More Than We Bargained For

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 569.5 (running: 412.1; walking: 24.6; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $47.54

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 569.5 Aaron: 354.4 (b: 319.7; w: 34.7)  Elly: 118.8 Total: 1042.7

So, did everyone get a good look at the sun last night and this morning?!

This is what it looked like through my windshield on the way to our morning run:

From what I heard on the news, there's a big, huge fire in Canada, and its smoke is way up there in the atmosphere even far enough South for us to have effects! It's high enough that we can't smell it, but it made for a really wonky color vibe on the day! You don't see something like that every day!!

 

You also don't tend to see such things as this when you head out for a run ...

... ah, but there it was. Why? I don't know.

I do know why the morning run with my girls ended up a little more than a mile longer than planned. It's called: My own, personal brand of paranoia. We were a little more than a half mile into it when I couldn't recall locking my car door. If you know me at all, you know I just had to find out. So, back we went. *sigh*

At least the temp was pretty low, as it wasn't even quite 70 degrees, and the humidity was light. With weather on our side, the backtrack wasn't too bad. It was only unfortunate at the end: Pit Crew #2 and I had decided to walk the very last stretch because it's up hill. However, right before the hill, we passed a group of men, one of whom kept calling out to us asking to run along with us. That's when I pulled out my go-to strategy of digging deep, being strong and -- you guessed it -- not walking up the hill! Was I worried? Actually, not at all. But, the using the strategy didn't hurt anything! We ended up sailing up the hill, admittedly motivated by demonstrating strength more than wanting to conquer the hill itself!

In between the doofusness at the beginning and the quick strategy rethink at the end, the run was good! Elly was a bit of a drag by the middle, so I experienced a great deal of resistance training. It was probably good for me, I just didn't want to participate in it! But, like I told PC#2, every run for Elly is a good one that will let her live longer or better or both, so it's worth taking her whenever I can.

"True story, mommy; you take good care
of me. You both do. I mean, look at sister
going way out of her way to throw away
my morning deposit? Such a nice girl." 

Along the way today, I kept thinking about how running this Summer has been going well, but it's not as long in mileage as I thought it might go. The best part of it is that I am totally okay with it to the point that I think I'll switch my Summer virtual Half Marathon plan to a 10K, and I'll aim to run a Half this Fall instead! The double bonus is that by switching the distance, I'll be able to run the entire distance with PC#2 instead of having her join my run in progress. Double. Win.

I still have to figure out when this will happen, but that's the easy part now!

So, after 4 planned miles, 1.2 whoops miles and a full dollar's worth of coins found, the trio wrapped up a strong run together:


While a run is intended for tomorrow, we have to wait and see what the weather holds! I'll check in with the outcome, thankful to be at peace with the flexibility and altered demand on myself to roll with whatever Summer weather rolls at me! Enjoy the start to your Wednesday, and I'll see you then!

Twelve Minutes Of Rest

I was about to put a movement update on this post until I realized nobody moved today!! Whoops. Well, that's not exactly true: Pit Crew #2 got her running groove on. If she'd been part of the Change Hounds, we'd be killing it. But, she's not because we don't want to feel bad about ourselves. Just kidding, I'm smoking her on mileage; something about not having to go to school full time. Maybe another year!

Monday lived right on up to what it promised, and it was jam-packed-full!! It was so full that I required a 12-minute afternoon nap just to restart! Yes, 12 minutes. That did enough of a trick that I didn't find my face landing in my dinner plate. Everyone was grateful; no one needs to see that!

Elly got busy, too, getting herself ready for the upcoming holiday:

Dang, that dog is cute!!

So, tomorrow: We run. That's just how Tuesday will begin!! I'll see you after ...

Not Really Resting!

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 564.3 Aaron: 354.4 (b: 319.7; w: 34.7)  Elly: 113.6 Total: 1032.3

Elly took Daddy for a walk this morning. She knows she needs to keep him going so he can soon earn his Summer medal. She's an awesome trainer!

This Rest Day has been all over the place, so why don't we keep with the theme and start off with a quick look back at yesterday:

For real, is that not the cutest?? I had no 'place' to put it yesterday, so I decided to show it off today!

As on any Rest Day, I have grand plans of getting into the craft room, even if just for a little bit, and creating something. As with most every Rest Day, that didn't happen! But, the day was well spent on many activities (love the pool and the games we create!) and helping family. So, how can I possibly complain ... especially when I also have this recent acquisition patiently waiting for me in the aforementioned room?!

Who. Knew. ?!?!

Tomorrow's scheduled off from running as the day is full before it even begins! I hope your week starts off strong and productive (or, at least, strong!), and I'll check in along the way!

A Better Start

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 564.3 (running: 406.9; walking: 24.6; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $46.54

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 564.3 Aaron: 351.4 (b: 319.7; w: 31.7)  Elly: 110.6 Total: 1026.3

Hey!! It's SATURDAY!! 'Miss me yesterday?!?! No you didn't. Trust me. You didn't. By the time noon hit, I was in such a bad mood that just kept getting refueled to the point it never even crossed my mind to write. And, by the time I thought of it, I was half way into the bed; there was no slowing that train by then! I was ready to just go to sleep, and start over today!

