Inside, Outside

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 194.8 Aaron: 170.45 (b: 145.45; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 394.55

This is inside ...

... because this is outside!

May it stay snowy and not icy ...!!!

I also just looked at the calendar only to realize it's another topsy-turvy life schedule which makes for a bumpy running schedule. Three miles are on the calendar for tomorrow; can't say I remembered that, but, given the week, they have to stay there! So, the bike and I will have a little rendezvous ... hoping it's the only one this week!

Stay warm, stay off the ice and other slickeries (we saw an accident only about an hour into this stuff falling!!), and I'll check in after the morning ride!! I anticipate a report or two from the kitchen, too ... mmmm ...

17 Is Better Than 5

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 194.8 (running: 101.6; walking: 9.4; biking: 83.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $24.40

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 194.8 Aaron: 159.15 (b: 134.15; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 383.25

It's like this: The forecast for tomorrow morning is 5. Or, 4. Either way, that's without wind. And, the day's high isn't expected to be much better whether or not we actually get the snow/rain/whatever is forecast to start in the afternoon. With that knowledge, I sat staring at the thermometer around noon today and thought, "Well, 17 is much better than 5 ...", and I got ready to run.

Biking this long run needed to not be an option this week. I like the bike, I like the option, but it is just not the same from head to toe. I needed these miles to be outside. So, I took no chances. Besides, this means ... you guessed it ... sleeping in tomorrow!!! I already can't wait. Cozy covers ... kitties crowding me ... nothing on the morning agenda ... OH. Wait. Running ... back to it ...

Okay. So, it was cold. Quite cold. Thank goodness for layers and for headbands used for scarves/wind blockers. And, thank goodness I wasn't a total stupid head and that I actually managed to stretch out pretty well because the cold was just begging my muscles to contract. But, I'm a step ahead of you, cold! Take that!

I don't manage blocking the cold and/or wind from my face very well. I try, but I get irritated pretty fast if I can't breathe fresh air and my face gets overly hot from my breath blowing back on myself, blah blah. So, my face blockage was limited, but I did what I could when running into any breeze. Right near the end of the run, I took this picture for the sole purpose of seeing if my upper lip was moveable while numb:

The verdict: Not really. It's totally folded
under because it's trying to stay warm or
is otherwise simply immobile. "Hey, Nancy,
how'd you lose your lip?" "Well, I run ..."

It was a really good run all things considered. From a week on the bike (prior to this one) to still having a wee bit of lingering phlegm (which I'm certain was actually protecting my throat by coating it now and then) to a completely different time and circumstance to run, I was very pleased with every aspect of this outing because I now don't have to do it tomorrow. I even ran up every, single hill when I predicted I'd at least bail on the last one. Nope, not even that one. I got 'em all done!

And, while I was pleased with the run, someone was stoked that I came home:

There's nothing quite like an
Elly love attack!

With this little switch-a-roo, I will now slide into the weekend ready for whatever the weather is going to bring! I'll start by hanging out by the fire ... may your launch into the weekend be a cozy one, and I'll check in tomorrow!

You're Not Supposed To Heat Your House With the Oven

So, it was a seriously cold Rest Day (and an even colder night!! I'm not too optimistic about my Saturday long run being outside, by the way). I spent a great majority of it in the kitchen keeping myself warm by the oven!

Breakfast included one of my new favorites thanks to a tip from the Trim Healthy Mama book: a teaspoon of stevia swirled in plain Greek yogurt makes that stuff taste fantastic!! Add a little fruit, and there's another little slice of heaven at breakfast!

I was also reintroduced to roasted garbanzo beans, but, this batch was delicious ...

... unlike the batch I made a few years ago that had lime in it. Totally gross. These? One can of rinsed garbanzo beans coated in 1 teaspoon of olive oil, sea salt and garlic powder. Mmmm ... perfect as-is or on my lunch salad!! WAHOO!! Roasted at 450 degrees, those bad boys helped me stay warm this afternoon!

And, for dinner? (Might as well round this out ...) Crustless quiche with spinach, cheese, onion salt and pepper:

Hell Yes.

Even Pit Crew #3 enthusiastically threw his piece down the hatch. I wasn't sure he would with no bacon in there!

So, last night, PC#3 was making dessert with me, and he licked the spoon we used for the unsweetened cocoa powder before I could warn him. hahahahahaha!

