Chihuahuas: You've Been Warned.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 94.2 (running: 59.3; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $16.35

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (for the love of all that is good in this world ... We need a name!!): Nancy: 94.2  Aaron: 78.5 (b: 65.2; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 187.2

The only forecast I heard all day yesterday called for rain today starting at 4 p.m. Right before I fell asleep, though, Aaron was looking at a forecast and said, "Rain tomorrow. Fifty percent chance starting at 9 a.m." Pit Crew #2 and I planned our run that would end between 9-9:15 a.m., so I decided to roll the dice ... and, run prepared with a sandwich bag to protect the camera if need be. No need to get up earlier on a Saturday to beat the 50% chance. And, I'm pretty sure there was no way I was going to motivate PC#2 out of bed any earlier than absolutely required.

Seeing as you couldn't have pried me out of bed to go running at her age, I figured a little rain wouldn't hurt us!

We were good to go at our start time even though,as soon as we walked out the door, PC#2 was purposely dramatic about being cold. She wasn't wrong as I was quite chilly myself. But, I knew that would change within the first mile, so I let her complain because it made me giggle. She's cold all the time, so any variation - particularly paired with humor - on her state of being is welcomed!

Little did I know we'd both be in the mood to cruise this morning. I mean, we took off like a shot once we got our stride ...

Unexpected speed and selfies along the way ... what a deal!
Oh, wait ... I missed part of PC#2, but I did catch an awesome
look for my hair! NICE! Anyway, let's try this again ...

THERE she is!

We knocked out our first mile in such a way that I slowed us down a wee bit from there. PC#2 was all, "I'm good (at this speed) if you're good," to which I responded, "Um, we have more than half of the route to go ..." I'm not sure she made the direct connection of not busting out at the start, but we pulled back the perfect amount that we lost no steam from that point 'til we stopped. That was pretty sweet.

When we were just about at the half-way point, we heard a hawk just having a fit at anything and everything it saw. Including us.

It would not shut up. I was glad I wasn't in one of the houses right below it trying to sleep because that sucker was loud and had plenty to say! PC#2 and I hadn't been chatting much up to that point, so I about lost it when she broke our silence by looking at the hawk and stating, "Don't let your chihuahuas out, folks."

Seriously, for one of the sweetest, kindest people you could ever hope to meet, the girl has a dark side.

As it often happens, she and I get to a certain point in our run, and we go from not talking at all to not stopping the chatter. I like it both ways which is a huge evolution for me as I used to not want any chatting whatsoever while running. That started because, frankly, I couldn't have talked if I wanted to when I first started. It continued because I liked the solitude. And, now, I'm happy with both the solo run and the company as long as I can strike a balance. We call that: Growth.

We wrapped up our chit-chat and our run with a nickel in my pocket, the slightest hint of sprinkles beginning and warm hugs from the boys at today's meeting spot! I got a bonus ... a pink prize from my Valentine!

Just moments after wrapping it all up, the sprinkles picked up in manner that would have soaked us in minutes. I guess that power surge at the beginning of the run was a nice, instinctive gift!

There's no question about it, running with my girl is always a great way to start my weekend! And, in a great way to wrap up this first month of 2014, Aaron, Elly and I successfully logged enough miles to keep us right on track with a bit of a buffer for our 2,015 in 2015 challenge! Sweet!

And, tomorrow? It's Super Bowl time!!!! I have some kitchen plans that I'll share while anxiously awaiting my seat to cheer on the Seahawks!! No running tomorrow, just cheering! Thanks for checking in today; I'll see you tomorrow!

Kitchen Math

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 89.7 (running: 54.8; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $16.30

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (for the love of all that is good in this world ... We need a name!!): Nancy: 89.7  Aaron: 78.5 (b: 65.2; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 182.7

This is a fabulous funny for Friday (from the Run the Edge Facebook page):

Okay, so, today being a Rest Day, I didn't lap anyone on any couch, nor did I utilize a scooter couch. Aaron, however, logged some miles on the bike, so someone around here did do something today!

And, before anything else, I'd like to report that while Elly is still limping a bit, she is definitely progressing in her recovery from yesterday's unfortunate fall-off-the-stairs moment. HOORAY! She won't be running (or even going on an walk) soon, but I'm thankful to see normal progress!!

Okay, let's get to it: One teeny bit of housekeeping about the Oatmeal To Go Squares ... (I promise it's important or I wouldn't keep going on about them!) When I first saw the recipe, it read "43 calories per serving (meaning one muffin/cupcake size). Then, the recipe I used read, "143 calories per serving." THAT not only seemed wrong given the ingredients, but it was also way too high of a calorie count to bother making them (for me). So, I pulled out all of the ingredients that I actually used and did the math. A 'cupcake' size serving of mine is between 66 and 70 calories each. Which is way better than 143. Because then I can eat double. hahahahaha Anyway, doing the math on my own ingredients has been worthwhile in the past (and often results in lower counts than the recipe describes). I just like to know what I'm eating.

Speaking of things that are yummy where I also had to recalculate the calorie count (which went up, and I make no apologies for it), check these out:

Hungry for a s'more? Well, Hungry Girl had an answer! Here's the original recipe for her Gimme Gimme S'mores Sandwiches:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet (4 crackers) low-fat honey graham crackers
• 1/4 Cup Cool Whip Free, thawed
• 1 teaspoon mini, semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 8 miniature marshmallows

Directions:

• Break graham cracker sheet into two squares. Set aside. 
• In a small bowl, lightly stir together whipped topping, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Don't over-stir.
• Place one graham cracker square on a plate, and top with whipped-topping mixture. Lightly place the other square on top.
• Freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Store in the freezer until ready to serve. Enjoy!