While the day continued to prove it wasn't going to get any better, I couldn't help but note I didn't run in the morning. I mean, is it just that the run gets me centered? Does it get everything going and shaken out? Does it ignite both the calming hormones (um, what are they called?) as well as the problem-solving ones? (Do those exist? That may just be brain capacity. Or, lack thereof.). I've also noticed that, more often than not, if I have a bad day, it usually did not start of with a run. Correlation? To some degree, probably. To which I say: Ugh.

Anyway, today has been a much better day, and it did start out with a run!! Both of my girls went which made for both interval sessions and a super-chill pace, both thanks to Elly.

"You are super-welcome, mommy.
What did I do?"

I still remember when I started running with her. She used to pull me up hills. For real. Not so much anymore. Her pace and gait are still strong, but they've slowed considerably. I'm thankful for whatever pace she provides!! I'm so thankful, in fact, that I bought her a little prize last weekend that she got to run-debut today! Check it out:

"Thanks for my new leash, mommy!
Wheeeee!! Look at me goooooooo!"

I hope to be as happy about going out to run at whatever pace when I'm 56 (the whole dog-years thing is going on there ...). Of course, I'm not even that happy about going out now, so that's probably not going to happen.

While the run was pretty easy, it was good for the three of us to be out together. The slower pace allowed for much more talking between me and Pit Crew #2, and there's nothing wrong with bonus talk time!

The girls!

There's also nothing wrong with giving another run at a Rest Day tomorrow!! They don't tend to tank twice in a row, so I'm going with that!! Enjoy every part of your Saturday, and I'll be checking in tomorrow!

No Rest For the Weary

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 559.3 (running: 402.7; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $46.52

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 559.3 Aaron: 350.7 (b: 310.2; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 1015.6

Running this morning was not even remotely the plan until late last night when I realized my brain did not keep up with the morning schedules around here. Sometimes it makes more sense to just go ahead and run. And, so we did.

Pit Crew #2 wasn't too thrilled at the idea last night (hey, at least I gave her a heads up), but she was totally good to go this morning. Physically, that is. Her morning report was that she felt perfectly fine, but she was super sleepy. I was exactly the opposite being fully alert but having thighs that were killing me. Smush us together, and we were either in perfect condition to run, or we were a total mess. Either way, we headed out.

There was a very ominous cloud heading our way when we started. It was seriously rather dark, and you couldn't see any edges to it. It's the reason I left Elly at home, but I guess I was just that determined to go run that I figured we'd roll the dice. Within the first quarter mile, a single rain drop landed right in my eye (it was either that or a trail-end drop of bird poo, so I'm going with the singular rain drop). Immediately after, the skies cleared almost completely to allow the sun to beat right on top of us. It certainly made for a warm run, but we beat the humidity that is forecast for today, so I really can't complain.

Okay, so, in the middle of this route, there's a hill. It's a short hill, but it has a decent incline. Given how my legs were feeling, I more than celebrated my victory going up it today. I heard PC#2 giving it her all, too, so I congratulated her as well. She acted like it was no big deal. I was all, "Oh, don't even tell me you didn't feel that one!" She has a habit of telling me she doesn't feel the low-incline but long, steady hills. I'll give her those, but, on this one, I wanted some company!

Do you feel the love I mean the pain from
the hill I mean the love?!?!

She admitted she totally felt that one, and we got along just fine from there.

Feelin' the love. Much better.

Along the way, we scored some change as well as took a pit stop in front of a bakery so we could check out their Summer display. Because ... why not:

Thanks to the lower humidity, the run was strong from beginning to end. I was thankful for that so we could slide into a real, not-even-kidding-it's-happening-and-we've-earned-it Rest Day tomorrow!!

Pushing yourself might be painful, but the payoff is worth it! Give this Thursday your all, and I'll check in tomorrow!

Every Step Counts. Which Is Different From Counting Every Step.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 556.3 (running: 399.7; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $46.39

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 556.3 Aaron: 350.7 (b: 310.2; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 1012.6

After a nice, strong run yesterday, today felt a lot different! And, that's because the humidity changed. Considerably.

I recently paid attention to the weather forecast enough to pick up on some knowledge about humidity. Basically, humidity levels 40% or lower will not affect the temperature. So, 80 degrees will feel like 80 degrees. I like those days.

But, once it goes above 40%, things start to heat up particularly once the level is 70% or higher. Between 40 and 50%, there will be some mild increases in the temp. But, at 70% and above, count on the temperature feeling at least a 7 degree jump if not 10 degrees or even more. I never knew what to 'do' with the reported humidity percentages, so that explained a lot to this girl! Add to it all the difficulty your body has cooling off in the humidity since your sweat can't efficiently evaporate, and the code is cracked as to why humid runs make the ol' ego take a huge hit if you don't consider the real, natural factors!

Pit Crew #2 and I considered those factors right on up a hill we walked today! Wait, did I say 'a' hill? I meant two of them. It was just grody out.

