One Of My Favorite Things To Do Ever

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 502.4 (running: 348.3; walking: 21.3; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $40.52

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 502.4 Aaron: 288.8 (b: 260.4; w: 28.4)  Elly: 90.9 Total: 882.1

I clearly remember the days when I had absolutely, positively no desire to run with someone else. And, now, it's become one of my very favorite things to do ...

... probably because it's with one of my very favorite people.

Here's a Story For You

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 498.2 (running: 344.1; walking: 21.3; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $40.15

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 498.2 Aaron: 288.8 (b: 260.4; w: 28.4)  Elly: 90.9 Total: 877.9

As promised to myself for completing the run and to the family for always supporting this crazy effort, we celebrated last night out to dinner!! I still had 2-for-1 coupons for Chipotle from GO! St. Louis. At dinner, the family kept thanking for running for food. YUM.

On our way to the restaurant, we passed this:

I wanted to dive face-first into the fries. Just sayin'.

It reminded me of a story a friend recently told me, and I'm now going to share it with you. So, my friend was at a winery (uh-oh ...) where she spied a pizza just sitting on a table that was not occupied. And, there it sat for two hours until my friend decided she was hungry. She went over to the table where she proceeded to eat a piece of the pizza. A few minutes later, she went for another when she was approached by someone, who had been sitting tables away, saying, "WHY ARE YOU EATING MY PIZZA?!!"

It's at that moment many of us would cower, stumble over our words or otherwise try to make the situation look like something other than what it was. My friend, however, called it for what it really was when she very matter-of-factly said, "Um, it's been sitting there for two hours." Like, duh, at this point, expect it to be gone.

I love when people have the courage of their convictions. For real. Right or wrong about the pizza, makes no difference because my friend just stood there and owned it. Bravo, friend!

While this story had absolutely nothing to do with running, it would not have been shared if not for the fact that I run. You are welcome.

I hope this 3-day weekend is a good one for all! Of course, part of ours was paying our proper respects to the pool opening:

It begins ...!

It hasn't been warm enough to actually warm up the pool, but that didn't stop some of us. I got in so as to play some basketball with Pit Crew #3. Aaron and PC#2 stuck their feet in. Actually, Aaron got in up to his mid-thigh for a split second. We told him that didn't count as getting in, by the way. Anyway, PC#3 was the big get-in winner as he went off the diving board. Actually, I'm not so sure we can call that winning when he did so because he lost a bet.

Running is on the morning agenda with PC#2! So long as there's no rain, we shall run! I'll check in after ...!

Faux Girl Friday!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 497.4 (running: 344.1; walking: 20.5; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $40.15

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 497.4 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 875.5

It's not just Friday, it's FAUX GIRL DAY!!!! You can see Elly dressed for the occasion:

"All the fans wear the best team gear!"

This is an interesting reflection for me because it's somewhat difficult knowing where to begin. I remember back in the first days of my running when I almost thought it kind of odd to enter a race and pay to run on roads that I could run on any time. Of course, I'm all about the stuff, so as long as I thought of that, it wasn't odd to me at all. Today isn't unlike that feeling, though, the only thing different about today's run is that I decided it was different. I didn't partner up with anyone near or far. There was no one at my finish. I don't even pick up my race goods today. In many ways, it was really odd.

It was also really good, though, as it reminded me, under no uncertain terms, what I'm made of if I dig deep enough. And, today, I really had to dig. I started the run tired, and that state of mind never gets any better especially at a longer distance. During every, single one of those 13 miles, I had to come up with enough reason to ignore the feeling, pretend I wasn't so tired -- both mind and body -- and keep going ... I don't like that it started at mile 1, but, it did. I just had to accept it and make the best of it!

My strategy was to do the very best I could while enjoying as much of the scenery and beautiful weather as I could soak in. I didn't seem to miss very much ...

In the middle of my route, I capitalized on as many of the park paths as I could rather than my norm of just using one. Doing so got me closer to the water, and I was so glad I was ...

When standing there, I wasn't certain if those were frogs ...

But, I pulled in the picture and got my answer! TA-DA!!

Awwwww ...

I'm not going to lie, I was hurting a bit at this point. But, with more than half of the route behind me, I was anxious to get back to it so I could be finished!!