PER SERVING (entire recipe, 1 sandwich): 133 calories, 2.5g fat, 99mg sodium, 26g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 11.5g sugars, 1g protein

 

These take about 5 minutes to put together. Freeze for at least an hour. They're easier to eat. (Unless you are us last night when I forgot to make them, so we threw all of the ingredients in a bowl and ate them unassembled. That totally worked, too!)

 

Okay, by my picture, you can already see a difference. Allow me to 'splain ...

 

I made the original recipe as directed. It was good, but there was no taste of chocolate whatsoever. Those little mini chips weren't doing it for me, and changing them to regular-sized chips would not have mattered. So, I opted to go for a chocolate drizzle (Hershey's syrup in a bottle, at your service), and it is delish!

 

So, my amendments are (making four) ...

• Honey graham crackers, yes; low-fat variety -- I have no idea where to even find them. Mine are the regular kind.
• Cool Whip Free, absolutely. But, I use 1/2 Cup for all four. 1/4 Cup each was way too cumbersome on every level for me.
• Swap the chocolate chips for a total of 2 Tablespoons of chocolate syrup; 1 Tablespoon on the inside over the fluff and before putting on the top cracker, and one Tablespoon drizzled over all.
• 8 mini marshmallows. Perfect amount as-is, not too many, not too few.

As I said, my calorie count goes up from Hungry Girl's 133 to 213. And, none of us care. They're perfect. As Pit Crew #3 said the other night, when I mentioned I was glad he liked them: "Mom. It's whipped cream, chocolate and marshmallow. What's not to like?!"

 

And, so it is.

 

It's off to wind down this part of Friday and slip into the evening mode! I even have a crockpot meatloaf going on in the kitchen ready for everyone to get home and swap stories at the dinner table (man, I am on it in the kitchen this week! It's not something to get used to ...)! Have a great wind-down of your week, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Again?!?!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 89.7 (running: 54.8; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $16.30

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (for the love of all that is good in this world ... We need a name!!): Nancy: 89.7  Aaron: 69.2 (b: 55.9; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 173.4

Elly was again hopeful to join me this morning, but she didn't bother getting off the couch to ask. Because, why get up if it's going to be for nothing?

"What if I just look interested and cute instead of following
you around today ... will that work?!"

The wind is what worked to Elly's advantage today. You see, the weather report was that it was 40 degrees out, but there was a wind going on that made it feel like it was 22! It's that same, darned wind that woke us up at 3 a.m., so I wasn't surprised, but I wasn't inspired, either, to run.

I considered my options for a few minutes and actually landed on the idea to just bike instead of running. But, I really wanted to go outside, so the bike wasn't exactly calling my name. Then, I just knew having Elly with me to run would be a happy distraction from the elements. Even if not, I vowed to not go a full 4 miles to make sure Elly didn't overdo it, so, together, I figured we'd have a great time!

As it was, we did have a fun time together! I routed us so Elly wouldn't run alongside traffic (because she's a scaredy pants), and that helped move things along. At one point, though, she kept pulling to the left, even seeming to defy my "This way!" command to which she normally immediately responds. It took me a second, but I figured out she wasn't being defiant; she was being blown by the wind. For real.

After seeing what was happening to her ears at a recent stop light ...

... you'd think I might have anticipated this!

In addition to wind navigation, Elly got a lesson in maneuvering the parking lot obstacle course in the name of finding treasure ...

She got through it like a boss! And, we found a few pennies there ... thirty-nine cents total for the run!

It was such fun to be with her again!

And, then we got home where she went down the stairs from deck only to end up missing the bottom step and falling into the grass. That'll hurt a dog's leg. Oh, yes ... front leg hurt again.

"Dammit!!!"

Yes, it was back to the couch for the next many hours. Not that that's different from most days, but still. Poor puppy ...

In housekeeping news, I just checked, and I'm going to wrap up January only about 2 miles behind my January 2014 mileage total. That was some good news as I feel 'behind' in terms of keeping a steady pace for my year-end total goal. I'm not a fan of feeling behind because I don't like having to catch up on anything that's avoidable. (In a total fyi, last year at this point, I'd found $8.93 ... I've nearly doubled that this year! Luck has been on my side!)

Shifting topics but also of the housekeeping variety, Aaron confirmed his delight of the Baked Oatmeal squares as they are. No tweaking required, but he's totally on board with adding things in. Duh, because he's Aaron. I had two more squares from the toaster for breakfast today ... I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to them, too!! Don't you love when you find that thing you can't wait to have?!

Alrighty ... tomorrow's a rest from running, so that's just what we'll do! I'll check in with some Friday biz, so I'll see you then!

Over the Hump!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 85.9 (running: 51; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $15.91

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (for the love of all that is good in this world ... We need a name!!): Nancy: 85.9  Aaron: 69.2 (b: 55.9; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 169.6

Elly thought she would have a better chance of joining me on a run today if she used her very best manners. So, she quietly followed me around all morning, then she posed in her very best posture to demonstrate discipline and readiness:

"I crossed my paws like a lady
and everything ..."

It didn't work, but I got a great dose of cute to start my day!

It was a good run, indeed, full of sunshine and shiny money (yay!) as well as chock full of wind (boo) and weather fluctuations I can't seem to keep up with. The warmer morning and sun in its glory brought out the best in people today, many of whom liked noting to me, "Feels good out today, huh?!" as I passed. It's nice how people emerge both physically and in friendliness when the weather allows for outdoor time for the masses! I'll enjoy these mornings and the people they bring while they're here because it's supposed to make another big turn for the cold by the time Monday rolls around!

Clearly, it's not as cold as a freezer out there right now ...

I spared you of the to-go box of what looked like dinner in
re-run form and, instead, offer what I don't often see: Ice
cream cone melting in the street! Don't they know they threw
away the best part of the cone? Who's with me on that one?!