Before hitting the hills, we started out without my clarifying our route to PC#2. We started in when I told her where we were going to which she said, "Um, that's not three miles (like I promised her last night). That's, like, four." To which I said, "It's four and a half." To which she sighed. To which I said, "But, we have to go to that drive thru ..."

The girl gets me. And, we found 14 cents, so it was worth it.

We actually took off nice and strong, but the last mile was a butt kicker. I used our slowed-down time to take in some of the scenes:

With this run, I'm right under the 400-mile mark for the year. By the end of the month, it looks like I'll be about 75 miles short of consistent pace to hit my original goal of 900 miles this year. Right now, I'm good with it because everything is flowing along without losing its charm. We'll see what I end up doing, but right now isn't the time to dwell or concern myself with it. It's just time to keep going ...

Every effort through the heat pays off big time in the Fall. It happens every year, so the focus right now is being consistent! That's what will serve me best! Serving me even better (at least mentally!) is resting the weary muscles tomorrow!! So, that's the plan, but I'll be checking in! See you then ...

Better Because Of Her

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 551.8 (running: 395.2; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $46.25

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 551.8 Aaron: 350.7 (b: 310.2; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 1008.1*

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

After two Rest Days and a few, hard-fought games of pool basketball and/or Monkey In the Middle, to say my thigh muscles were screaming this morning would be an understatement. They really didn't want to run. But, I did. And, so did my girl. So, we went, screaming muscles and all.

Without a doubt, having Pit Crew #2 with me this morning made for a better run and not just because I enjoy her company. Almost every time we go out together, I push myself just a little harder in those moments where I might otherwise consider either slowing it down or taking a break. That's not to say I do that all the time because, obviously, I don't. But, it is to say being with her makes me all the more in tune with what I actually need physically versus what I might otherwise just want.

So, it's totally her fault that my thighs were still killing me when we were finished, amiright?! (ha!)

In addition to the push she provided, PC#2 is the one who found the biggest, single coin (a quarter: BOOM) whereas I was mighty adept and finding the pennies:

That's the second batch of pennies I've found in two weeks that was clearly dumped out of someone's car. For real, people, I do. not. get. it. But, the Food Bank is going to get an additional 50 cents (or 7.5 meals) because someone tossed these!

We also saw these:

A whole mess of them had fallen to the street, too. And, while we didn't know what they were, I do know a slimy piece of one managed to stick to PC#2's sock, and we discovered it while at the store on our way home. It was pretty funny (to me) because she was all grossed out when picking off the random piece of gross produce stuck to her sock.

Before wrapping up the run, we saw this!

I was all, "Ohhhhhh, kitty!!" only to immediately have to change tone and say, "Woahhhh ... truck!" as one was backing out of the driveway right next to where I saw the kitty. Kitty was either completely unphased or anxiously awaiting the truck-to-person collision. 'Depends on the kitty's 'tude.

This was a run I was excited to do as it took the Change Hounds right on to the half-way point of mileage required to complete the 2,015 in 2015 Challenge!! Just a couple of weeks ago, I was a bit concerned we'd catch it up, but, with one week left in the month, we did it! Yay, us!

And, yay, us!

I have to hand it to the girl for going. I can't say I would have done the same at her age!

Tomorrow? The plan is to run unless we get rained out! I'll check in either way; see you then!

Down Time ...

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 547.8 Aaron: 350.7 (b: 310.2; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 1004.1

And, at the end of this Rest Day, this about sums all of us up:

The cool thing, though, is that Aaron brought us within 4 miles of hitting our June goal for the 2015 Challenge ... so, guess who's bringing it home tomorrow!! I'll see you after ...!

Great Day

This is the Crew that tags along, waits, cheers, and celebrates ...

And, this is the man who, after every race, asks, "Did you win?" to which I say, "Duh." And, then he laughs ...

I knew long before I started running, and it will remain well after I stop: These are the two best men I know.

Happy Father's Day! Happy first day of Summer! What a great day it is!

The Way We Roll

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 547.8 (running: 391.2; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $45.60

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 547.8 Aaron: 340.2 (b: 299.7; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 993.6

This morning's run was great. We beat the incoming majority of today's heat/humidity. We found a good stash of coins. And, we selfied at the gas station with one of our favorite mascots ...

... because that's what running around here is all about!

Tomorrow's up in the air as to whether it's a Rest or running day as I've not taken a look at the week as a whole, but I'll be checking in either way! Enjoy every part of this Saturday!!

Groove Regained

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 543.6 (running: 387; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $45.18

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 543.6 Aaron: 340.2 (b: 299.7; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 989.4

Yahoooooooooo! It's Friday!!! It's another wet Friday, and that is really cutting in to my pool time, and I'm not happy about it!! I am happy, though, that I got my run in outside and that it was the first run I'd call 'good' in quite some time!! I really have been having a bit of a time at it. I honestly think I was just that worn out by the end of May that even a week off from running wasn't the key to a really solid bounce-back. The blanket of humidity that landed on us probably didn't help matters, either. Whatever has been going on, though, this morning's run felt like the first of coming out of that fog and back into my groove!

