know it. The good thing is I'm pretty certain I'm feeling the pain as it releases itself (for real; this ain't my first rodeo on this process). It's like that spot in my back takes it for the team until the issue is wrapped up. Then it goes buck wild on itself to get rid of the residuals.

And, while the physical part of this takes place, I continue to work the mental side ...

Sometimes, we go too far, don't we? An excellent reminder ...

My fingers are crossed that my back does what it has to do to be better tomorrow ... I have a run scheduled, after all, and I want to do it! So, here we are on Monday off and running -- literally or figuratively -- for the week!! Let's do this the very best we can!! I'll check in tomorrow with the progress!

More Than the Run

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 169 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 853.8 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $54.42
 

First thing's first: A BIG, HUGE SHOUT OUT to my friend/virtual running partner extraordinaire Mary Kate for completing another Half Marathon!! YAHOO!! SO PROUD OF YOU!! She and I have dreams of running one together, but I have to say I'm glad it wasn't this one because the medal was beer themed. And, I hate beer. But, I love Mary Kate, so bling it up, baby !!!

There wasn't much blingy nor bright and shiny about me this morning when I got up for my run. In fact, I kept putting it off ... and, off ... and, off ... Yeah, it was that kind of morning, and I was all kinds of tired. I even took advantage of the fact that I'm reasonably certain* I'm ahead of the game on my mileage goal, and I altered my route to go 3.1 miles instead of almost 4. I just didn't particularly want to go.

"But I did, mommy!! *sigh*"

* reasonably certain: now, that's good math.

Sorry, surly dog, but I'm still making sure she's actually all better this time instead of fake-out better like I discovered last time I took her out. And, to that end, surly girl stayed home while I headed out.

It was oh-so-very warm this morning. We're talking shorts and short sleeves, no question about it kind of weather. I'm not really down with that at the end of October as I love cool and cold temps, but I decided to enjoy its merits since that's what I was handed. I can't articulate what they were, but I can say it was a perfectly lovely outing.

While out, I saw the redest (is that a word?) mum I've ever seen ...

... and, toward the end of the run, there was that gust of breeze that makes the leaves fall from the trees.

It's impossible to see what was happening, but there were little leaves just showering down. It was like a snow storm. And, it was fabulous. I noticed just how many leaves had fallen in the past few days, and it reminded me of one of my favorite pics from when the young Crewers were even younger:

The run was worth recalling this picture alone! I always start my run for the run; I tend to end it having gotten so much more than that!

Tomorrow, we rest, regroup and launch into another week! Here's to hoping we can all launch with as much enthusiasm as Pit Crew #2 up there! She still does ...

See you tomorrow ...

Simple Enough

Happy Saturday!! As you know, I was soooooooo itchin' to get this weekend business started, and it has been all I hoped for! I hope the same is the case for you!

Today has been full of traditions, and we capped our evening off with one I not only love but am thankful we all still dive into ...

It's "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Game!!!"

I'm pretty certain the game is targeted for the ages of 3-5, but I could not possibly care less! The object is for one of the characters to obtain his or her Halloween costume, collect 5 candy cards and get back to the start before anyone else. Of course, there are ways to steal others' candy, lose what you've obtained and/or draw the "Invitation" card that allows you to bypass the candy requirement. In any of those cases, mayhem ensues, so be careful if you ever play. (Or, if you're Aaron, you draw the "Invitation" card and do the same dance Charlie Brown did when he received his on the show. True story.)

Of course, I could not have introduced this game now and expected it to take hold, but, as we've been playing for years, it's a must when Halloween rolls around!

And, playing by the Snoopy Great Pumpkin lights only adds to the ambiance ...

OF COURSE I have Snoopy Great Pumpkin lights!

It's the simple things. For real, the simple things are exactly what keep life rolling in the most peaceful way!! Traditions are peaceful to me, too. So, this was the perfect evening combo!

Do what paves a way to peace in your daily life, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Let's Just Do This So We Can Get To the Weekend!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 168 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 850.7 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $54.42
 

I know I'm not alone when I say I'm ready call for the weekend to begin!! But, before totally jumping in, there were some things to do today including taking a whirl around some streets!

It was foggy and gray and damp this morning, and I didn't expect any of it! I often enjoy gray days, but I wasn't in the mood today as it was totally uninspiring! I think I was just uninspired in general, though, as I caught myself mid-run trying to remember most of the week. And, just when I decided to start with trying to even remember what I had for dinner last night, I saw that someone wasn't too terribly pleased with theirs ...

From afar, I kept seeing pieces of what turned out to be a
completely smashed, ceramic plate covered in red sauce ...