It was the normal 4 1/2-mile loop, and all was well. I enjoy this route, but I will also enjoy the variety the training schedule tends to bring. I'm a creature of habit, so I definitely get myself hunkered down in pretty staunch routine. It's both good and bad. Mostly good. But, I'm ready for something to force me out of it ... training starting Monday will take care of that!

I wanted to make sure no one ate the
centerpiece. Because it's the same
candy I had in that dish last year.
The exact same candy.

Quick kitchen update: So, the family tried the recipes from yesterday. To no surprise at all, the Pumpkin Crunch was a big hit to all! To my big surprise, everyone was on board at least to some degree with the Baked Oatmeal To Go. (My biggest surprise was Pit Crew #3; he ate a mini muffin, gave me the, "Not bad" nod and statement, and that was that. I know that nod; it should be called, "Not bad, but I'm not going to eat any.") Pit Crew #2 took a bite and immediately said, "That's a good base. What can we put on it?" She went on to dress another with some Nutella, and then she added a dollop of plain Greek yogurt plus a bit of the Pumpkin Crunch to another. She thumbs-upped both creations!

As for me: I was in a time crunch at breakfast this morning, so while I made my usual eggs, I popped two of the To Go squares in the toaster, and I put it on a darker-than-lighter setting. When toasted, I put about an eighth of a teaspoon of Smart Balance butter on each, they were *perfect*. Their edges were crunchy, they were yummy warm, and they were delish! That was my kind of thing! So, there are some other ideas for this recipe -- I think it needs to be a wee bit personalized*, and we figured out good ways to do that for us! I don't doubt there are more to come!

* I watched Aaron go straight to the container and pop one of the squares in his mouth right when he came home from work. I suspect his bottom-line vote is: No personalization required!

Speaking of more, tomorrow is more running! I'll check in after!

Domestic Goddess At Work

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 81.4 (running: 46.5; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $15.55

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (seriously ... name!!): Nancy: 81.4  Aaron: 69.2 (b: 55.9; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 165.1

I'm ready to put the Winter decs behind
us and get on with Valentine's Day!

I have been nothing short of a domestic goddess today. With a morning that started much earlier than usual, and no running on the schedule, I knew I'd have some extra time to do such things as put around some Valentine decorations, reveal the real color of my furniture by dusting, and take some time to experiment in the kitchen! I've been poking around quite a bit lately not only looking for fast-but-healthy dinner options but also for options along the snack lines. I found one that I think is great as it is and one that is good but could probably use a tweak! Both are totally worth passing along, so here you go!

First, the one that I need to store in serving sizes or the whole thing will be g.o.n.e.

From The Canyon Ranch Kitchen, Pumpkin Crunch:

Ohhh, yes ... this is in my kitchen right now!! That's literally
my batch! I'm so proud.

Servings: 10 (¼-cup ea.)

Ingredients 

1 cup pumpkin seeds
1½ tsp canola oil
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp allspice
½ tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1¼ cups dried cranberries

 

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 300F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with canola oil spray.
2. Toss seeds with oil in a small bowl. Spread the coated seeds on the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, or until almost dry.
3. Place seeds in a medium bowl and mix in maple syrup until coated.
4. Combine spices in a small bowl and add mixture to the seeds. Stir to combine.
5. Return seeds to the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, or until dry, stirring occasionally. Turn the pan several times to ensure even roasting, checking frequently—seeds burn easily. Set seeds aside until completely cool, about 30 minutes.
6. Combine seeds and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Store in a tightly sealed container.

I admit I was a teeny bit wary of using syrup because I don't like it. But, it all seemed to make sense when I read the whole recipe, so I didn't divert (ours is a lite version, and I, personally, would not hesitate to use sugar-free. But, I like savory more than sweet.).

Pumpkin seed amendment: The ones I bought were already roasted and salted, so I did not use any salt in the recipe, and I did the initial roasting for only 10 minutes to make sure I didn't burn them. I also used 5 ounces, which is a little more than the cup called for in the recipe, but there was only about 1/4 Cup left in my bag, so I figured I'd use them all. I also have about a 1/4 Cup more cranberry in my recipe for the same reason on not wanting just that many left over.

Oh! Here's the nutrition for this one per serving: 125 calories; 7 g. fat; 4 g. protein; 13 g. carbohydrates; 1 g. fiber; 0 g. cholesterol (123 mg. salt for the original recipe; 14 mg. for seeds I used; check your package)

This recipe was perfect. The only problem with it was that the pumpkin seeds were on the counter cooling while I made the next recipe, and all I wanted to do was eat them all. But, I didn't.

So, with those taunting me to the side, I went on to make Baked Oatmeal To Go from the Shayla J. Health & Fitness Facebook page! I made them in mini form ...

... and, in squares!

Here's the original recipe:

Ingredients
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups applesauce, unsweetened
1 banana, mashed
6 packets of Sweetleaf Stevia or 1½ teaspoons stevia powder or use ½ cup honey
5 cups, Old Fashioned rolled oats {Bob’s Red Mill}
¼ cup flaxseed meal
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2¾ cups milk
Optional toppings: raisins, walnuts, chocolate chips

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix eggs, vanilla, applesauce, banana and Stevia together in a bowl.
Add in oats, flax, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and mix well with wet ingredients.
Finally pour in milk and combine.
Spray a 12 and 6 capacity muffin tin with cooking spray or use cupcake liners. Pour mixture evenly into muffin tin cups.
If using toppings add them onto the tops of muffins now. If using fresh or frozen fruit, drop it right into the batter.
Bake 30 minutes until a toothpick in center comes out clean.
Cool and enjoy or freeze them in gallon freezer bags.

Nutrition Info (without toppings):
Servings: 18* Calories for one: 143* Fat: 4g* Cholesterol: 25mg* Sodium: 161mg* Fiber: 4g* Sugars: 4g* Carbs: 23g* Protein: 6g*

Okay, a couple of things. First, I omitted the banana because I only like bananas in their natural, fresh-from-the-peel form. Cook 'em? Forget about it. Gone.