But not so anxious that I couldn't stop and take a pic of these!

As often happens in the last three or so miles of any Half I've run, the pictures are scarce if they exist. That's the point that I actually have a bit of running focus so as to keep moving. My brain has been bounced enough at this point that the world seems a bit glazed (I'm totally not kidding; it's almost numbing), so it's probably best I focus on my feet at that point!



Finally came the moment when I could stop. And, that was good.

Also good was coming home to my much-anticipated multi-grain crackers, cup of peaches and you-know-who:

It didn't feel awesome, but it was totally worth doing. I think this is the first time that my anticipation for upcoming rest totally and completely trumps the post-run euphoria of having done it! It took a lot to turn it around from April's Half to do this again, so I'm good with it!

The much anticipated rest is scheduled in such a way to have the first day back at it on National Running Day! That just seemed appropriate. So, there will be a couple of runs before resting ... not only do I have to shake the screaming muscles out, but there is also no way I'm leaving my running count at 497 ... gonna have to roll that over the 500 mark!!!

Before any of that, though, we did plan for a post-run celebration dinner tonight! And, the dinner bell is about to ring, so I'm off!! Give whatever you are taking on your very best, and be proud of that!! I'll be checking in on tomorrow's Rest Day ...

I Can Relate To This Dude

And, thanks to a new Summer line at Target stores, I got myself a swag bag for tomorrow's run:

Ta-Daaaaaa!

Because every race needs a swag bag.

I had a difficult time deciding which design to get. I went with this one because (a) there wasn't a Snoopy-only option, and (b) the way this race endeavor has gone feels very Charlie Brown-like! But, like him, I've persevered and am making the best of it!

The run isn't going to be pretty as I don't predict being fully alert in the morning. But, it will be mine, and it will be finished!

Make the very best of what your day has to offer, and I'll see you after the big morning run!

Re-Evaluation Is Becoming Second Nature

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 484.2 (running: 330.9; walking: 20.5; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $39.66

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 484.2 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 862.3

Quick! Name fivethingsfast that went smooth for any part of any of my training since the beginning of the year! Ready? GO!

Bet'cha can't ...

I will most definitely give a nod to the weather. Overall, I had it good, and, by that, I mean I could run outdoors almost every, single training day. You can't sneeze at that one.

Other than that, while the runs themselves have gone well, the schedule just feels as though it is in constant upheave. This week has been, in will continue to be, no different ...

Wet and pouting.

Today, I was unlucky with the weather, and it rained and rained and rained and rained. There was simply no question I was going to be on the bike this morning. It worked out, though, because I had a show on the DVR I really wanted to watch. Strike one up in the Win column!

I got off the bike itching to run, though. But, I thought ahead to Saturday's Half plan, and I hated it. I didn't hate the distance, but I hated the time I knew I'd need to get up so as to finish and get on with the day. Nothing sounded fun about that.

So.

I decided I'm running it Friday! I have the time, and I have the opportunity. I'm just going for it. There will be no fanfare and no one even at my finish line except myself and my thanks to God for getting me the distance. This one I'm taking for myself. It's probably because there's so much hub-bub with the end of school, not to mention the noise of life itself, that I just want to go at and wrap up this one by myself. There's something about the solitude of it that is appealing. I'll catch the fanfare later when I surprise everyone by taking them out for my post-run dinner. Because that is happening. We all have our own stuff going on and that we're very immersed in right now; dinner together is much more important for all. The run will be for me.

But, because of a big Friday run, tomorrow just became a Rest Day. Say it with me: BOOYAH.

Re-evaluation is good. Don't shy away from it.

I'll check in tomorrow ...

That Stinks

In my continued pursuit to not just motivate everyone around here to keep going but also to motivate myself, I came across this ...

I could not have said it better myself.

Apply for yourself as you need, and I'll check in after the morning groove ...

Whatever It Takes

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 475.2 (running: 330.9; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $39.66

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 475.2 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 853.3

Well, that's different ...

Something tells me not many other people came across a piano
sitting on a sidewalk today ...