... complete with the fork. Someone was displeased ...

I've seen a lot of really random or unexpected things while running. This one told a better story (even if I'm completely wrong) than most anything else including when I came upon that bag of pot.

Right after this culinary crime scene, the money scoping went from zero to 38 cents over the next two miles which always inspires me to stay more alert. And, while the scenery on the route did little to nothing for me, I made sure I took it in on the way home:

Today's run didn't feel like the burned-out status I'm sure it sounds. It was exactly the opposite, actually, as it felt like I was gearing up again especially after Wednesday's walkathon! I'm not one to bolt out of any gate, so today's run made some sense. And, so did the ice cold Diet Coke I enjoyed immediately after!

And, now? It's what we've been waiting for ... have a great start to your weekend, and I'll check in from there!

House Keeping

It's almost Friday!! Wheeeeee! I hope your Thursday was spent exactly the way you wanted!! Mine most certainly was!! My morning was full of more fun than I probably deserved but I took anyway, my afternoon was full of minimal-but-necessary accomplishment as I welcomed family home one by one, and the evening is meant for some chill time ... ahhhh ...

The running topic slipped into mind today for only a wee bit in terms of upcoming plans and decisions. First, the Thanksgiving Virtual Cupcake run was cancelled due to low registration, but that opened up two other virtual run possibilities I am now pondering. And, you can bet my ultimate decision is going to come down to the medal -- I'm pretty sure the only reason I'm hesitating is because one of the races is for a great cause, and the one with the awesome medal, well, I'm not even sure where the money goes, but CHECK OUT THE MEDAL!

Suhhh-weeeeeeet ... You can have one for yourself if you check out the race here!

My intention was to run a virtual 10K. But, hey, if this says 5, then I might just have to follow direction. hahahaha For real, who wouldn't want a medal with a turkey that over ate on it?!

In random info, I really don't like pie. But, I do like the medal.

Why am I acting like I don't know what run I'm doing when I totally dig that fat turkey?!?!

I also like the new Snoopy fabric I found at the store today!

It's perfect for Elly's Spring fashion, don'tcha think? My friend Cindy was with me upon finding, and she agreed also noting how smashing Elly looks in orange. She's totally right, so I HAD to buy it.

OH. In OTHER running news, I made my final decision about my April Half aspirations, and I'm headed back to the GO! St. Louis race!! I'm pretty stoked about it, too! You might remember I was debating between that one and the Rock the Parkway Half, both of which are on the same weekend in 2015, so I actually had to choose instead of picking by default the one that landed on an open-for-us weekend. I actually made my final decision while in route running in the Cowbell Half as I listened to a number of people around me talking about their past races, many of whom were complaining about how much the GO course sucks. The logistical points they made were totally valid, but I didn't feel their pain. And, something about that made me feel good.

Don't get me wrong, I've done my fair share of complaining about it. But it's nothing that has made me say, "Oh, hell no, not that one again!" (RTP will forever be in bitter question for a return because I was not alone in feeling duped over the not-actually-flat-but-we're-saying-it-is course billing; at least the GO people are all, "Yeah, there's this 2-mile uphill portion that blows, but, heads up, you know what you're signing on for." I can respect the honesty!). I can also respect how I feel when I'm at the top. Total Stud. Everyone who gets to the top of their affectionately named Holy Hill is. Just sayin'.

SO. The upcoming races house keeping is pretty clean right now. At least for today. And, tomorrow? It's time to keep running ... see you after ...!

Do What You Gotta Do

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 167 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 848.3 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $54.04
 

My "duh" moment of the day, because, yes, I find myself having them at least once a day, was when I realized of course  Elly wasn't ready to run yesterday because she's older than I am in dog years. Seeing as it takes me weeks at best to recover from any random injury and months if we're talking muscle issues, then there's no way I could have expected her to take it to the streets yesterday and have her walk away unscathed.

Let's say it together: DUH.

If I didn't know there was something wrong, I wouldn't be able to look at her today and see any issue. And, she's certainly acting normal. But, I know better. She's still sidelined for a couple of weeks. Even then, she needs to go through a build-up process.

To ease her woes of being left behind today, I gave her her new bandana. She looooooves new bandana time!

"Yes! Yes! Take my picture! But, let me
first shake my hair in the wind like all of
the other models do. They learned it from
me, you know."

"Okay, ready! CHEESE!!"

Elly most definitely enjoyed her wardrobe change more than I did my outing. I did enjoy the outside time even though the wind was just brisk enough to bite at my ears which I do not enjoy. But, my legs felt like lead. I wanted to do the distance, but I didn't want to run all of it. So, I didn't, and I chose to walk a lot of it instead. It was the perfect compromise in my opinion.