If only you came in a
bear bottle ...

Second: Because I fear recipes turning out too sweet, I did two things. First, I used sugar-free honey which I didn't even know existed until I was standing in the store opting for honey instead of Stevia. What I really wanted was to get honey in one of those bear bottles, but the sugar-free variety doesn't come in one. I won't even pretend like I wasn't a wee bit disappointed. But, I also normally hate honey, and this sugar-free number was really quite good straight from the container. I kind of expected it to make me gag, and that didn't happen even a little, bitty bit.

I also cut its use in half from the 1/2 Cup called for to 1/4 Cup. I tasted the mixture before baking, and it was plenty sweet for me. Feel free to disagree and use all that is called for. I was most definitely not after something sweet ... totally got it, too!

The taste assessment: I love the foundation of these. I am totally on board with having one of these over almost any packaged granola bar because of the lower sweet factor. They are a great base, but I do think they're made for being topped or otherwise having some kind of fruit mixed in to them. As they are, they remind me of plain oatmeal (which I enjoy). But, like with plain oatmeal, it needs just a little something, and I found the slightest sprinkle of salt took it up a positive notch. I'm going to double the cinnamon in my next batch, too. My next batch will be made with dried cranberries mixed in or other topping requested by the fam.

By the way, the recipe made 24 mini muffin sized and 18 cupcake sized (which are the squares). For real, it made a ton!

Between baking and getting some of my windows clean enough to again see out of, it's been a busy one around here this morning! Tomorrow's run is going to feel like a huge break in comparison ... and, I'll take it!! Enjoy your Tuesday, and I see you after the morning run!

Good Monday Morning

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 81.4 (running: 46.5; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $15.55

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (seriously ... name!!): Nancy: 81.4  Aaron: 60.9 (b: 47.6; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 156.8

Helloooo, Monday!!!

Don't you love that moment when you cross off the last must-do-today from the list you thought would be impossible to complete?!?! That just happened to me. That is a great way to start a week!

Starting the day with a run was also a great idea! I had a nice outing feeling pretty ready to go which I did not anticipate given how much I did not want to get out of the bed this morning! I am still attributing the recent bout of feeling good to the new kicks; putting that purchase off cost me a lot of feel-good time, so I plan to not put it off again!

Part of my morning route goes through a lot of pedestrian traffic, and I have to note that had to do a whole lot of jukin'-and-jivin' to get around the many, many folks who couldn't seem to walk a straight line today. Seriously, people were weaving and suddenly changing direction completely oblivious to the rest of the world all over the place! It was kind of funny. I guess they were having more trouble adjusting to Monday morning than I was at that time!

That's probably why I kept finding money all over the place; no one else was focused enough to zero in! Seventy-four cents is a great pot of treasure. They totally missed out.

Okay, so I actually came up with a plan for the week to run, and tomorrow morning is not included in that! So, take care sliding into your Tuesday, and I'll check in then!

It Arrived!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 76.9 (running: 42; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $14.80

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (seriously ... name!!): Nancy: 76.9  Aaron: 60.9 (b: 47.6; w: 13.3)  Elly: 14.5 Total: 152.3

Look what came in the mail yesterday afternoon!!!!!

It was so fun to pull an envelope with some weight to it out of the mailbox -- as opposed to the light-as-a-feather-because-it-was-empty one earlier in the week! This medal is heavy. Like, duck really fast if it's thrown at you heavy. The star in the middle spins. It's awesome!!

And, as a reminder of how awesome it is, it was resent immediately at no charge by the caring people of US Road Running when I reported mine was lost in the mail! I still haven't gotten over that ... in a good way!

So, I now have the medals for the future family run; now to seek the ones for the girls ...

And, today? Yeah, I chose to sleep instead of run. I never run both days of the weekend, so I don't know what I was doing even considering it yesterday! Sometimes, I need to remind myself to just chill. It worked out great, too, because by the time I would have headed out, there was a heavy mist going on. It was the kind that looks like nothing but would soak you in mere minutes. Who wants to start the day like that? Aaron and Elly got a good walk in before it came down, so everyone won today!

Training for April's Half officially begins next Saturday, so this is the last week to be willy-nilly with the plans ... as willy-nilly as I ever get with plans! Tomorrow's plan is to hit the streets to bank some miles! Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Oh What a Difference New Shoes Make!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 76.9 (running: 42; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $14.80

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 76.9  Aaron: 57.9 (b: 47.6; w: 10.3)  Elly: 11.5 Total: 146.3

Hello, and happy Saturday!! I hope yours started out awesome -- mine sure did!!

Pit Crew and I hit it this morning in the 27-degree temps! As there was no wind, it was pretty perfect running weather for me. PC#2 was chilly, but that all seemed to even out for her after the first mile ... which is when everything evens out and settles down anyway, so that was no surprise. (That first mile and all of its kinks and uneasies is just a booger, isn't it? It is said to never judge a run by its first mile, and I totally agree with that!)

We used the same route we covered last week, and it was sooooo much better this time!! You might recall that it was after last week's journey through these miles that I threw down the no-more-'til-I-get-new-shoes gauntlet. It was also then that I called a walk break up a stretch I never tend to use for that, but my legs hurt more than they should have because of my worn out shoes. Stupid, self-imposed procrastination making my legs hurt! Anyway, this week was entirely different to the point that PC#2 later told me, "There was one point where I told myself to not call for a walk but if you would, that would have been okay. Then I remembered you got new shoes and knew we weren't walking." Smart girl. Paying attention.

A little more than four and a half miles and 44 cents later, we met up with the boys and found out we killed our usual time. I have no explanation for that other than we seemed to be all about getting down to business and getting this run behind us. In a good way.

And, having nothing to do with running other than we came across this after we finished ... have you ever seen one of these?!