While that was definitely different on this Monday, many things about it were very typical. And, I'm talking, typical in the tales as old as time way while everyone gets ants in their pants with the end of the school year approaching. This is most definitely the worst time of year for focus around here. It's also when strategies are created/implemented/altered to get to the end of the year. And, sometimes, that reevaluation is daily and maddening. But, whatever it takes is what's required.

The same often goes for the running. With the promise to myself of running the Half distance this weekend -- when every part of my mind, body and soul wants to just sit down -- I do whatever it takes to keep going. Today was a good day in that the run did not feel laborious, but, I did make the mistake of not focusing on the weekend run as much as I did the rest that comes after. I think the diminishing returns on that thought process is self evident.

So, when I felt like it today, I did do things like stop to smell some flowers ...

... or take in the scene:

I really didn't stop all that often, but I really didn't care when I did. There was simply no reason no to.

Over here, we all did the very best we could with our Monday! Certainly better than this guy ...

This week is the home stretch for the big run! But, that doesn't come without days to rest, and tomorrow is one of them! I'll check in then ...

Kitchen Newbie

Happy Still-the-Weekend!!!

Hey, did you happen to know it's the ornament premiere weekend at your local Hallmark? Do with that information what you will.

I had to share the latest and greatest kitchen creation that we took directly from the Trim Healthy Mama people! This little number has become an absolute fave around here, so I had to pass it along!

Okay, so, like any other be-more-healthy quest, the THM directive is to get rid of such things chips. Duh. However, if I want to have taco salad for dinner, not having something crunchy for salsa or even a base kind of takes the fun out of it.

Enter: Lavash Bread.

Apparently the use-by date was a non-issue around here ...

I hadn't heard of it at all until reading the THM book. They have a handful of suggestions for its use including as a wrap for sandwiches, but my favorite use is to make crackers. Believe it or not.

And, you should believe it because it's totally true. All you do is cut the bread into squares, and microwave them on a paper plate or napkin for about a minute and fifteen seconds ...

... and, you have cracker/chips perfect for nachos, salsa or other dip!

I used mine for my guacamole ... mmm ...

Side note ... have to show you the whole bowl:

I saw this bowl a few months back and have been scouring my brain for an excuse to buy it. Mother's Day became the very excuse to splurge my $2.58, and I made guacamole. Win.

For real, these crackers are the bomb! You know that crappy feeling you have after indulging in chips and salsa because the chips are fried and, in and of themselves, made with crappy stuff? That's no problem here! Guilt-free eating? Yes, please!!

The THM people recommend half of one of the lavash breads as a serving, and it is plenty. I have only made them plain, but the book also suggests a spritz of coconut oil and sprinkle of salt to kick 'em up a notch. That would taste awesome with salsa! And, their taste? That's one of the best parts for me because this bread has very little taste at all -- I find that to be awesome because then it doesn't get in the way of whatever ingredients are put with it.

We're all in this together, so when I have a kitchen winner, I want to pass it along!! Now that I've written about them, I totally want some chips and salsa!! I must slate some for this week's dinner somewhere ...

In other slates events (like having chips and salsa is an event?), tomorrow's a day to run!! It doesn't sound especially appealing right now, but it'll be fine many hours from now! I have faith! Have a relaxing rest of your weekend, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Up and At It

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 470.7 (running: 326.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $38.39

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 470.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 848.8

Ahh ... Saturday ... It's just a good word. Saturday.

I had every intention of sleeping in a little bit today to kick off a Rest Day. The plan continued that I would run again tomorrow. It seemed a good plan, too, seeing as the weather forecast was for rain this morning, no rain tomorrow morning. But, today, I woke up to a flipped forecast; it wasn't raining, but there was a the 'promise' of it tomorrow ...

Even if it's clear in the morning, it is a guaranteed rest tomorrow. (yay!) So, I got up and at it today while the coast was clear!

As luck would have it, Pit Crew #2 woke up just about the same time as I decided I was definitely running. What better way for her to start her day, before her feet even hit the floor, than to hear me ask if she'd like to join me, amiright? I think that sounds winning every time I do it. Elly also had designs on the morning as she heard the familiar get-ready-to-run scuttle (isn't it funny how getting ready for certain activities actually has a predictable and familiar rattle to it?). She decided she was going, and I decided that was a good idea. I wasn't exactly prepared to run again after yesterday's 12, so I knew our mighty pacer would make this outing go okay!