I also know today's run would not have happened as well as it did had I not continued to move through the slump. Even crappy runs count (they should; they hurt more), and, today, things felt like they're coming together!

So, not only did the run itself go well, but I also just beat the rain! In fact, my run was sandwiched between it. The early morning rain brought these on:

Don't you love when that happens? I sure do.

Okay, for all that was great about this run, I am going to take a quick sec to complain about the humidity anyway because it was super-gross. I had a piece of hair that was drenched with sweat and kept flinging into my eye. It was not awesome, but I wasn't smart enough to put a headband in to keep it at bay. Muh-bad.

You, too, could have hair like that.

Other than that: Awesome Outing!

Before signing off, I must give a quick shout out to my friend Melanie who is running her first-ever Half Marathon tomorrow!! GO, MELANIE, GO!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes for her! I'm also anxious to find out if what I saw on her run's website is true -- that racers had to pre-order and pay for their finisher shirts! I know I saw that. I also know she's already picked up her bib and bag, and there was no shirt with it.

How can a Half Marathon not have a race shirt included with the registration especially at an $85 registration cost?! I can't even ...

And, tomorrow? I'm planning to drag Pit Crew #2 out of bed to go run. Tune in, and I'll let you know how that turns out! Enjoy the start of your weekend in the meantime!

Milestone Mention

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 539.6 (running: 383; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $44.37

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 539.6 Aaron: 330.6 (b: 299.7; w: 30.9)  Elly: 105.6 Total: 975.8

Man, I totally whiffed a milestone the other day!! Elly hit her 100th mile of the year on Tuesday, and I totally forgot to mention it!!!

"Yay me!! And, that's okay, mommy. I forget stuff
all. the. time."

Congratulations, Elly!!! Thanks for all of the company my loyal running pal!!! We'll be back at it tomorrow!

Make Room!

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 536.6 Aaron: 330.6 (b: 299.7; w: 30.9)  Elly: 102.6 Total: 969.8

Even though scheduled by accident, Rest Day was perfectly timed today as it was pouring all morning. I know we're getting it way less than other areas, though; I feel for you, flooded friends!!

Okay, so I have another gem from the kitchen, but it doesn't come without a bit of an explanation as to why the sudden re-interest in recipes and the such. It's like, right when my motivation to run took a low plateau, I re-energized in the recipe search. Can't I do both at the same time? Evidently not. But! I think I have figured out why ...


There's the kindergartener hard at
work. He can still spell all of these
words, by the way.

This is the only way I can explain it: When Pit Crew #2 was in kindergarten, one of the things we learned from her wonderful, fabulous teacher was that as a child learns a new concept, they may seem to 'forget' other things they've learned until the new concept becomes more formed and understood. It's like the brain pushes some stuff out to make room for new stuff, but it eventually lets the old stuff make a comeback.

I thought it was an interesting concept, but it didn't really apply to PC#2. Then, PC#3 came along, and we saw it in action. He didn't just seem to forget things; it was as though he'd never even learned the things we knew he'd forgotten. Eventually, everything caught up and equalized and we all breathed a sigh of relief and forgot about this phenomena until the ride started up again. It happened often, and Aaron and I were surprised almost every time until the ohhh, yeah ... that happens! hit us. Yeah, we're smart like that.

Anyway ...

This afternoon, I was working and mentally indulging myself in last night's dinner YUM wondering exactly why I have a rejuvenated interest in learning and seeking and creating in the kitchen when the aforementioned concept hit me. Only, of course, I reapply it as 'Evidently, I only have so much of this particular brand of energy (we'll call it the Personal Health energy) to use, so while I'm learning more about the fuel, I don't seem to have enough left to burn up the whole tank on running.'

Or, something like that.

Even if that's a complete and total load of crap, it makes absolute sense to me. That and remembering what the kindergarten teacher said was pretty cool. And, either the kindergarten concept is completely applicable, or I am not the super woman I often pretend to be. And, we know that's not the case, amiright?

Okay, so, even though I don't and never will don a cape, I'm thankful for those out there who are dedicated to writing recipes that fit the kind of fuel I'm looking for! The other night, I came across what turned out to be a gem, so I had to share. It's Southwest Chicken in the Crockpot (click to get it!), and this is it in my bowl from lunch ...

Plated on a bed of quinoa and topped with a plop of plain
Greek yogurt ... CHOMP.

... before I devoured it alongside a serving of those fantastic lavash bread chips.

Here's the deal: I am not a big fan of white meat chicken. Generally, unless something fantastic is done to it, I find it dry and/or bland. Unfortunately, 'something fantastic' usually means 'something rather unhealthy'. This recipe totally did it for me in the healthy way!

The chicken goes in the crockpot thawed but raw*. I cut the breasts into pieces no larger than you'd find chicken fingers to help the seasonings permeate. And, after it cooked, I broke it all up and let it go for almost another hour to really let it soak in the flavors. It totally worked, and the request has already been put in for us to have it again! NO PROBLEM!