I was talking to a friend of mine last night who, just last week, completed her first Half Marathon. She is one who is much more inclined to read up on anything she undertakes before and during the undertaking (which I am just not). So, it was no surprise to me that she was way ahead of where I was right after my first in terms of keeping expectations in perspective and actually embracing the wisdom that exists, if you just look for it, including the wisdom of incorporating walking into your running. Within our conversation, we figured out we'd both independently read the same article supporting the walking strategy (right here!), and I couldn't help but think how much better off my friend was by gathering up different kinds of information, thinking and incorporating it rather than putting unrealistic expectations on herself that she would probably have to later undo.

I don't look back and necessarily wish I'd done my launch any other way than I did as I did the absolute best I could at the time. But, I fully admit (and always have) that there were probably better ways -- at least ways that I didn't require an ego repair now and then! And, you know by now I'm way past giving a rat's patootie if I end up walking a stint here or there. To be honest, sometimes it's the walk break that keeps me going longer.

Today's outing was a decent one with lovely Fall scenery ...

... but, I couldn't be happier that tomorrow is scheduled for rest!!

Do the best with what you have today, and I'll check in tomorrow ...!

Almost Perfect

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 166 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 843.50 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 351.3 Money Found For Food Bank: $53.90
 

Boy, did Elly enjoy her return-to-running this morning ...

"Hey, mommy, remember when I was totally afraid of the
sound dry leaves made when they crunched?! No more!"

... until she didn't. She's been sidelined for a week since tweaking something in her leg last week, but she's spent every day since then dancing around and acting quite normal. It seemed a week was plenty to let her return to the run, especially when I was committed to taking it at only her pace, but, it seems I was wrong. She was good for the first few miles, but the last one was too much, and the limp returned from out of nowhere. So, guess who's back on the sidelines until after Halloween ... Poor baby.

YIKES is right! *sigh*

Um, aside from the return to injury for the poor pooch, the run was really good. Good stash of cash found, perfect weather, good company. Indeed, it was almost perfect.

I carry on tomorrow with Elly at home cheering me which is a whole other way to say pouting. By the way, just as a status check, I realized today I have only 156 miles to go to hit 1,000 ... while I'm happy to see the likelihood of the goal coming to fruition, I can't deny I also had the following thought: "Hey, I think I'm far enough ahead of myself that I can schedule a few extra days off!" Just bein' real!

I'm off to give some extra hugs to my trainer as she rests her leg, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Exactly

HappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappy

Welcome to the new week!! I know weeks actually start on Sunday, but, don't we really count Monday as the beginning? I know I do!

It's been quite a day already. So many of the deep thoughts of late culminated over the weekend, thanks to an epiphany or two during yesterday's run. And, this morning, everything felt almost new ...

When I started running, it was a challenge like none other I'd taken on physically. And, while it felt huge (Me? Running ?!), I knew it was doable if I could tap in to the core of what makes me up. I knew I had it in me, but some very specific life trials zapped my energy and clouded my confidence over time replacing it with reacting to the immediate, living urgently and scrambling to put pieces together where there were pieces missing. I had gone in to a perpetual problem-solving mode that did nothing more than define my life as problematic. And, I hated that.

The better part of my life has been a dichotomy between unsolvable problems (hence the problem-solving mode that felt too natural to be, well, natural) and a robust, happy world full of good. Only by the grace of God was I able to see the good alongside the negative. I never lost sight of the good, but it has been a life-long struggle to keep the craze at bay so as not to let it override the good. That's the kind of push-pull that can drive a girl to drink. If I weren't so cheap, I might have done just that.

I knew I needed to tap back into the successful, life-loving core of strategies I know myself to possess if I was to live the rich, full life I intended. And, dammit, I intended!! I had those strategies on full-throttle for a nice block of time. I knew what they looked and felt like. Better yet, I knew the results they produced, and I was determined to find and unleash them again! Little did I know lacing up and heading out would start me on my way to find me again.

"It's kind of like when you found me, mommy. You didn't see
me coming, but we were meant to be. *SLURP!* "

It turns out my running has been my inner core unfolding, little by little, providing a path on which I can re-pattern and reframe the rest of my life. Most notably, running has stripped me down to the most raw, most honest representation of myself where I've had to own every, single step for exactly what each is, good or bad. And, I've loved every minute, good or bad, because it's exactly me where I am at that point on that day. I'm not a fan of drama (understatement of the century), hiding nor exaggerating. So, I have been able to take a close look as to why any run was good or bad (or, not and just carry on; that works, too). And, the more honest I am with myself, the better I feel. There's nowhere to hide anyway. And, I don't want to. Hiding is the worst. Trying to hide mountains is insane.