As it has been showering off and on for a couple of days, there were all sorts of post-rain critters out and about. Why the rain brings on frogs that get hit in the road (sooooo gross) is beyond me, but look what fun things we saw!

Getting out and about with my girl(s) was a great way to kick off the weekend. Elly's pace -- which was crazy slow for the first mile -- allowed for PC#2 and I to talk a whole lot. That's my favorite part of running with her anyway. We didn't solve any world problems or delve into anything very deep, but it was fun to have that concentrated time with her to just gab about such topics as the poor snail Elly kicked after taking its picture (did I mention that?), how gross the frog situation was (hey, I didn't photo them) and other sundry plans for the upcoming Summer. She also made me feel better when I noted a certain, upcoming hill and told her I was totally walking it today to which she responded, without missing a beat, "Fine by me! I was hoping you'd say that!"

When the youth of the day acknowledge something is difficult, it only makes me feel that much better. Just sayin'.

I do love running with my girls:

Whatever the morning weather, I am not going out to run. For real. It's definitely time for a bit of a rest! I have just two more to accomplish before next weekend's 13 miler, so running tomorrow is totally unnecessary (and, likely, not well advised!). Besides, what better day to have a rest than Sunday! I will be checking in, though, with something fun from the kitchen!! Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Necessary Evil

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 466.7 (running: 322.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $38.34

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 466.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 86.1 Total: 840.8*

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

Happy, happy FRIDAY!!

So, the other day, I left the house with my camera but no memory card. This morning, the card was in the camera, but the camera was at home. I didn't realize it 'til I arrived at my starting point. Whoopsie. It's probably for the better, though, because I later discovered a little hole in my pocket, a hole I know has been created by the camera and would have been mighty exacerbated by a 12-mile run. It looks like I have some darning to do especially when that's the second of three good pairs of running shorts I own that have such a hole.

Do you darn pockets? I know you darn socks. I also know this is a really antiquated word, but so what.

This run was tough. It was almost 20 degrees warmer this morning than any run I've done this calendar year. That in an of itself made it tough never mind the fact that I'm just ready to complete next weekend's Faux Girl and settle in for a long Winter's nap some extended rest! I love the run; I'm just due for some real rest!

But, before the rest are a few more miles in front of me. This morning's outing was reasonably successful although I took more walk breaks than I would normally consider. But, the 20-degree jump is not normal, and it has to be respected if I don't want to pass out en route. Which I don't. I even stopped in a pizza place about a mile and a half away from my finish to refill my water. It was just required.

I'm not normally a fan of the 11- and 12-mile training runs, and I've just come to expect there will be some feeling of ugh before-during-and/or-after. Well, wait ... never after! It's just a long way to go for ... well, I don't want to say 'for nothing,' but I have to admit it kind of feels that way! Thirteen miles rules because there has always been bling and treats after. Eleven and twelve? Necessary evils.

Apparently, I've narrowed my preferred long-run mileage down to 10, which is almost always just fine, and 13 because I get prizes. And, there you have it.

In excellent news today, I was about two-tenths of a mile from finishing when I heard the thunder rumble. I looked behind me, and there was clearly a storm going on a few miles back. The excellent part of this story is that I wasn't caught in it! In fact, the sun came right back out minutes later. But, just when I was going to show you this year's start of the post-run sitting spot on our deck, the thunder returned. So, currently, the sitting spot looks like this:

I know. I baby my pots. They can sit in the rain, but with the
storm predicted, well, I feel the need to protect them!

And, because the thunder is going and going and going, Elly looks like this:

"I'm trying to be brave, mommy. It's not working."

Today's run was not only successful for getting the miles covered, but it was also a good one because I hit the monthly mile goal to keep The Change Hounds on track for the end-of-the-year goal. I thought we were way behind and wouldn't hit it until the end of next week. But, it happened today. BAM. That, in and of itself, made this run a good one!

What keeps these runs going even when I'm just kind of tired is the very fact that there are multiple goals going on. 2,015 in 2015 Challenge. Half Marathon means I get bling. Finding money making this whole thing bigger than me. Sometimes it feels good. It's almost always fun. I feel awesome when I finish even if the run sucked. It's nice to have a variety of motivators to pick from on any given day. Different motivators for different days totally works! Keep yourself open to what works for you!