It was a full, productive day. Even for Elly. Because she filled her pout quota.

"None -- I repeat -- None of that food was for me. SIGH."

Tomorrow's a day to rest, watch the weather and decide what to do on Saturday! Eeeks. Saturday ... I'll just think about that tomorrow ... see you then!

I Guess That Conference Wasn't a Total Waste Of Time ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 186.8 (running: 93.6; walking: 9.4; biking: 83.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $24.39

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 186.8 Aaron: 159.15 (b: 134.15; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 375.25

In my very first professional job, I attended an afternoon conference with a guy talking to us about the importance of planning our days the day before they happen. I remember him going on and on about filling his calendar for the next day with what needed to be done, and the message I received was that was the only way to get ahead and to get to the top.

He was in a suit and tie and super boring even though I know he thought he was dynamic. And, I was irritated because I had so much work to do back on my desk and had no idea why I was sitting there listening to him. I didn't like corporate America because I didn't fit into it. I had things to do. And, I was a good planner complete with to-do lists made most every morning.

Fortunately for myself, I am one who is always always always listening no matter what my face or body language suggests. It's a skill I developed when I realized my go-to emotion is to cry under pressure giving me the inaccurate appearance of shutting down. Anyway, as much as I truly hated that conference-seminar-seeming waste of my time but we were all required to go, I never forgot the speaker saying we should plan the day before ...

That was 25 years ago, and I still cringe a little bit even today when I find myself jotting down notes to plan my next day's activities. It's a practice that has, among other things, kept this running gig alive and well for a number of years now. Damn that boring speaker guy; I gotta give him some credit ...

So, as planned yesterday, she says with a bit of indignancy, I went out this morning on my run-2, walk-1, run-1 route to cover my scheduled 2-miler. It was all of 16 degrees and felt like a heat wave compared to what we've been having! It was only a bit less treacherous today in terms of ice, though, as the day's melting is, of course, refreezing and making for some awesome landmines to avoid!

How cool is that slab of ice?!

The snow is making the perfect hiding spot for money, though. And, that was my real goal today if I'm being honest. That and covering more than two miles. Check and Check! Anyway, the snow makes for good hiding, but it's also a great deterrent for people to even bother attempting to pick it up. I mean really ...

Okay, this was in one of those mounds of snow that was high
enough I barely had to bend forward to retrieve it ...

There are plowed mounds of snow that are going to take a long time to melt. I suspect I'll be making some awesome discoveries for a while if I target the right places!

The targets are off the table for the upcoming long run, though. I anticipate a bit of difficulty figuring out how to route it, but I have a couple of days to figure that out. Before that, two days of Rest are scheduled to calm the muscles down before shaking them all up! I'll be checking in ... stay warm and toasty in the meantime ...

Back Out There

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 182.8 (running: 90.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 83.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $23.10

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 182.8 Aaron: 159.15 (b: 134.15; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 371.25

Morning wind chill: 2 degrees. Running decision: GO!

Good golly, I almost felt like a caged animal that had been set free! You see, I wasn't running fast enough to be a caged animal that had escaped. Just set free. Running with decorum. It's been a little more than a week since getting in a run outside, and I felt it! The bike is extremely useful, but the difference in now my muscles felt were evident once out and about! Everything shook out and will likely be all back together by tomorrow, but I admit to being a bit nervous at the beginning of today's run about how these three miles would go, much less Saturday's 8. I've decided it will all be fine, and that's just how it's going to be!

I'm free!!!

I also decided since I have the ever-so-slightest evidence of cough remaining that I would take something along with me to cover my mouth if need be. It's the straight shot of cold wind to the back of my throat that brought that whole thing on, so I figured I would try to ward it off. I have a face mask, but it goes over my whole head with no way of pulling it down. It's on, or it's off, so that wasn't going to work. I finally decided I should just utilize one of my many ear warmers. It hung around my neck when not needed over my mouth, and I pulled it up when I ran into the wind. PRESTO: Totally worked.

At one point, I had it not over my mouth but around my face keeping my cheeks warm. I looked like someone who needs ice packs affixed to the face, kind of like after having wisdom teeth removed. I bet it was a super-cute look. I would have photographed, but I was concentrating on the ice to prevent my butt from greeting the sidewalk!