Through this running gig, I have felt so much more like me again because I decide what's right and wrong for me. I accept (and love!) cheers, but I solicit no input. Running is a nice, quiet place in my soul where I can remember and see who I am.

Running came to me at a time where there were a handful of external, problematic mountains in front of me. What a crazy time to take on something I'd never accomplished and had, actually, let defeat me a number of times previously, right? Over the years, while running has allowed me to see exactly me again, that has also translated into allowing me to see what's in front of me for exactly what it is. No scrambling. No justifying. No hoping. Just real. I can now identify some of those problematic mountains as insurmountable, and I have let them go. Other mountains have been whittled to the hills they should have been in the first place. In both cases, I've released myself from putting back together pieces I didn't break in the first place -- not because I've run away from them, but because I ran directly at them.

Never did I dream I needed to run. It's a good thing to need.

Start your week off exactly the way you need, and I'll check in after the morning run ...

It's a Good Thing I Don't Need Much Of My Brain To Run

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 165 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 838.7 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 346.50 Money Found For Food Bank: $53.63
 

How is it that the more active a kid is in organized activities, the more sedentary the adults are as they support and cheer? I am super-in-touch with this notion today, and my butt is none too happy about it. I'm just sayin'.

I'm also saying that if I didn't have a mileage goal I want to hit for the year, I would not have gone running today. No ifs, ands or buts, that is exactly what made me roll out of bed after a really draining day yesterday! And, thanks to yesterday, my butt let me know it wasn't too terribly happy about running today. Fair enough, neither was I!

Oh, and then there are my feet. Now, my feet are totally fine as far as yesterday is concerned, but I was only a mile into the run when they got on the crabbin' wagon. All I could think was how I need new shoes (which is totally true), only to come home and see the following picture ...

... and realize I was so mentally exhausted that I didn't realize I'd put on and ran with the wrong shoes. Oh, and there is no point in time, from putting them on to taking them off to any time in between, where I realized it. It took seeing the picture. Oh, and those shoes are not cut out for running anymore. Gee, I wonder why my feet hurt?

How many times am I going to use the word 'realize' in two sentences? I think my brain is still quite tired ...

That picture would have been captioned, "Well, if you're gonna hand it to me ..." as I had come across a random spray of coins (sweet!!). That caption got trumped by, "Hey, 'wonder why your feet hurt, fool!"

In other initial ideas that went to the wayside, I would like to report that I came across a pair of scissors while running, too. They were just right there next to a sidewalk, and I thought to myself, "Oh my gosh how funny would it be if I brought them with me and then said I was literally running with scissors!" only to immediately think, "Oh my gosh that's the stupidest idea ever," and I left them where they were. See? There was one wise idea this morning!

It took me exactly as long to finish this run as I planned, but that means I used my time plus my built-in buffer time. I'm saying it was pretty slow. I'm also saying I'm impressed I could actually get through it at all, so I have nothing to be bummed about. Except for my sore feet. I am bummed about that because they didn't deserve such treatment. But, now they and my butt have similar things to talk about. Like, how much they hate me.

And, tomorrow? We rest! I'll check in then ... enjoy the rest of Sunday however you're spending it!

From the Mouths of Canines

HAPPY WEEKEND!! I'm so very glad it's Saturday ... and, it's a well-timed Rest Day to boot!

My thoughts this week (well, really, for a couple of weeks ... months ... years ...) have been deep and heavy, and I'm getting kind of tired of it. So, while I make the efforts I need to tidy them up and get back to life business the way I like it, I wanted to share today's bottom-line sentiment:

No further words needed! -- except that of course it's a life lesson from a dog. That's what they do.

Enjoy every part of your Saturday, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Now and Later

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 164 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 834.9 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 346.50 Money Found For Food Bank: $53.35
 

Running this morning was the perfect way to wrap up a pretty tough week. Not much felt right this week from people stuff to the dog injury, but I was determined to have the end of the week finish better than it started. Mission accomplished!

And, I found this starfish and sea horse. Banner day!

Of course I didn't bring Elly with me, and, of course, she didn't understand that decision. But, her lack of understanding of the bigger picture went along with the over-arching theme of my week, so she fit right in.

That gets all of us now and then doesn't it? -- The notion of not understanding how the now impacts the later. It's a concept repeatedly visited in our home-o-teenagers, and the only effective strategy I have been able to employ has been to tap into the concept of trusting me rather than trying to make them see around a corner they have no concept even exists. By and large, the strategy works because I've worked tirelessly on our relationships rather than on tasks. And, then I do something stupid like slip into too-many-words mode, and I just know we're going to be revisiting the topic at hand because I just blew it. As in tune as I am with forethought and the ability to foresee potential outcomes, I certainly still get lost in the now sometimes, too!