In the meantime, have a great slide into the weekend! I'll thoroughly enjoy mine while I sport my new shirt!! (Thanks again, Mary Kate!!!!)

Note the poor pooch behind me ...

I'll be checking in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Carrots Are Good For You

With Friday mere hours away, I can't articulate how happy I am the weekend is coming. This girl be tired!

And, as tired as I am, I also can't articulate how disinterested I am in mapping a 12-mile route for tomorrow. It doesn't even sound attainable even though I totally know it is. Bleh. I hate when I'm this whipped!

But, run I will because that's what needs to happen to get ready for next week's Faux Girl distance! And, as for my personal, dangling carrot to finish up tomorrow's run, I have this to look forward to:

My virtual running partner extraordinaire, Mary Kate, sent me this shirt this week! She is part of a dedicated running group (the one that runs when, for real, everyone is sleeping), and they ordered these shirts for themselves. Mary Kate claims me as an honorary Diva, as they call themselves, and I'm flattered. I've promised to wear it well, and I couldn't think of a better inaugural wear than to do so after this next long run! So, it's been staring at me ... waiting ...

I know there's a whole school of thought out there about not rewarding everyone for every thing, but I don't believe in a blanket, universal application to it especially when working hard and motivating one's self. So, tomorrow, I shall be rewarded. Thank you, Mary Kate!!!

Do what it takes to motivate yourself, and I'll see you after the morning run as we welcome FRIDAY!

I'm Not a Fan Of This Pattern, But I'm Not Fighting It Right Now, Either

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 454.7 (running: 310.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $38.13

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 454.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 86.1 Total: 828.8

I'm beginning to notice a pattern in my running as of late, and that pattern includes the last short run of the week just kind of sucking. I've been able to pull off really good long runs following them, though, so I've chosen not to worry about it. Besides, a crappy short run for me is still an awesome outing for the pup!!

"Yes, yes, it's fabulous to get out and
about. So ... can we goooooo?!"

Elly really was pretty annoyed she had to stop and sit here. In part, she just doesn't like to sit until we're done and it's picture time. But, added to it, there were two dogs that had just passed along this same stretch. One was pretty big and very interested in checking Elly out (although we kept a big distance, so that dog gave its owner all kinds of trouble). The other was a dachshund, and it was wearing a little jacket. It was fantastic just trotting along minding its own business.

Elly either wanted to flee the scene or go after the new smelling dogs. Not sure which one:

We were blessed with another fantastic weather morning with temps in the mid-50s and just the slightest of breeze. There has been enough sun to get the running tan lines going but not enough to scorch or make the runs uncomfortable. If the run itself was going to be sub-par, the weather made for a wonderful undertone!

Capping off the run was the moment I hoped to find just one more penny (so as to roll the stash over another full dollar mark) is the moment when I found a dime. Whee! It pays to be hopeful!

"It sure does, mommy!! I am always
hopeful that I get to go with you, and it
almost usually sometimes works!! SLURP!"

Tomorrow's a rest from running before 12 miles on Friday! I'll be checking in then with a really fun share! See you then ...

I'm Pretty Sure I'd Rather Run a Marathon Right Now

The thought of training for and running a marathon sounds painful to me. More pain than fun. But, I'm reasonably certain I'd rather head out and run the marathon distance, untrained, than to ever take our felines to the vet again.

They're seriously that stupid about it.

A few years ago, Aaron and I made a deal that he had to be there when the cats went because Lizzy (who happens to be 'his' so I totally play that up in the you-have-to category) went so bananas-crazy that she launched into ear-piercing screams, scratched the tech and required the vet to get the gloves. I was almost in tears because it was such an unnerving sight. The cats I brought into our marriage did not act like this at the vet, so I am way out of my realm of whatever would make me comfortable with a demon cat.

So, this morning, I took Elly in for her check-up first. I told the vet and tech, "I bring you the calm before the storm." Elly was easy-easy. The vet even commended her for her continued running which seemed impressive to him given she's 8. Elly was all, "I wish you'd be impressed enough that you take that needle out of my forearm, but, whatever. I'm not one to make waves. You're about to get yours."