I was hopeful in the money-finding department, but I kept my hopes low given the route and how many meters are still riddled with snow and ice at their bases. Surprisingly, I still scored 51 cents. Just think of what that means when this all melts especially if I'm the first to prowl ...

Here's that super-cool spot Elly and I recently scoped, but now there's ice over much of the water:

And, in other Wintery scenes, I was fortunate that this didn't happen too often along the way:

Sidewalk: Cleared but blocked. So, there were a couple of times I had to channel my inner billy goat, and I was able to move onward!

Tomorrow's a shorter run, but, weather depending, I might tack on some walk time, too, because I am feeling a need to get some time on my feet before the weekend long run. So, that's likely tomorrow's plan, but I'll decide when I get out there. Two miles are on the books, and that's a given. Before signing off, I just have to mention how weird it is to have these training runs in the super cold and with snow and ice only to think about the fact that I'm training for a run where the concern might be getting over heated ... just sayin' ...

Stay warm, even though I know that's not an easy task right now, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Good Starts!

Happy Monday!! I hope every part of yours has been good and that you're finding ways to stay warm!! I don't know how I got so lucky as to have a Rest Day on a morning that had a -10 wind chill (yow!!), but, I did!

That's our neighbor's back yard. The snow is refrozen! That would make a great sledding hill if not for the fence and rocks at the bottom ... Anyway, it's been fun to watch Elly outside as she mostly walks on top of the ice. Later in the afternoons, she occasionally has a sudden sink through it, and it's pretty funny because she's surprised every time!

This morning was the perfect one to hunker down with a warm, cozy breakfast. And, so, I did!

They are but they aren't what you think they are.

In my recent readings in the Trim Healthy Mama book I've been using to figure out nutrition questions I've been pondering (and some I didn't really even know I would ponder until I read something new and then think new of new things to ponder), I keep learning, re-learning and reminding myself that, left to my own devices, I am probably woefully short on protein. Wait, did I say 'probably?' What I'm really saying is I'm completely certain I do not get enough protein on a daily basis. Spurts and here and there? Definitely. Consistently like I need? Um, no. So, any place I can even sneak it in is going to be a good thing!

The base of their Trim Healthy Pancake recipe? Oat flour (that you can make by just throwing the oats in a blender and whirling them around -- oh, yes ... I did that. I felt like a kitchen goddess.), egg white and cottage cheese! With an additional dash of vanilla and some baking powder, I found the best swap-out for pancakes EVER. Seriously, these bad boys are the bomb!!

I had them with about a 1/2 teaspoon of Polaner strawberry jelly smeared across the top pancake, and WOW. With a side of Greek yogurt and oranges mixed in, I was in cold weather, breakfast heaven!! I got to start my day eating that breakfast while watching a reunion of the cast of Life Goes On (remember that show? Oh, how I loved it!!) while Elly sat and stared at me. What better way to start a Monday?!

Tomorrow? I plan to run. As far as I know, the temps will allow it, and I am feeling the need to get back outside!! Have a great continued start to your week, and I'll check in after the morning outing!

Worth the Effort Whatever the Effort Is

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 179.8 (running: 87.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 83.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $22.59

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 179.8 Aaron: 150.15 (b: 134.15; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 359.25

Should I ... Shouldn't I ... Should I ... Shouldn't I ... Should I ... Shouldn't I ...

Yup. That's what kept going through my mind early this morning. My cough has subsided substantially, but, if I'm being honest, it's not like it's gone, and a cold run isn't going to help. It was still a bit of a struggle to decide to do the right thing, so I let the weather report make it for me. I turned it on just in time to find out there was a -1 wind chill. Decision: Made! No no no running in negative wind chills.

Having standards helps make a decision when faced with the question!

What you already know, then, is that today's miles were on the bike. Thank goodness for the bike. And the tv. And the dog who comes to visit. And, today, for the gerbils who entertained me getting their exercise! Watching them was like a mirror in some ways (let's face it; the bike is an awesome option, but I'm still not going anywhere!), but at least I didn't have this problem that I discovered when I finished my ride:

"Heeellllpp meeeeeeee ..."

It may or may not be obvious. It's the ball stuck under the folding chair. Talk about going nowhere! You also don't see the cat prowling around. This must have been torture for this little creature!