* Am I the only one who hates getting excited about a crockpot recipe only to find out everything needs to be cooked and/or otherwise prepared before it sits in the pot? For real; I hate that.

Want a new, super-easy, super-delicious meal? Click above, and go for it! The picture on the website is way prettier than what came out of my crockpot, but whatever. It was tasty! Oh, and mine seemed just a bit runny to put on a plate even with the quinoa, so I sprinkled about a quarter teaspoon of glucomannan and stirred which totally soaked up enough of the water to keep the dish from being runny!

We already can't wait to have it again ... until we've had it so many times we get sick of it then forget it ever existed.

From the kitchen today to the street tomorrow!! I'll see you after the morning run!

Whatever It Takes

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 536.6 (running: 380; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $43.99

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 536.6 Aaron: 321.4 (b: 290.5; w: 30.9)  Elly: 102.6 Total: 960.6

Today's was a run that almost wasn't because it started raining. And, we all know what a weenie I can be about running in the rain. But, I'd already been through a few rounds of 'I don't want to go at all' and had conquered it, so I wasn't going to let a little rain get in the way.

My initial lack of desire came from the fact that I mentally scheduled too many miles for today. I had six in mind, but I had no idea why, and it just seemed like too many. But, as soon as I thought, "Hey, you know you can just go three ..." I was all about getting out there!! I have no idea what exactly is going on internally, but I do know I should just keep going in a way that keeps it fun, and it'll eventually all shake out. I still can't say why a run is great one day only to suck the next, so you bet I haven't yet figured out why I'm totally motivated during some stretches of time while, during others, I could hardly care less about it.

I just need to keep going right now because it's the best way to set me up for when I'm back to really wanting to go! These down times are okay; it just matters what you do with them!

So, today, I dialed back the mileage and took the dog!! She was happy as a clam and didn't even balk at the rain coming down when we set out. Now, I don't know if that's because she was that happy to be going, or if it was because she really, really had to go. Either way, she was a peach through the entire run!

Just about 100 yards from our finish, we came upon this:

In a seemingly unrelated but totally related note, it was when I
was picking up the many-splendored pennies that I was glad to
not have done my nails last night.

Clearly, someone was finished with their stash of pennies in their car, and they just dumped them in the street. I will never, ever understand just dumping and/or dismissing money (um, didn't you work for that?), but it'll go toward almost 7 full meals from the Food Bank, so TA. DA. Add that to the rest of today's unexpected stash ($1.14 in total today!), and it was a great run for the Bank if no other reason.

Of course, there were other reasons. Not the least of which was Elly's post-run rub down. She isn't a fan of getting wet, but she loves the attention later!

"Not this attention, mommy!! I'm naked!"

Purely by accident, I scheduled something in the morning. Therefore, I am not running. Given the forecast, that might turn out perfectly as we're supposed to keep getting wet! Regardless, it's another Rest Day for me with the plan to run out the weekdays!

Change plans, change lanes, shift gears ... do whatever you need to do to keep yourself going, and I'll check in tomorrow!

Bring the Bling

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 533.6 Aaron: 321.4 (b: 290.5; w: 30.9)  Elly: 99.6 Total: 954.6

I did not participate in the morning move. Thanks to Aaron for keeping us going today!

I recently read a lengthy post on Facebook from someone offering counter points to the distaste for 'everyone gets a trophy' thing. It was a really good post (but not an article I can actually link) because it made me stop and rethink my own position which has actually evolved over the past decades.

Yes, I said decades. I received my first participation trophy when I was 10. I was one of two girls on the parks & rec boys' league for soccer (yup ... I'm old enough that there wasn't a girls' league), and the coach doled out trophies from a box in his trunk after our last game. I loved it. I didn't think I'd done anything but show up and have fun, either. I wasn't that delusional.

Other adults in my life didn't love it. And, it wasn't just down played, it was something close to ridiculed. I loved that trophy. Evidently, I ultimately succumbed to it not meaning much because it's not in my box of treasures. These are, though ...

I guess because all of this was technically earned on whatever
level that it made the cut for the box. Too bad about that first
trophy. The girl had a flying ponytail and everything.

Funny how the soccer one on top was just for being a Senior on the team. Yeah, yeah, I had to try out and make it, but still. It was truly just for being there.

I loved that one, too.

I can't do justice trying to recap the eloquence of her Facebook post, but I will give you the opener: "I like tiaras. And ribbons. And trophies. And gold stars. I’ve seen a lot of posts on Facebook lately telling me that makes me a terrible parent. I happen to have a different opinion. I’m not sure when we became so cynical as to think that telling kids good stuff - and giving pats on the back - will make them bad adults. It doesn’t." -- Kelly Phillips Erb

She goes a whole lot deeper on topic, but her point is pretty clear up front. And, I happen to agree with her even though I've been told about a million times throughout my life I shouldn't.