And, get it he did. Lizzy lived right on up to our assumptions and gave him the business. Elly and I listened from the waiting room as did the newbie receptionist who noted, "Oh, my ... another upset cat today."

I found out later that Lizzy was cat #2 to pee on the vet before 9:30 a.m.

So ridiculous.

After a bunch of unnecessary trauma, we all made it back home.

Lizzy's right where she belongs. In kitty jail. Daphne is that gray ball back there. Elly is mocking them from the land of the free.

Once they were let out, the cats acted out in their own ways:

I was leaning on the counter waiting for my egg pan to heat
up when Daphne plopped down right at my feet. She does not
tend to do that in the morning. I think she was making sure I
wasn't about to scoop her up and haul her off somewhere again.

In the meantime, Lizzy barricaded the door.

Elly ignored both of them and gnawed on her much-anticipated morning treat:

"Fools. That was a lot of drama for nothing."

Tomorrow morning is certain to be more peaceful. I have a run scheduled, after all. And, I plan to take Elly with me. Everything about that sounds heavenly right now especially as compared to today! Even if I wake up in no mood to go, I know how to push through and go anyway. I'm much more evolved than a cat ... at least certain cats ...

I'll check in after the morning run!

That's the Way To Start the Week!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 451.7 (running: 307.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.95

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 451.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 822.8

Because my genius knows no bounds, I headed out on my run this morning with my camera in my pocket, but there was no memory card in said camera. I discovered this when I found a super-cool flower I wanted to show off. So, instead, I offer you a picture I took yesterday of my cat:

"Mommy doesn't take me running."

I am enjoying my Faux Girl training because it lacks pressure. Not that I feel pressure before an official race, per se, as much as I maintain a focus so as to have as good of a run as possible that day. There are more accountability pieces in the races, so I know I cop to them to whatever extent. It's not a bad thing; it keeps me motivated. But, with that off the table, I have an extended time goal for my upcoming finish which allows me to do things like stop and look for money or stroll along a stretch versus pushing myself.

For something that was born out of losing my brain and double-booking myself (so as to prevent participation in the official race), it's all turning out quite all right!

I am still following the distance goals of the training schedule, and today's was a 5-miler. To my pleasure, it was totally easy. I cruised right along and got 'er done. The awesome 55-degree weather didn't hurt anything, nor did the wind at my back for the majority of the run. It was a great way to start a Monday morning!

Tomorrow's a Rest Day which is totally laughable because we have to take the furries in for their annual check ups, and one of them makes it almost unbearable. I get anxiety even thinking about it. Needless to say, I'll be in charge of Elly ... Aaron can have the rest of the crew! I'll check in with a report ... hopefully it won't involve bodily injury inflicted by an obnoxious feline ...

Celebration Day!

Elly here! All of us wanted to report that this Mother's Day Rest Day was fabulous because mommy got to celebrate her day with all of us:

For my gift to her, I promptly went into the picture that was being taken and very obediently-without-being-asked-because-I-wasn't-asked sat down. I'm good like that. And, mommy obviously had a quick brain blip, so I thought I'd help her out and just join in.

Besides, I wanted to make sure she had a picture of all of the kids in the household that matter. Those stupid felines weren't invited.

Mommy's digesting her yummy dinner right now, so we'll let her chill. But, she'll be back tomorrow!! I hope everyone had a great day! WOOF!

That Worked Out

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 446.7 (running: 302.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.49

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 446.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 817.8

Biking yesterday to avoid running in the rain turned out to be a joke on me as I was soaked by the time I got home from my run this morning! You know what, though: It turned out more than okay. Just like yesterday's bike ride was probably more of a good cattle-prod to the rut I think I was in than it was avoiding the rain, running in a moderately strong shower for my last mile turned out to be rather refreshing! I won't say I would have voted to run in the rain, but it really was quite pleasant. And, seeing as it began when I was almost exactly half-way through my route, there was nothing I could do but embrace it! Three and a half miles dry; three and a half wet. Why not?

 

It's funny how the very things you spend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid turn out to be some of the best things that could have happened!

 

I also must confess that I'm positive yesterday's very long bike ride probably enhanced this morning's run. There's a day I know I would have required a rest following that kind of ride, but I'm growing to better understand how the ol' body works and what it's actually capable of -- not what I emotionally decide it can't or shouldn't do.