Mommy to the rescue:

"FREEEEEEEDOMMM!!"

This week of movement has been a lesson in perseverance and problem solving, making what I want happen the best way I can under whatever circumstance is occurring! I'm both anxious and a bit ... nervous? ... to find out what a week of biking does to the run, but, here's to hoping I find out on the next scheduled day to run: Tuesday!

In the meantime, I leave you with this sentiment that came through my Facebook feed from Run the Edge because it sure seems to sum up what my specific target is making the bike, the cold, the hot, the sweat, the complaining and the fun all worth it:

“I'll be happy if running and I can grow old together.”
― Haruki Murakami

I've tried, and I haven't been able to say it better myself!

Seriously. Gotta Run.

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 170 Aaron: 139.85 (b: 123.85; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 339.95*

* Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Completed!

WAHOO, it's SATURDAY!! My Rest Day started out perfect: RESTING! With nothing on the calendar for the morning -- including no run scheduled -- I took full advantage and slept an extra hour with some added awake-but-chillin' time. It was the perfect way to start the morning and to let this cough get to the back seat!!

I'm supposed to run tomorrow, and I was all about it with today's temps getting about 40 degrees. Then I heard tomorrow's high is supposed to be 17. UGH! That's not good news for the morning temperature with a cough still hanging on ...

... I'm currently in the following frame of mind: "I'm probably going to still be coughing a bit anyway ..." Yeah, you see where that's going. Tomorrow, we'll see what I actually do ...

I've been doing all kinds of reading and recipe trying from the Trim Healthy Mama book today, too. The snowy day just called for it! Anyway, there are fabulous smells coming out of the kitchen as we speak! I'll share a few as I go along, but, suffice it to say, so far, so very very yummy and good! I'm already feeling much better learning about what will best fuel my body -- not just to run, but to live well!

In the meantime, remember how I recently shared an oatmeal square recipe and noted I wished the honey I bought came in a bear bottle? Well, look at the pic my friend sent me:

She saw them at the store and wanted to make sure I knew they were available! Which, by the way, I did not even think about! It's good to have awesome friends looking out for you!! Thanks, Cindy!!!

I might have to get that one that's tipping over and save him from himself.

It's time to wait for dinner to come out of the oven and to slip into an easy Saturday evening! I hope your weekend is just as smooth, and I'll check in after the morning movement!

I Get Visitors When I Ride the Bike

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 170 (running: 87.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 74.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $22.59

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 170 Aaron: 129.6 (b: 113.6; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 329.7


There's one huge benefit to riding the recumbent bike. Want to see?

"GUESS WHO?!!"

Of course, getting her in focus while biking is a skill I have yet to acquire.

"It's okay, mommy. I don't need to be in focus to be beautiful.
Sluuurrrrrrpp !!"

I enjoy Elly comes over to me to say hello while I'm riding because I'm totally accessible! And, by 'say hello,' I, of course, mean, 'Did you forget to give me my (rawhide) yummy? You're right here, so could you please do it?!"

This is me explaining to her she had to wait:

"Drat."

So, while I got my miles in while catching up on some good stuff on the DVR, Elly finally resigned herself to waiting. She made herself busy:

How'd that one come out in focus when it
was the most awkward of positions to take
it and not stop pedaling?!

It's not readily evident what's going on there, so allow me to paint the scene: Behind that baby gate is a cat in the litter box minding her own biz while doing her biz.

The baby gate was installed within a week of having Elly because that's when she discovered the cat box. I didn't know kitties made doggie treats. I know. Gross. According to dogs, that's what kitties are good for. So, up went the gate and everyone but Elly wins.

And, that's what happened on this morning's ride. Immediately after, Elly's desires were finally met:

"Ahhhh ... finally."

Elly's all, "I'll eat you next, cat!" and
Daphne's all, "I can jump higher than you
dog!"

My desires were met, too, as I unexpectedly found yummy strawberries at WalMart this morning:

I suspect these are way more awesome than rawhide ...

So, with that, the week's miles are in the books. I'm very thankful for the biking option as the treadmill would not have been much easier on my throat (and sore body from coughing). My legs felt an awesome push and workout, so I do feel good about that. I'm anxious to get back outside, though, so here's to hoping tomorrow's Rest Day will be exactly what's needed to get this junk behind me!

Enjoy every part of your Friday, and I'll check in when we get the weekend started!