I will be the first to admit to many things on this topic including how many times I've used something like a trophy or other award to motivate my endeavor ... or participation in the first place. From a sticker to a trophy to a medal to whatever, I've never even pretended like I wasn't gunning after the prize. Umm ... so? That there was a prize at the end didn't mean the work along the way wasn't accomplished or that I got nothing out of the process. For me, I know I tried more things if there was something to attain at the end than I would have without. I don't really think that says anything more about me than I found what works. And, I make no apologies for it. If it doesn't motivate you, that's cool. It's not a mutually exclusive concept.

Clearly, I am motivated by the bling.

The post also mentioned the many graduation/transition ceremonies that seem to have evolved since I was a kid. I completely admit I didn't get why they happened when Aaron and I as parents came upon our first of such ceremonies. But, I never experienced them, either, so, why judge? And, as it turns out, had I closed my mind and heart to something just because I'd never been a part of it, I would have missed out on some pretty fun and meaningful moments for my kiddos.

An open mind has most definitely served me well as I've grown. I am sitting here with visions of simply recreating my own world as a child into my adult years, and making my experiences the hallmarks of the only way to do things. Eee-gads, it makes me shiver because, from where I sit, the very best parts of my life right now look absolutely nothing like what I've already lived. That was then; now is even better.

Decide for yourself what matters and what motivates you. Surround yourself with people who support you even if they don't jump in and/or agree with you, and do the same in return. There's not one right way to do all of the crazy things life has to offer, so find and embrace your own way. With or without some bling.

Easy Swap!

The weekend's almost over. Booooooooo ...

I haven't dished much from the kitchen lately, but that's because I haven't done much in the way of new. I was on a pretty good roll in the Spring of looking for new recipes because I was in hot pursuit of tweaking whatever was necessary to just feel better in general. You know, get the ol' spring back in the steps!

The Trim Healthy Mama people have become our new best friends in the kitchen because their approach to meals totally gave me back the energy I'd lost. So, as we rolled upon this Sunday with no real dinner plan, we decided to go back to a dish we discovered (and loved) around Christmas, but we made one, simple swap to make it fit what we want to eat now.

Simply put, we took crab meat balls and, voila: We turned them into tilapia balls!

Alongside an artichoke YUM and the Trim Healthy Mama
Krabby Patties on the side, this dinner was plate-lickable!
But, I didn't ...

The reason for the swap is that imitation crab meat has sugar as an added ingredient, and one of the biggest areas of focus for THM is to get rid of sugar. The removal of sugar from my daily diet, by the way, is what I attribute as the single, biggest reason I feel so much better. So, we followed our original crab balls recipe with two easy swaps: tilapia for crab; ground Joseph's pitas for the bread crumbs.

Easy and even easier.

Crab balls recipes are a dime a dozen on the internet, so there's no real need to take up your time with the one we used. But, I did want to pass along that our tilapia-for-crab swap was a hit for everyone! In fact, I'm not sure any of us even realized there was a difference. We will all notice a difference in having them a lot more in the dinner rotation, though!

That was a most-satisfying way to wrap up the weekend! Tomorrow's another Rest Day as that's what's required to get everything Monday requires accomplished, but I'll still be checking in! See you then ...

The Ways

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 533.6 (running: 377; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $42.85

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 533.6 Aaron: 310.9 (b: 280; w: 30.9)  Elly: 99.6 Total: 944.1

That's lucky or something, isn't it?

The morning run was a good one because I was joined by my girl. The two-legged one, not the furry one. It was almost 10 degrees cooler with slightly less humidity this morning than it's been all week, but, that's not really saying much especially for Pit Crew #2 who did not have an opportunity to torture herself in it this past week. I kept reminding her to slow it down and that we were taking it easy when we headed out. By the end of the first mile, she understood why!

Today seemed a day where I had opportunities to share with her The Ways ...

The first came at the end of Mile 2. It went like this:
Me: You know you're working hard when your forearms are dripping with sweat!
PC#2: I know. It's sooo gross. I hate that feeling.
Me: Um, no, it's awesome. This is the one time you can sweat and be gross and just not care!
PC#2: Oh, that time is now?
Me: Yes! You've heard that 'sweat is liquid awesome' thing! This means we are ass kickers!
PC#2: Oh. Well, okay then.

I don't really think she was convinced, but that's her choice. It's this next bit of wisdom ... the ways of the run ... that I most definitely wanted her to listen to: We just ran past a lengthy row of bushes and other foliage when we heard some man yell out, "Run, girls, run!" The tone was most definitely "You go!" versus a threatening "You'd better run!" And, from where the voice came and where we were, there was no threat. But, getting any kind of random, where'd-that-dude-come-from attention always makes me put on my game face. To PC#2 I said, "I can be on Mile 11 down town and totally spent, but if some random person seems to be paying more attention to me than necessary, you better believe I straighten up and make it look like I just started out." I'm confident she took note. I'll continue to remind her of this. Being aware of not just others but of yourself is always a good thing.

And, then there was the moment right before Mile 3 where I had to challenge her ways. You see, it's on this particular route and at that particular point that PC#2 always ... always ... wants to take a little walk break. Now, I'm totally down with the walk break concept. But, today, I had to ask her: "Question. Is there an actual reason that you consistently pick a walk break on one of the flattest parts of the route?"