 

The only complaint I have from this morning is that I got a pretty wicked case of runner's nose. Yeah, the gross kind. You'd think, with the substantial shower I encountered, there would have been some kind of built-in, if not automatic, cleaning system. But, that simply didn't happen. I'll not go into the details required to remedy this most-annoying situation.

 

I was so pleased with this morning's run that nothing about it bugged me. Not the rain. Not having no choice but to run through a drainage area soaking my shoes. Not my I-know-you're-jealous hair.

Nothing.

It was a good run. But, I will not be running. Because it's Mother's Day and not what I'm going to do. I will check in, though, so I'll see you then!

One Way Or the Other

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 439.7 (running: 295.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.18

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 439.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 801.8

As I sat and mapped this morning's route yesterday, I think I knew the run wasn't going to happen. Or, maybe that's what I secretly hoped. There was plenty of rain in the forecast, so, outwardly, I was all, "Yeah, 50-50 that I'll run, and, if it rains, I'll bike," when on the inside I was all, "If I'm on the bike, I get to watch tv ..."

 

Just as I was about to head out, the rain started coming. And, by some miracle, it lasted the entire time I was biking. (As I do with any indoor bike ride, I keep looking out the window to justify my inside status and/or hop off and get outside.)

 

I had a 10-mile run on the calendar, so that amounted to 30 miles on the bike. I was surprised to find myself go through much of the same thought processes on the bike as I do on a long run: talking myself through those moments I'd rather just stop; making incremental goals/markers, sometimes feeling like it's going to take forever while, at other moments, feeling like a whole bunch of time just passed that I didn't remember.

 

Suffice it to say my butt hurt in a this-kinda-sucks way after. But, I thoroughly enjoyed the on-board bike fan (yeahhh!) plus the guilt-free block of time to catch up on some back-logged, recorded tv. Not bad.

 

In other exercise updates for today, let's check in with these two:

   "I haven't moved from this      "I circled you on the bike while

    spot in two hours."                 patiently waiting for my morning

                                                         rawhide, and I also wagged my

                                                         tail a lot."

The effort was a good one (and, certainly better than Thursday's outing). It was probably perfect timing to mix up the training. If I had an official race coming up, I wouldn't feel that way. But, I'll take the option while it's here. But, I have an itch to go out and run in the morning. Weather permitting, that's exactly what I'll do. If it rains, well, I'll just stay in bed that much longer!

 

Sometimes, an unplanned shake-up is exactly what we need. I'm certain I needed this! May any surprise that came your way have been a good one, and I'll check in after the morning verdict!

HAHAHA -- OUCH -- HAHAHA

Unlike yesterday's totally fake run, I fully intend for tomorrow's to have some umph to it. And, it being a long run, this is almost always applicable:

That's funny and true and painful all at the same time!!

And, with tomorrow comes the report of the I-can't-believe-it's-already-time-for-another-long-run outing! See you then ...

I Think That Was Insulting

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 409.7 (running: 295.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.18

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 409.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 771.8

Today's run was terrible. It's probably insulting to running to call it a run. But, that's how they sometimes go. In the about-200 running outings I'll finish this calendar year, some of them are bound to be bad. Today was one of them, so let's just call it what it was (sucked) and look forward to Friday's long run!

 

Regardless of how I felt it went, Elly had a great time out and about! See how happy she was?

"CHEEEEEEEESE!!!"

We stopped at that park because it was so calm and pretty. It was some of nature's eye candy, and I indulged while Elly explored a little bit!

I can hardly wrap my head around a long run in a couple of days, but, ready or not, it's a-comin'!! In the meantime, I have to share: Remember a week ago when I said I keep getting emails to buy the latest round of race photos and that I've received opportunities to buy even past the "last chance" email? Guess what was in my email inbox today? That's right! More chances to buy my super-duper-look-so-good race photos!

Say it with me: Delete!

While I hardly need a physical rest from today's outing, I am jumping at the chance for a mental break! I'll check in from there ...!