All For the Better

Happy almost-weekend!! I hope good things are on the docket ... staying warm is first on our list!! Yeeeeowwww it's cold out there!! But, tell me ... how is it that the temp hasn't been even close to the above-freezing point since our 5" Monday, but the snow still seems to be slipping away ...

Mother Nature is a tricky one, isn't she? Cool that I took this
out my window and got a great smattering of the screen. We'll
call that: Art.

My cough got way worse overnight last night, and there is nothing more awesome than coughing for almost an hour ... peek-a-boo, 2 a.m.! I saw you! But, we all know I already decided yesterday that the long run this week is to be a long bike because, let's face it, the freezing temperatures are probably doing me a favor forcing me inside instead of pushing it.

In other awesome news, but of the actually awesome variety, check these out:

TA-DA!! I know, you're surprised because I just bought new shoes. You're also surprised because I spent NO time complaining about needing new ones. GROWTH. What it came down to was that they are okay. Not bad, but not great. And, here's the deal: "Not great" is not a ringing endorsement when you run long distances. I decided to stop my normal over-analyzing of the situation, use the shoes I just bought to wear 'every day,' and search for some shoes I had confidence in for the long hauls.

I was stoked to find these Sauconys. You might remember my first run in the brand ... those hot pink goddesses I so loved so very much ...

2013 - Smokin' hot pink shoes. They looked fab!!

... until my toe popped out of the wide mesh!


Man. That hurt bad.

This new pair has two advantages: closer mesh (even though it's not tight, it's closer and sturdier than others) and the under side where the toes hits is much more dense than the lighter shoe varieties. So far, so VERY good. When I finish hacking up my lungs, I shall enjoy taking them for many spins!

I'm not knocking the New Balance as a whole, by the way. Pit Crew #2 has always worn New Balance and has no issue with them. Her toe doesn't even bust through the wide mesh of her model! Shoes are individual in comfort and need, so the issues are about me, not the brand.

In other amazing news, I received the latest email update for April's Half. It's always exciting to get the updates because it just keeps the anticipation buzz going, but this one was particularly awesome because not only was a route change announced, it changed for the better!! You know that Holy Hill deal in the middle where it's 2 miles up hill? GONE!!! The course is completely re-routed and flatter!! I. WILL. TAKE. IT!! That hill was my only hesitation in signing up even though I determined I would not stay away from the course and experience as a whole for just those two miles. But, still, it's a stinker. And, now ... it's outta there!!!!

I did like the scene it set. I did not like
listening to all of the griping around me
while we ran up it! I will most definitely
not miss that!

I will, however, miss the outside tomorrow (in theory; not in reality of the subzero sitch and the cough that needs some chillin'). Fortunately, we have an awesome bike and fun junk on the DVR! Here's to hoping any little bummer you're dealing with has a bright side, and I'll check in after the morning ride!

Moving In Place

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 149.8 (running: 87.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 53.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $22.59

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 149.8  Aaron: 129.6 (b: 113.6; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 308.7

It's the perfect day to find
a spot in the sun ...

This cold weather thing is really making the found money fund take a hit. *sigh* But, it is also because of Sunday's cold wind that I have this weird spot in the back of my throat sending me in to random coughing fits. It sounds terrible, like it's coming from my lungs and one is about to launch out of my mouth. But, no, it's just that spot back there. Being annoying. So, as the weather stays in the single digits (with negative wind chills tomorrow again!), my running plans stay at bike mode. Hopefully, I'll be back on the street by Sunday ...

In the meantime, I did my 6 miles on the bike today (6 bike miles = the 2 scheduled running miles) and watched some good junk on tv. Elly likes the bike, too; as it makes no sound, she likes to hang with me as long as I'll pet her. And, by "as long as," I mean it lasts for about a minute until I need to no longer be petting her while riding the bike.

There was a day that I would have made up all sorts of internal drama and panic about riding this week out, literally, instead of running even if on a treadmill. I'm not worried at all. In fact, it's probably good for me even beyond the get-the-throat-well way!