It's called Buddha's Hand:

We walked to a grocery store after our run and saw these immediately upon entering. In a no-manners-at-all voice, I exclaimed, "Gross!" But, I had to investigate!

One of the store managers was kind enough to ignore the smelly, loud lady and stop and talk with us about them. It turns out if you rub the skin, it emits a wonderful, citrus smell. He was clear it was a food used for zest and flavoring and not for eating, though. Apparently, it smells good, tastes terrible!

I just had to share.

Tomorrow? I'm not really sure what I'm doing tomorrow in the running game. This is the last week of no real schedule, so I'm going to have to think about it for a bit. In the meantime, though, I have a whole Saturday to enjoy, so I'm off to do it! Enjoy yours, and I'll check in tomorrow!

An Examined Life

Yeaaaahhhhh, we did!!!

So bumping my run to tomorrow paid off in huge dividends. First, I get to run with Pit Crew #2, and that's always a good thing! Second, it gave me a pocket of time to spend with an old friend I've not seen in years. We've talked on the phone in between visits, but we figured out it's been at least four years since seeing each other in person. Oh, and we live in the same city. CRAZY.

As we caught up, including exchanging the whys for not seeing each other for so long, I loved internally catching myself in the following realization: Yes, there were absolutely valid reasons on both ends for the lack of face time that has taken place, but those reasons have changed, and things can progress on a different path from here. I loved being that aware and that conscious that things can and do change, and we can change with them.

It's so easy to get stuck in a pattern (which often turns into a rut if not examined) and then use that pattern as the excuse to not do something different. This notion turns up in every aspect of our lives: jobs; friends; family relations; exercise; school; budgets ... etc ... etc ...

An examined life is a good life. It often reveals room for something good to come in!

And, speaking of new, Pit Crew #3 introduced me today to "Uptown Funk" (Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars). I think I have the new big addition for my training playlist!! Check it out if you haven't, and get ready to groove!!

With that, it's time to soak in the rest of Friday and gear up for a great Saturday!! Enjoy the start to your weekend, and I'll see you after the morning run!

It's the Little Things

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 72.3 (running: 37.4; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $14.36

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 72.3  Aaron: 57.2 (b: 47.6; w: 9.6)  Elly: 11.5 Total: 141

WOW did this day WHIZ BY!! My most accurate theme for the day: SO GLAD tomorrow is FRIDAY!!

I've also opted to wait to run 'til Saturday. Frankly, I just really want to run on Saturday. So, there you go.

Today was super busy even if not in the running department. But, I did manage to get us registered for the upcoming Glow Run 5K (with the earliest of birdiest discounts; I managed not to miss it! Yay!!), and, Aaron added miles to the 2015 in 2015 Challenge. Who says nothing happened today? Oh, wait ... no one. Anyway, we are in great shape for our Challenge because we need 168 miles/month total to ease on into the 2015 finish line. We should hit the remaining 27 miles needed for the month with no problem! My running miles average to hit 900 will be completely off, but who's really counting January?! (yikes ...)

Here's to a great start to Friday, whatever you are doing, and I'll check in from there!

RAH RAH For US ROAD RUNNING

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 72.3 (running: 37.4; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $14.36

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 72.3  Aaron: 46.4 (b: 36.8; w: 9.6)  Elly: 11.5 Total: 130.2

It's amazing what happens when the person on the other end of a problem you have actually wants to help and be a part of the solution.

I AM A FAN

Remember my bad-mood post yesterday about Pit Crew #3's Green Ninja medal not showing up in the empty envelope and how the USPS representative truly could not have cared less? I had the exact opposite experience with the representative from US Road Running (from where I ordered the medal). In short, I sent her an email letting her know what happened and asked if there happened to be any more coming down the pike for future virtual runs (as this one was recently sold out). I spared her my sob story, but I did put out there that I understood I needed to pay for a new one if one was to be purchased. I wrote her well after business hours, so I knew I wouldn't hear from her yesterday.

I opened my email this morning, and there was already a reply. The bottom line is another is being resent. In fact, as we speak, it's already in the mail.

Are you kidding me?!?!

You bet a gushy thank you went back to her! I signed it off with thanking her for being a kind human being behind a business because not everyone is (see aforementioned business representative). It's not that I expected anyone in this equation to do anything other than attempt to solve the problem even if not to the extent that my product was replaced. Don't get me wrong, I'm super stoked it is. But, just the situation being taken seriously enough to have a bit of compassion in the email exchange with Patty at US Road Running was enough to keep the good of the human spirit alive. Corny but true. Being blown off by the USPS wasn't quite so settling.

By the way, the email confirmations that a package (the medal) has been sent has a notation at the bottom that if there are any questions about the shipment, contact US Road Running or the USPS. I'm thinking that might need amending ...

Stores are starting to decorate again!

In other breakneck speedy processes, I ran this morning! (hahahahahaha ... I mean, I did run ... that wasn't the funny part ...) It was Day 2 of the new shoes, and I think they're going to work out great. I noticed the area for my toes is good and roomy which is a bonus for someone who seems to have a toe that goes a little nutty and tries to bust out of confined spaces. I also have few concerns about the durability of the toe area; the only reason concern exists at all is because I feel the need to believe it when I see it ... or, when I don't see my toe come through the top! Anyway, it's a good start, and, by Friday's run, I hope to have the laces switched out into the purple bling I've been patiently waiting to use!

It was a good outing in that I didn't skip out on the last hill when I wanted to and, instead, coached my way up it. I need to start getting my head out of 'between races' mode and back in the game so I can exercise that part of the running game, too. Training officially starts next week, and that week is quite easy, but it's best if I actually ease myself back into it.

It's kind of like when you've been staying up really late all summer then realize you probably should have started going to bed a little earlier to get used to going to school; it's rather jarring when you break a pattern cold turkey!