Snowflakes

(snowflake source)

There's a radio host whom I often hear refer to teenagers as 'delicate snowflakes'. Yes, he is, most definitely, taking a crack at his perception of how teenagers today behave and what they expect as compared to back in his day. Even though I don't really care for this guy, I find myself agreeing with the majority of his observations. My bet is he'd be on board with the rant I'm about to launch. I'll try to be brief.

I think I've heard the last boo-hoo list of reasons kids are skipping school I can stomach. In the last two weeks alone, I have been educated as to the many, many woeful stories about why the little snowflakes around my kids can't seem to complete an entire day of school. Those stories include:

• That part of the day is going to be a waste of my time. Besides, I'm a senior.
• My arm is healing from dislocation, so there's no point in going to half of my classes.
• I'm technically (and, legitimately) excused for the whole day anyway, so why go back? Besides, I don't want to take my test that day.
• I'm also technically (and, legitimately) excused for the whole day anyway. And, I have prom this weekend.
• After I take that test, I'm just going to be brain dead, so I'm leaving.

There is not one of those excuses I've made up or exaggerated. I am. not. kidding.

Did I mention every, single one of these scenarios is parent-condoned? Yeah ...

Are there reasons kids miss school? Absolutely. But, shouldn't the miss be a reason that is also accompanied by a plan rather than a fleeting declaration that something just isn't fun/doesn't feel good right then and there, therefore, they should not be bothered? At what point in time were we promised a life where we wouldn't have to deal with being bothered? And, where is the right given to decide what is expected and provided isn't worthy of one's time?

And, what character development is being missed by indulging such decision?

I continue to fight the good fight. Actually, there is no fight around here because the ground work was laid before there was even an awareness of blowing off any part of the school day. While I don't have the fight of this, I do have repeated conversations reminding the kids of what they're actually getting out of not skipping out. They need and deserve that kind of refuel given they're surrounded by temptation and, often, frustration. I make these refuel speeches up on the fly, though, as I have nothing from which to draw. The very idea that my parents would have reminded or even suggested to me I was going to school? I seriously can't even create such a scenario. The question wouldn't have come up from me as I valued my life. Going to school: It just was.

To fast-forward the reason for this rant, allow me to make the connection: If not for the many, many life lessons I had to go through over and over and over so as to learn, train and ingrain my behaviors and thought processes, I would have never, ever become a runner.

Running at the beginning felt an impossible task. It was hard in the bring-me-to-tears way. It was exhausting. It felt unattainable. It hurt.

But, because of what was instilled from the get go --
Because of what was expected of me --
Because of what I grew to expect of myself --

I succeed. My running may not look like anyone else's, but it's mine, and, it's successful. And I keep going because I know how to get through the hard stuff. I learned how to navigate being in a hole and digging myself out. I learned to have faith in myself. I learned all of that (and more) because the lessons started from the first time of many I wanted to stop and either wasn't allowed or realized I shouldn't. I learned way back when how to persevere.

I can't decide if I'm a little sick to my stomach or just really, super sad over what the snowflakes of today are not just missing out on now, but also what experiences may never be realized because they have no idea how to get there. That's just sad.

I'll leave it at that. See you after the morning run ...

Just Keep Running ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 406.7 (running: 292.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.14

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 406.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 79.8 Total: 765.5

Happy May the Fourth and May the Fourth Be With You and all that jazz ... I couldn't let today go without the nod to Star Wars fans!

I could have let today go without the first mile and a half of my run, though. I really really really think I'm about due for a break! Just sayin'. So, suffice it to say that, while running, my mental energy is going toward, "Exactly when and for exactly how long am I going to take a break after Faux Girl ..." It's kind of like when I got up on GO! St. Louis morning only thinking about how long it would be until I could take a nap. I do so enjoy the running, but I'm not one of those who doesn't know what to do with myself when I'm resting!

But, now's not yet the time to down shift, so out I went to take on the day! It turned out to be a crazy profitable run ($1.09!), so that was lovely. It sprinkled quite a bit but didn't actually rain (always a bonus with the camera in tow), and by the time I finished running, I felt loose and good. That it is taking longer into the run to get there is my signal that extended rest needs to get on the agenda!

Until then, I'll take 'em one run at a time ...

I call this Poetry In Motion
Hooray, Almost Finished!

May your Monday have started your week off exactly as you wanted! I'll check in on tomorrow's rest from running day!