Tomorrow has no running/cycling scheduled, so I'm hopeful to post some updates I've been really excited about but that keep getting trumped by other stuff! Stay warm where you are, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Status: Covered

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 147.2 (running: 87.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 47.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $22.59

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 147.2  Aaron: 129.6 (b: 113.6; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 306.1

I'm glad I decided long before going to bed last night that this morning's miles would be on the bike. I'm saying that, for once, I had the forethought to realize that even though the streets get drivable, the sidewalks are often the last for the love:

Yup. That's where a sidewalk lives.

Even the ones that received some attention are in terrible shape. If you can actually get to them!

And, once hoisting one's self over the
mound in the foreground, it's time to
do the dance of avoiding the ice!

So, it'll be an inside quest for a few days especially and things get just enough sun to melt a wee bit during the day only to put on a hard freeze overnight. I really don't feel like falling down any time soon.

I'm thinking Friday's 7 miles are going to be inside. I'm further thinking I need to make sure the DVR is well stocked!

Be careful where you are, and I'll check in after the morning ride!

Late Winter Wonderland

Here's to Monday!! I hope yours has been a good one! Yesterday's forecast came through totally honoring this Rest Day with SNOW! See?

Snow on the ground is about the only time Elly trots in the
yard because she likes to bury her face in it. Otherwise,
without a leash, she is a bonafide mosey kind of gall!

Elly thoroughly enjoyed herself. She wanted to catch snowflakes on her tongue, but it had already stopped ...

"Foiled."

Fortunately for her, though, she'd gotten some on her face:

"Gotta eat the snow reserves fast!"

Lizzy got in on the snow action in her own way:

"What. I'm keeping the snow pants warm.
You are welcome."

Okay, so I had a couple of updates, but the day got all upside down, and I went with snow instead! And, I really don't know what's happening tomorrow because I don't know how well the route I intend to run got cleared. We got 5", but it was super light, so I'm hopeful for a running path! If not, I'll cruise-in-place on the bike instead! I'll check in from wherever the miles were logged ... see you then!

Yeeeouch

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 138.2 (running: 87.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 38.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $22.59

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 138.2  Aaron: 129.6 (b: 113.6; w: 16)  Elly: 29.3 Total: 297.1

Holy. MOLY. This morning's run was cooooooooold!!! It was definitely weather better suited for a Frozen Booty title than yesterday's! But! I'm so very glad it wasn't as cold yesterday; it's one thing to subject myself to such a thing, but I would hate for Pit Crew #2 to feel either obligated to continue or bad for saying stop. That's not a fair position for a kid no matter how good our relationship, so I see yesterday's weather as a huge gift!!

I was actually planning on riding the bike for today's miles after seeing last night's forecast. At that point, it was reported we'd have negative wind chills, and that's where I draw the line. But, when I got up, the wind chills made the 18 degrees feel in the single digits, so I was all about it. Because outside trumps inside every time.

I took my interval trainer with me, and we got along most of the time. There's a particular hill that she just loves to stop and sniff and mark every time she gets a chance. It's soooo annoying. But, it's also really good for me with the intervals when I actually use it that way, so I guess it's all in what I decide. I admit it takes me about half the hill to remember I can actually make such a decision. Oh, and it was up that hill that the wind was coming right at us. We were heading the same direction later in the route when I took this:

I love when her ears are blowing! Look how straight out they are! Yeah ... that's the kind of wind that burns a girl's cheeks in this temperature! Yeeeouch! (They hurt enough in the first half mile I considered for a split second turning around and getting on the bike. Then, I didn't. Temps still in the positive zone? I'm staying outside!! I'm sure that rapid blood flow happening from the run helps ward off frostbite, right?! Hell, I don't know ...)

We struggled a wee bit together this morning, Elly and I, but we got the job done together:

Tomorrow's a Rest Day which is either perfectly timed to the weather (as it's supposed to snow ... we'll see ...) or it's simply perfectly timed for a small break! Either way, it's there on the calendar ready for me to enjoy! I hope your week starts out just the way you like! I'll be checking in with a few updates! See you then ...

Frozen Bootie Warm Heart 10K!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 134.8 (running: 87.6; walking: 8.4; biking: 38.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $22.05

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 134.8  Aaron: 119.1 (b: 103.1; w: 16)  Elly: 25.9 Total: 270.7

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!! I've always liked this day; what could be wrong with a day to say I love you to anyone you love? I sent my brother a Peanuts Valentine like these I gave my fave peeps ...