I've clearly failed at imparting the 'walk on an up hill' wisdom. I'll keep trying.

Oh, her response? "I think I just hate that stretch." Umm ... okie doke ...

We wrapped up a pretty solid run going a little more than 4.5 miles and scoring 45 cents, all the while pondering some of life's biggest questions and not collapsing under the humidity blanket.

There were some cool flowers behind us.
We blocked 'em. (Blocked in part by my
new Go Girl shirt of the appropriate size!)

I'm resting tomorrow. That's all there is to it! Happy slide into Sunday; I'll see you from there ...!

Music To My Ears

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 529 (running: 372.4; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $42.40

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 529 Aaron: 300.9 (b: 270; w: 30.9)  Elly: 99.6 Total: 929.5

I know it's awfully early to be complaining about the humidity seeing as Summer hasn't officially started ... but that's not going to stop me!!! Wowza!! It was gross this morning which also means the run was draining. Bleh ...

That didn't keep the musicians off of our streets this morning, though! Remember that piano that hangs out on one of our sidewalks? Well ...

... it certainly went to use this morning! And, right down the street was a man I often see ...

... jammin' on his saxophone!

I was pleased about the musicians as they put a better spring to my step as I passed on by. I kind of needed it!

In addition to the weather, my annual leg woes are in full throttle. It comes from the sudden onset of pool play which wakes up new muscles. It happens every year, although I forget about it every year until it happens. Then I'm like, "Ohhh ... yeahhh ... this happens!"

Like all things good, the bit of pain that comes along with running and/or the pool is totally worth it. Even if it's not comfortable or enjoyable in the moment!

Keep on keepin' on through your adjustment to almost-Summer, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Why So Complicated?

As I have a teenage girl in the house, I have spent some concentrated, deliberate time talking with her about such topics as size of clothes. In short, my aim is to help her understand that fit, not size, is what matters. As she has gotten deeper into the teen years, this topic has been challenged because, let's face it, it matters more than it should in high school. That she has ever spent any mental energy on this topic has taken me by surprise a time or two given she is fit as a fiddle, but, people are people, so she unfortunately has to go through her own growing pains. I'm here to help as much as she'll allow.

The clothing industry does not help this issue seeing as sizes aren't universal. I will never understand why one company's 10 is another's 14, but I'm 46 and don't give a *#&$ anymore. I just want what fits. But, try convincing a teen that numbers don't matter.

But, given some recent race shirt related incidents, I think she now believes me.

The first dent made into Mom Credibility was at GO! St. Louis when I ordered her race shirt a size larger than her normal, daily wear. To say she was put out by that was an understatement, but I told her to chill and trust me; race shirts tend to run small. Cutting to the chase, she traded the shirt I ordered her at the Expo for a size smaller only to try it on and find out her normal size didn't fit. With a re-trade by her for the larger size and a thank you from me to the shirt lady, we all moved on with a deposit in to the Mom Cred account.

If no one around here believed this is a common problem (and, by no one, I do not mean the males), it was beyond reinforced with the recent Go Girl shirt situation. It went like this:

Register and indicate shirt size. We were told race shirts were tech shirts. For me, that means order a size larger than usual. I'm a usual L, so I ordered XL. I got over that years ago.

Registrants received an email specifically about the shirts. And, I quote: "These shirts DO run a little small so please make sure you check out our sizing chart. Typically if you're at the upper end of your size, we suggest you consider going up a size." There was even a link included allowing you to change your size if you wanted based on this warning, and they'd make sure you got what you want regardless of your registration form request. That's sweet service! Here's the thing, though: For all previous Go Girl years, we've gotten tech shirts. All of them have run small even in the one-size larger.

So, if we're actually being warned this year, I'm totally scared. Who wants to get a shirt that doesn't fit?

Resubmit shirt request: I went forth from the email with an XXL because some tech shirts run that small. XXL also matched my size to the provided measuring chart. I have a few XXLs from races. I love them, and they fit like my normal L. Again, I'm over the size and go for the fit. So, I submitted a request for an XXL.

And, then, I picked it up:

The blue is my normal L. The grey -- which is the XXL race shirt -- would fit Aaron. And, then some.

I put it on long enough to show the kids it was, indeed, as big on me as it looked off of me. It went past my butt with too much room to spare in the middle to be reasonable to wear out and about. I pondered using it as a night shirt and would have had the race peeps not had one to swap with me. But, they did. They had an XL which is the exact same size/amount of material as the L blue shirt above.

I'm not sure why it all has to be so complicated. But, apparently, it does. Bonus for me: It totally demonstrated to my fabulous daughter that mom knows what the hell she's talking about the focus should not be on the size of the tag. So, thank you for contributing to the lesson, Go Girl folks!

Here's what the shirt actually looks like, by the way:

Me like ...

... and, then there's this. It's supposed to say Believe. I can
only see Eleven ... and, even then, that's not really there.