Alrighty, shoes are being put to the test, money is being found, miles are being logged, and business is being taken care of both in the material and human ways. That's a good Wednesday! I'll check in on tomorrow's break from running!

UGH

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 67.7 (running: 32.8; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $13.97

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 67.7  Aaron: 37.9 (b: 28.3; w: 9.6)  Elly: 11.5 Total: 117.1

UGH. I actually had a decent run today and found a good pile-o-coins, but now I'm in a terrible mood because Pit Crew #3's Ninja medal arrived ... I mean, the envelope for the medal arrived. Cut open at the top. Medal gone.

You can guess the post office did not care one bit, but the lady to whom I spoke was more than ready to pass me off to have a manager tell me there was nothing that could be done instead of having the guts to just tell me herself. (Um, really? Just tell me, you big baby, that the buck stops there and don't ask if I'd like to tell my story again for absolutely no reason. It really is possible to have some compassion and be direct all at the same time. I get it's missing. I get they can't create one. I wasn't even mad. Until she was about to pass me off, at which point I just hung up instead of revealing my state of being.)

So, all kinds of new plans are in the works. I've written US Road Running to see if their sold out event (yeah, that's the kicker ... totally sold out) happens to repeat at some point so I can repurchase. And, if not, they have a red variety that PC#3 said he really likes, too. Of course, I'm going to be all kind of nervous to order it, but I guess it's all about facing one's fears. Aaron's going to take the envelope to the post office just to see if they would possibly check for a medal floating around ... could it have landed in the letter bin or mail truck? It's a wing and a prayer, but it seems a normal, human way to go about trying to cover the bases.

Perspective ... perspective ... perspective ... that's a hard one right now, but I'm getting there ... perspective ...

In the meantime, I'm pleased to report that the inaugural run of the new shoes was a huge success. My legs and back thanked me. We'll be back at it together tomorrow ...

Decisions Made Easy

Hey, New Week ... Here we gooooooooo!!

I hope your week started out great!! I, for one, have to keep reminding myself it's Monday with the day off. I mean, there are still normal, Monday things that need to happen, so all of my brain energy is going in to constantly reminding myself, "It's Monday ... It's Monday ..."

Tomorrow brings with it the first run of the week, and I'll be doing so in my new kicks!

Because so many shoes have such wide mesh at the toe, the narrowing down of possibilities is a pretty short process. Between that and the cost of most shoes, I can go through a big selection pretty fast: No. No. No. Maybe? Wait ... No (that's my weak moment where I wish the mesh were tighter because the shoes are so pretty). No. If it's in my size. No. Aaaand, let's try.

I'm not even kidding.

I started my running journey with New Balance and loved them. I went through at least three pair until the model I loved changed to one that didn't work. My only hesitation in picking these up is that I don't tend to read about New Balance being the go-to brand for running. It's been so long since I've even considered them that I had to remind myself of how good to me they used to be. So, at the right price, the right comfort (best I can tell without actually running) and very right color (bonus), I decided to go with what I once knew. My fingers are crossed not just because I want this process to be easy, but also because my sparkly purple laces will look nothing short of FANTASTIC in them.

Could it be that the shoe shopping journey happened with little-to-no drama this time? Stay tuned tomorrow, and I'll have the first day's verdict!

Number Three

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 63 (running: 28.1; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $13.28

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 63  Aaron: 37.9 (b: 28.3; w: 9.6)  Elly: 11.5 Total: 112.4

This kind of thing circulates around Facebook running pages all. the. time.:

Allow me to confess that I, personally, invert the sentiments. I tend to start running days like those on the bottom row and Rest Days like those on the top. I do so like how it feels after a run, but I don't always show it from the get go! Just being real ...

Anyway, with the football games determining who's going to the Super Bowl today, this is the most accurate visual from my feed this morning:

I had all kinds of little notions to discuss today, but that all changed after watching the Seahawks vs. Packers game. Rooting for the Seahawks, you'd think I would have been very disheartened all the way through the first half and for most of the second. But, I tend to root for teams that don't like to wake up until half-way through, so I'm pretty patient before worrying about the outcome.

Fast forward to the end of the game -- where the Seahawks won in overtime and those of us in the house watching cheered so loud even Elly joined in (I think because she was confused or otherwise concerned) -- and there was nothing but excitement around here! But, nothing ... not one play of the game ... kept me as riveted to the screen as this scene immediately after the win:

The stadium was bedlam. There were people everywhere going ballistic. And, then there was this quiet circle of players taking a moment to be thankful. I dare say there was no one in more demand for a post-game interview than Roger Wilson (QB #3), but he focused one what he decided was important. In the heat of the moment, he was true to himself through and through.

I loved this scene.

That you are able, that you can accomplish, that you have the opportunity to even try is a gift. No matter what, no matter how, and in every endeavor, be thankful. I learned and continue to learn and practice that being thankful is just about the best fuel there is for anything you're doing. Anything.

I'll check in tomorrow with the weekend tidbits ... until then, take some time for yourself to fuel your heart to start the new week!

Out With the Old ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 60.9 (running: 28.1; walking: 3; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $13.28

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 60.9  Aaron: 37.9 (b: 28.3; w: 9.6)  Elly: 9.3 Total: 108.1

Happy weekend!!! I do so love a weekend. It's even better when it's of the 3-day variety!!

Part of the weekend will be used earnestly looking for new shoes. Mine. Are. Done. The treads are so worn that they're really non-existent, and I can feel it throughout my legs, feet and lower back. I'm sore, quite sore, within the first mile and shouldn't be. Every problem I'm having right now, small as they may be, is attributed to shoes that have more than done their time. No more playing around; they're getting replaced before I run one more step!

So, the morning run wasn't awesome in the running department, but it was most certainly awesome in the company department! See?!