I was pondering this concept while out running this morning as I altered my original plan for no other reason than because I could. I didn't have Elly with me which opens up different routes and distance. I had the time, so I decided to capitalize on a little more distance. That gave me time to think about the struggles of the week and how the underlying theme has been a loss of focus on a bigger picture (or, in the teen case, not even getting the bigger picture is there ... I'm here to escort you, my little ones!!). Running can get like that, too, which is why I've made it bigger than its steps. I have personal goals, some of which make no real sense to anyone but me, and I have perpetual hope of finding money for the Food Bank. In between, I take advantage of some of the only time I have to just breathe.

And, sometimes, I alter the altered plan entirely, and I stop at a garage sale:

I stopped because I could. What better way to add variety to a
run? By the way, if you are looking for your own copy of "A
Field Guide To Monsters," I know where you can get one ...

Any part of life approached as just the task at hand rather than seeing it for more than its face value is eventually going to be a drag. Think of the things you enjoy the most, those things that feed your soul and seep out of every pore. Those things that energize you. Those things you gush about when you speak. You know what I'm talking about.

Fortunately, we're complex beings with a huge capacity to be fueled by so many wonderful people and experiences if we want to be. I know I do! Elly does, too, although she's not quite as complex, so her gush factors are more limited. I'm honored to be one of them, though ...

... because she's one of mine!

No running tomorrow! It's going to be a good day to relax the legs and soak in some Fall! Have a great start to your weekend, and I'll check in tomorrow ...!

Good News Of the Day

Of all of the things I could talk about today, the most important topic I have is to report that Elly is doing just fine after yesterday's unfortunate butt kick/leg tweak combo!

"Hells-yeahhh I'm doing better, mommy!
Whatarewedoingnow?Wherearewegoing?
We'regoingsomewhere,right?Youandme?"

She still has a bit of a limp going on with her front leg, so she's sidelined again for at least a week. But, all signs point to her healing up without issue!!

I'll venture out solo in the morning and get back to you after the morning run! In the meantime, let's hear it for Elly!! WAHOOOOOOO!!! The girl and her waggy tail are doing just fine !!

Unsuspecting Pooch

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Days Run: 163 Nancy's 2014 Mileage: 829.3 Elly's 2014 Mileage: 346.50 Money Found For Food Bank: $53.13

The moon's still there; why am I up?

Within the first 10 minutes of waking up, there is nothing that sounds worse than going for a run. To be fair, the only thing that sounds awesome during that time is 'going back to bed,' so it really isn't about the running. Running doesn't appreciate being the morning scapegoat. In fact, if it could talk, running's response to my emotional state would be, "Oh, right, it's me. Because getting up and working sounds great right now? And, how 'bout that shower ... you just know that's going to feel fabulous? And, don't even get me started about how excited you must be having to get out from under the covers to go to the bathroom! Get up, soldier, stop the drama and get to steppin'!!"
Running can get a little angry when it feels disrespected.

I will report, though, that running disrespected my dog today. From out of nowhere came a little yelp! from Elly, and, the next thing I knew, she was limping. AGAIN. Didn't we just do that this summer? The yelp was way quieter than before when she tweaked her back leg, but she most definitely had some unfortunate step or turn or ... something. She continued on pretty well (unlike last time when the run was o.v.e.r.), but she had to dig a little deeper in the last quarter mile.

"This kind of sucks, mommy."

Oh, and then check this crap out ... So, there we were, jogging along, when I hit a sidewalk jut. Even though I thankfully didn't fall, it's never a great thing to nail one of those. It's even worse when the aftermath of it makes you kick.your.dog. It was a lightening-fast chain reaction: foot met sidewalk jut while other foot lost stability in its swift -- and, might I add 'involuntary and impulsive -- effort to lunge forward and catch me before falling only to kick dog. AAAAAAAA!! I am under no impression it physically hurt her, but it was terribly surprising. And, being a dog, I know it hurt her heart a little bit. OUCH.

She finished like a champ, but she was done. You can see it all over her sweet face.

"I'm just over it today, mommy."

Tomorrow's a break from running, and I think we both need it! Elly's about to get a good handful of days in rest mode; her leg clearly stiffens up after her many stretches of naps, so she's been limping around here this morning. It's been a day of extra hugs and kisses for her! I'll check in tomorrow with what just has to be a better day!! See you then ...