I know this is a topic frustrating to many, so I wanted to share to let you know you're certainly not alone. But, consider channeling your inner Nancy when placing your orders, and focus on what actually matters. I promise you it isn't the letter on the tag ...

I'll check in after the morning run ...!

Gotta Pass

WHEW!! This Rest Day wound up way more full than I even predicted!! But, I got to start out the day with breakfast and catch-up time with a friend followed by visiting with my Dad! So, really, there are no complaints here!

Speaking of priorities ... I am reasonably certain I am not on track to hit my 900-mile running goal this year. Actually, I'm most definitely not on track right now. What I'm reasonably certain about is that I'm likely not going to do anything about it. I might play with some numbers now and then, but I'm just not that invested in that goal this year. I've most definitely given every day everything I have, and that's what matters more than the final tally.

I am firmly committed to doing every bit of my part for the Change Hounds' 2,015 In 2015 Challenge; that's for sure. I just may fall short on the actual numbers for my own running goal. I'm just so okay with that!!!

You might say I'm in it on the 2015 Challenge because we get medals for completing it, and I won't necessarily deny that! But, for real, it's in large part because I made a commitment to Aaron to be part of a team, so that takes priority! But, before you think the main reason I run is for the bling, check out the medal that just came through my Facebook feed that I'm totally passing on:

From the folks that brought us the 2,015 In 2015 Challenge,
Run the Edge presents the selfie medal!

That's right: It's a photo medal made just for your running selfie!!! Totally cracked me up. But, I'll pass! However, it's not all about what works for me, so I had to pass it along for anyone who might be so inspired!!

As it's almost time to soak in the pool, I must wrap up today's check in. But, speaking of race goods, tune in tomorrow as I shift from the bling to the race shirt. Ohhh yes ... there was a recent story ...! See you then ...!

Let the Dog Days Begin

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 524 (running: 367.4; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $42.33

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 524 Aaron: 300.9 (b: 270; w: 30.9)  Elly: 99.6 Total: 924.5

On a random note, I was just out watering my garden when a bug flew in my ear. It just kept fluttering and fluttering. I'm still kind of freaked out ...

So, this morning's run was 10 degrees cooler than yesterday's, and that was a most-welcomed switch!! I only planned to go three miles today (and stuck to it), but I enjoyed the drop!

I also enjoyed seeing this:

One of the things I really love about our downtown is the plethora of dogs out walking their owners on most mornings. And, as pictured, there are many that are tied to a chair or so while the owner is inside. You can bet that in a few short minutes, this guy's owner is going to be stationed in one of those chairs for a nice, slow start to the morning soaking in the beginning of a Summer day. That's how our downtown works.

These are mornings it's best to not have Elly with me, though. That just makes it complicated for everyone no matter how polite and accommodating everyone is!

However, this is probably the best day to show one of my latest acquisitions:

I saw it, and it had to be mine.

Tomorrow's the first of two scheduled Rest Days! I'm looking forward to them and the plans that made them so, but I'll still be checking in!! See you from the first of the duo ...

Made a Dent

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 521 (running: 364.4; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $42.27

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 521 Aaron: 300.9 (b: 270; w: 30.9)  Elly: 99.6 Total: 921.5

Okay. On this fine Monday, we made a good dent in our 2015 Challenge progress. Aaron spun 9.6 miles on the bike, and I ended up running 5.7 miles. I meant to go 5 until I ran into double-duty sidewalk closings. Let's just say I'm glad I knew where I was so as to create a productive detour and not have to backtrack!

It was already 77 degrees when I hit my second mile, but the humidity was somewhat low. 'Still toasty, though, and I can feel every part of my body's efforts to readjust to Summer conditions! It was a better (stronger) outing than any I had with Pit Crew #2 last week, though. In part, that's due to actually going out last week even when the efforts were ugly, and it's also in part to waking up some muscles with our rejuvenated games of pool basketball and Monkey In the Middle! Ahh ... yes: Summer = POOL!

I will be thinking of the pool while I'm out and about tomorrow morning with another run! Right now, my only goal is to contribute to the 2015 Change Hounds progress. I'll look longer term after I get a few more June miles under my feet!

I hope your day was as beautiful as mine was (... check out the sky!!!!) ...

... and, I'll see you after the morning run!

Just Right

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 515.3 (running: 358.7; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $41.41

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 515.3 Aaron: 291.3 (b: 260.4; w: 30.9)  Elly: 99.6 Total: 906.2

I told Aaron last night that we were sorely behind in our 2015 Challenge thanks to my 9 days off and his many more days off of mileage contribution. Indeed, that happens, but it is time to check both of us and get back into it! We decided to reboot with a whole-team walk this morning:

Look how happy the one in the middle is!

It was a short walk, but that was good because it was all humid and gross. Hellooooooo, Summer!

While I have no idea what Aaron's doing in the morning, I know I'm running. Elly will rest not as much because she needs it, but because she doesn't need to be in the sudden heat. Or, any heat!

It was a perfectly, lovely Sunday that started off just right with a little outside groove! May yours have started and continued just as well, and I'll see you after the morning run!