Between my shoe issues and the fact that she needs to build up to mileage past 3, we mutually called one walk break and took turns along the way calling one more each. I like that PC#2 just calls it. I like that she's learned it's okay to do what you have to do to keep yourself safe and enjoying the outing!

I like that I taught her to adjust the 'start back up' point to take advantage of restarting down hill if it's available! She'd picked a "we'll walk to there," point, and I moved it back to where gravity worked to our advantage. And they say I never paid attention in science class.

It was good to run, but I'm putting a stop to it 'til I have some new kicks!! As I plan to run Tuesday, I'd better get on it!

For real, putting this off was really kind of stupid. My body is taking a beating from foot to lower back for no reason. I'm lucky it's just a pain right now as continuing on like this can so easily result in injury. Even a small injury is not necessary! Don't neglect what you need to take the best care of yourself, and I'll check in tomorrow!!

Now, if only I can find a pair of shoes that will work with my sparkly purple laces ...!

It Really Is Good

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 56.4 (running: 23.6; walking: 3; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $13.00

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 56.4  Aaron: 31.7 (b: 22.1; w: 9.6)  Elly: 9.3 Total: 97.4

I think this is probably the most important message for today:

What's better than that?!

I think of that, or a similar, sentiment on almost every run. Every time I think about being tired or sore or wanting to do something else -- anything else -- than that run, I think about how lucky I am that I can and how great I tend to feel later.

This sentiment did not keep me from being hacked about how badly my shoes are worn out, though, and I made a vow that I would at least attempt to replace them this weekend. Seriously. They've had it and a ready to retire.

This morning's run was full of sore feet for the first mile, thanks worn-out shoes fresh air and blinding sunshine (it gets blinding when you're totally not used to seeing it!), lots of change and a few little things that I chose to stop and inspect like this seed pod:

Because I could.

It was so warm out that I decided Elly needed an outing of her own. So, after I finished my miles, I took her for a bonus mile. She was greatly appreciative.

I've also set myself up for her deciding that any time I come home from a run without her that I can go right back out. After a few days of furious yet unfulfilled dancing at the door, she'll learn!

We're looking forward to a 3-day weekend around here, so I'm totally scheduling a run tomorrow to make two days off Sunday-Monday! May your weekend planning be as smooth and awesome to look forward to, and I'll see you after the morning run (which I'm totally getting Pit Crew #2 out of bed to join me ... She just doesn't yet know it ... Shhhhh ...)!

Bring the Bling

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 50.8  Aaron: 31 (b: 20.2; w: 9.6)  Elly: 8.2 Total: 90

As promised to myself, I got some 'house keeping' things accomplished this morning during my otherwise-running time. While I did not even come close to replacing my shoes (slated for the weekend ... I hope ...), I did go through a plethora of recipes to try as well as organizing a bit of running memorabilia. Both endeavors were highly successful. Now, if I would just keep myself organized enough to plan ahead on dinners -- what we're going to have and what it takes to make that happen -- then the cuisine around here would be as successful as my running endeavors.

The key to success: A plan. A thought-out, written plan. Let's see if I can get on board with that one for the kitchen ...

And, why the lack of success/ease in the kitchen but I can pull it off running? Because I'm more interested in running than I am cooking. Let's just call it what it is.

I will most definitely report on kitchen hits as they happen. In the meantime, I keep having awesome virtual race options come through my Facebook feed from US Road Running. They're the same people who provided me with my fantastic virtual Turkey medal at Thanksgiving. And, you know I'm a sucker for the bling of the run. I don't even care what that says about me because I'm sure it says something awesome (ha!) Okay, for real, I like it for two reasons: First, it's awesome; Second, every medal has a story. I totally dig that. So, I always look when the pictures come through.

The other day, I saw this one ...

and it totally caught my eye for Aaron. THEN I saw this one ...

which reminded me of Pit Crew #3 in every way. I decided they needed to have them.

Then I thought about how PC#2 and I have talked to PC#3 about running with us now and then this summer.

Then I thought how cool it would be for all four of us to do a virtual run to earn our own, very individual medals!

While some virtual runs have actual dates to do them, others have windows of time for completion. And, then there I am recreating the window for the purpose of creating my own event. The way I see it is the inherent intention of earning the medal is retained; it's just accomplished in a way that works better for us.

Point to mention: If you ever consider these virtual options and also want to think outside of the box to make them happen, do know you're going to pull yourself out of contention for any prize drawing or other potential perk that's offered. I don't even know if that applies to US Road Running virtuals because I never looked past "What's the medal, and by when do I need to order it". I register, they send, everyone wins!

Over time, we have become a household where each enjoys a good run/outing. I love seeing that evolution. That there are little prizes to note, or even motivate, the accomplishment? That's just some fun icing on the cake!

Call it a guilty pleasure, call it whatever you want: It works for me! Tap in to what motivates you no matter what anyone else may think, and I'll check in after the morning run!  

Looking Up and Looking Back

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 50.8 (running: 18; walking: 3; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $12.11

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 50.8  Aaron: 20.8 (b: 10; w: 9.6)  Elly: 8.2 Total: 79.8

When I was a tweener, even though that's not what we were called then, I loved doing latch hook kits. I don't remember why I got my first one, but I was -- no pun intended -- hooked. I still have that rainbow kit that I made into a pillow:


That Christmas, I received a couple of other kits. One was a rug, and it was a woodsy scene with the sun setting behind the black-shadowed trees. I'm pretty sure my brother picked it out for me. Anyway, I loved making it with all of the sunset colors, but, the part that struck me the most was there was a small patch of blue right in the middle of the sky. There's no way I can describe it, but it was well placed and added that little something to the scene. I loved the spot, and I loved the color. I didn't love that it only took about 9 pieces of yarn to complete it while the trees took thousands of dark brown, but, I digress.

This is all a very long way of describing exactly what I think about when I see a scene like this one from this morning's run ...