He likely thought I was weird, but I don't really care. At least he didn't get one like Pit Crew #3 humorously exchanged with a friend of his as a vocabulary assignment in Spanish class. Both boys wrote sentiments to each other like, "You're tall" and "You're ugly." I'm still laughing about it!

ANYWAY, Valentine's Day started off around here with our Frozen Booty virtual run with Mary Kate! YAHOO!! Actually, Mary Kate renamed the event Frozen Booty Warm Heart 10K! Not only is she in a little warmer climate, but she also rules! We found out about the rename when we called to check in at the start time:

That's our team selfie. Mary Kate is in the phone. See her?

When she answered, I yelled into the phone, "Are you ready for some FOOTBAAAAAAAALL?!" She did not miss a beat before responding a very definitive, "Um ... no." I have to throw her some props for the quick response because it was, after all, morning. It was also the morning after she'd gotten home from a work trip, so I have extra props and kudos to shout out about her because how many of the rest of us would have been all, "Um, no, I have no plans to run with you the morning after being out of town because I have some not-running to do that day!" She's amazing!

So, we exchanged our morning greetings, and Mary Kate reported perfect, 40-degree running weather where she lives! She sounded totally upbeat and ready to roll, so we stopped the jabbing and headed out to do this thang ...

PC#2 and I usually do a bit of a walk to warm up, but not today! We hit it immediately. I probably should have warned her, but, whoops. It was 33 degrees for us, but with zero wind, we were warm really fast. Both of us shed our gloves almost immediately which was a shame because with our red gloves, we were so Valentiney. With this run, I also discovered I am woefully unprepared to run on Valentine's Day as I have only one red shirt that I thought would be too light for today. I had to go with a Christmas shirt. Oh the problems!

In other problematic moments, check out this action shot selfie I snagged at the beginning:

Whoops. We'll try that again later. In the meantime, states away, Mary Kate was having a fantastic time with the run-site-seeing combo you know I enjoy so much. Look what she saw!

Hot air balloons, baby! I know they were lovely in person; I
appreciated she knew I'd love to see them!

I know it's either hard to believe or just plain sounds weird, but I love these virtual race opportunities. It's fun to take a moment to (mentally) stop and really think about the fact that there is someone out there literally and purposely running with you. You get to share a goal at a distance, and you decided to do so together. It's a very cool thing. I was thinking about just that when PC#2 and I hit about the half way point, and I was sending all kinds of vibes to Mary Kate. It was at the same time she said she encountered this ...

And, I quote her: "Construction ahead! A truck blocking my path!
My turnaround spot has been compromised!
Finding another way!"

She was problem solving her situation while I was creating and trying to fix one I was causing:

Uh, whoops. I didn't learn a whole lot
from the earlier pic attempt, now, did I?
Let's try this again ...

There she is! I did it!

And, while we were running along and seeing this ...

How very thematic, right?! And, thank goodness I managed to
also capture trash in the foreground. Nice!

There. That's good for the frozen booty concept!

... Mary Kate was checking out this!

Awwwwwwww!

By the way, on this particular run, I worked hard to avert my eyes and not specifically scope for money. I keep working at not looking for it during actual Half Marathons so I'm not a total nuisance to those around me. So, I do need to practice the not-looking strategy on these training runs. For real. But, it just kept finding us! And, really, what were we to do but pick it up?! It's like it's our responsibility to collect it if it's going to throw itself at us. Even on our very last stretch when we were on an awesome pace, I just had to stop for the string of three pennies I spied in the street. We were on that pace where you're going along strong and hard, and such a sudden stop makes you want to throw up a little. But, it didn't make me as queasy as when PC#2 was going on about glazed donuts last weekend. Just sayin'.

In good, sound time, PC#2 and I called it a wrap!

And, we met the boys who presented us our Frozen Booty medals! Yay!!


Those medals are bling-a-licious. See?!

Very soon thereafter, the call came in from Mary Kate:

Nice to make her wait while I take a pic of the call coming in,
huh? I know ... great friend!!

We congratulated, we chatted, we laughed ... it was all so very good!!

We three togetherish!

That's a wrap to the Frozen Booty Warm Heart 10K! Thanks for coming along with us! Virtual runs, virtual fans!! We all work well together!

 

With that, it's time to continue on with the day and being with those we love! Enjoy your Valentine's Day, and I'll check in after the morning run!