I don't have that rug anymore, but I've never forgotten it. I like that I see it now and then when I'm out and about.

Today's run was great for not just a trip down memory lane but also for lacking a wind chill (yay!) and finding a bunch of money (score!). The temps are still cold, so one of the quarters I found was frozen to the ground. But, it was no match for the car key strategy to pry it right on off of there!

In other running news, virtual running partner extraordinaire, Mary Kate, and I have deemed February 14 Frozen Booty virtual run day!! Pit Crew #2 is joining us as well. Can you think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day? I told Mary Kate to ask her husband to be waiting at the end of her run with a glass of wine. That should help take the sting out anyway. That or chocolate covered strawberries, just sayin'.

Okay, so today's run is done; tomorrow is Rest Day! For part of the day, I will be investigating new recipes because I love-but-am-bored-with many in our rotation. I'll let you know if I stumble across a winner! Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday, and I'll check in from my culinary arts investigations!

Impatient

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 46.3 (running: 13.5; walking: 3; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $11.40

2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 46.3  Aaron: 20.8 (b: 10; w: 9.6)  Elly: 8.2 Total: 75.3

IknowIknowIknowIknow ... I have this rule about not running in the negative wind chill thing. But, evidently, that's more of a suggestion than a rule when it comes to mornings like today and I really wanted some fresh air!! Much like a stubborn toddler (which I was an ace at), I was determined to get out there for at least a little bit this morning!! Besides, the report was the wind chill at -6, but upon visual investigation, I saw none of the dead leaves in the trees around us bustling, so I figured it couldn't be that bad!

Okay, I was pretty wrong about the 'that bad' part, but the good totally overrode the negative, and Elly and I had ourselves a fine little outing!

Yes, there is a reason my face is pink.
And, it's not from the exertion of my
lightening speed.

I have to confess this outing was a little stupid no matter how good it actually felt. The tips of my fingers and my cheeks were none to happy running into the wind. Oh, and, yes, I did discover the wind once I actually stepped out of my house. Evidently, visual inspection is not particularly accurate.

Oh, I also must confess that I thought Elly and I were running just a mile of this out-and-back stretch. But, I forgot that out is a mile, and back is a mile. Whoopsie.

Ohhhh, but it felt sooooo goooooood to be outside!!

I came home and got on the bike for another four miles to wrap the morning movement up. That felt good, too. But, not as good as the run.

And, while Elly and I were on the move? The kitties were not:

While Daphne holds down the clothes I'd put out for the bike,
Lizzy's all, "Who disturbs my slumber!!"

Elly came in to tell the girls all about our outing. And, they
could not have cared less about it.

I really don't know what tomorrow's morning forecast is, and, clearly, it seems I'm to the point of not  caring and am going to do what I want anyway. I do know that toward the end of the week, wind chill won't be a factor at all, so this topic will be behind me long enough to start complaining about needing new shoes (there's always a gripe to swap in when swapping one out, isn't there?!).

Do what you have to do for yourself today, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Make It Yours

It's not that it's been a bad Monday at all; it's that I got so much done and used my brain so much that I got the mid-afternoon sleepies ... zzzzz ...

But, here we are, still plugging along!! I hope your Monday has been a wonderfully productive one! And, if not productive, at least wonderful!

So, late Friday afternoon, I finally sat down to schedule my running through Spring (which is another way of saying 'finding out if I was already supposed to start training for April's Half ...). It turns out, I still have a couple of weeks before officially starting to train! That was great news on many fronts: It gives Mary Kate and I a few weeks to play with to find a good mutual date for our Frozen Booty virtual run; I didn't get behind on the training, and I can not be concerned with days like tomorrow when I didn't expect another negative wind chill prediction, but it's there anyway. (Looks like it's another day on the bike!) That was all good news! And, I finally finished the last of the 'put this on the 2015 calendar' items. Ta-Da!

So, the practicalities and the measureables are basically in place to get ready for April, but I spend ongoing time, training or not, to make sure my mental game is as sharp as it can be. And, by 'sharp,' I really mean 'inspired.' (I don't seem able to always have full control over my sharpness. That went away with the birth of each child ...) Anyway, my eyes and ears are perpetually wide open to hear, see and read anything from which I might glean inspiration or tweak something I've always done to do it better. Or, maybe I'll try something entirely new! I'm always ready. And, I totally believe there's always more good to be had out there!

Not good was a blog I came across in my search for inspiration with regard to running marathons. It was written by a runner who, basically, said she will not be training for a marathon any time soon because the sport has been negatively altered from competition to just completion. Oh, and she finds posts from those who just complete and talk about the wonderful things they see along the race route distasteful. So, she's just not going to participate.

Frankly, I find her negative judgment about anyone who is trying and putting themselves out there for any endeavor distasteful. I'm very impressed by anyone who can squash the big runs; I am not impressed when someone that able decides to look down on those who aren't. 'Seems a misuse of her own gift, but she didn't ask me.

Steve Harvey recently had an awesome motivational guest (Lisa Nichols) on his show who said, "My dream is not asking for your permission. My dream is going to give you notice it's about to occur."

Steve Harvey followed that with this: "You want to mess your day up? You tell your big dream to some small-minded people."

I couldn't help but think of those lines when I read that aforementioned blog. That blog doesn't even apply to me, and not in the I'm-not-running-a-marathon way. It doesn't apply in the, "I honestly don't get your function," way. Frankly, I was almost over the running snobbery before I ever took it on, so I'm way past this. But, I hate ... hate ... the thought of someone newer to the game reading it and wondering if they're doing something wrong because that question is an utter waste of time.

So, while she sits on the sidelines proving I-don't-know-what point, I will soon join thousands of others getting ready for a big run in the Spring! Let's be safe, let's be smart, and let's get on with this in our own way in our own time. Make it yours -- whatever it is for you -- and I'll see you after some morning cycling!