Just In Time

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 796.4 (running: 618.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $68.61

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 796.4 Aaron: 521.1 (b: 460.1; w: 61)  Elly: 195.7 Total: 1513.2*

*Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Complete! I don't know how we pulled this one off ...

Seriously, I cannot seem to keep it all together these days!! All things are motoring along just fine, but that doesn't mean I ever really, truly know what day it is!! Everyone seems to always be where they're supposed to be when they're supposed to be there, though, so I guess that's saying something!

To that point, I have to admit the end of September totally snuck up on me! I even knew it was coming, but it just didn't register. And, the end of September is the end of the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Virtual Challenge I took on at the beginning of the month, so, ready or not, today was the day to up the miles to put in my 10K!

I had a beautiful morning for it, too. It was 53 degrees; that's darn-near perfect running weather! And, at the turn-around point at Mile 1, I turned to see this:

I literally gasped. That set the tone for the rest of how the day should be ...

I don't have much to report from the run itself because it was just a run on a nice day. But, I do want to report that the Virtual Challenge as a whole earned $6,640 to be donated to the Guardian Angels Service Dogs organization which will go a very long way to providing food and other supplies to train these dogs for our veterans. And, all I had to do was register and run. Pretty damn cool.

Oh, and the core strength training that was a part of this challenge? I sucked at it. I did what I could, but it was far from noteworthy. I'm good with that, too, because it bored me. My promise was to the miles, so honored that all the way through. I dabbled in the other which is leaps and bounds more than I've done prior to now. I say that counts. For something.

Elly congratulated me upon my arrival home. Of course I had to take a picture with her. She's my inspiration and all:

Indeed, I have Elly to blame thank for this running business.

While out there today, I was starting to get the itch -- the tiniest of ones -- to get back into a steadier training program. Yeah, you hear me, I'm about ready to gear up for a Half! Doing so right now, though, would be a mental disaster: see above inability to remember what day it is ... Not to mention, the last quarter of the year doesn't do anything like slow down, so starting up in January is well placed! Between now and then, though, there are miles to run, very likely another virtual race to join, family runs to schedule ... a whole host of options to keep the running going!

Have a great ride over the hump of the week, and I'll be checking in!

Amazed

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 790.2 (running: 612; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $67.53

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 790.2 Aaron: 512.1 (b: 451.1; w: 61)  Elly: 194.7 Total: 1497

I'm more than pleased to report I actually got up to run today after muddling my way through Sunday where I was totally and completely exhausted-wrecked from Saturday and after the anxiety-riddled, emotionally exhaustive drama that surrounded yesterday's computer/picture file Scare of 2015. We poured ourselves into bed last night asleep before hitting the pillows.

I'm not just pleased that I ran today; I'm freakin' amazed.

So, a run with the pup it was, and that was a great way to start the day. Elly wasn't too pleased with me here, though ...

I saw the yellow flowers back there and thought it would be cool to show them off. I asked Elly to sit, and she was having none of it. In fact, she was completely obstinate. The little fart. You can see she eventually sat after I reminded her how to do it. She got me back later with a big, ol' potty stop that for the first time in recent history made a little deposit on my hand during my pick-up attempt. Nice.

The run was not without its merits, though. Aside from the duhs of going at all, exercise benefits, blah blah, there was this ...

... and, this ...

And, at the end, there was this:

Clearly, all was forgiven.
"Was I supposed to forgive something,
Mommy? You never do anything wrong ..."
Dogs be loyal. Just sayin'.

I'm not just amazed (for real) that I ran, but I was additionally surprised at finding 11 more cents for the Bank. This isn't a target-rich route, so, I'm not sure how that happened. I'll scoop it up, though, and the Food Bank will take it. Booyah.

I may or may not eek out a run tomorrow morning. We'll see. In the meantime, though, I hope your start to the week worked out well for you!! If not, aim for it to go your way tomorrow at least for as much as you can actually control! Enjoy every part of the rest of your Monday, and I'll be checking in ...

Loving EVERYTHING About These!

Happy Weekend!! Yeah, I know it's almost over ...

Okay ... here's my most recent must-share recipe! It's sooooo delish, and it fits right in to the Trim Healthy Mama ways of the world (no white flour, sugar, the normal stuff that is always on the no-no lists ...). The only problem I have with my recipe-seeking surges is that, sometimes, I get lost as to where I actually found the recipe! This is one of those, and I can't backtrack to find it for anything. When I come across the source, I'll add it.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on these:

Those are Everything Bagel Bread Sticks ... recipe by Someone Awesome!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp. xantham gum
• 2 T. cream cheese
• 1 or 2 eggs

Everything seasonings; Mix together the following:

• 2 T. sesame seeds
• 2 T. poppy seeds
• 1 T dried minced onion
• 1 t. dried minced garlic -- or, 1 t. garlic powder because you forgot to buy the minced kind
• 1 t. coarse salt

What you do:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a pan with parchment paper. For real, use the parchment paper. I love parchment paper; it's a sanity saver.
• Melt mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl. This takes about a minute and a half. Stir to combine. Make sure all of the cheese is melted.
• In a separate bowl, mix almond meal, 1 egg and xantham gum. Mix until combined.
• Add hot cheese to almond mixture and work them into each other. I used my hands getting them wet as needed to make the sticking less problematic. Mix it together well.
• Divide dough into four pieces. Gently roll (or work however works best for you) until you have sticks about 12 inches long.
• In a small bowl, beat another egg to make wash for the sticks. (I used egg white from a container.) Brush each stick, and cover each stick with the seasoning mixture. I brushed and coated one side of the sticks then turned them over to do the bottom, too.
• Bake on parchment lined pan for about 20 minutes. Dough will turn golden brown.

Holy. Moly. If you're an Everything Bagel fan, these are for you.

That's the latest that came out of this kitchen! Enjoy this low carb slice of heaven, and I'll be checking in tomorrow ...!

Still Standing!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 787.1 (running: 608.9; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $67.42

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 787.1 Aaron: 501.1 (b: 440.1; w: 61)  Elly: 187.5 Total: 1475.7

Apparently, yesterday, my body wanted sleep more than my brain wanted to write ... New, awesome recipe waits for the weekend ...

In the meantime, I know I don't have to mention what day it is (yahoo!!!)! And, look what mine started out like:

I don't even have words for how amazing that was!!

I was up and at it early, but, by "at", I mean life as I had things to do that early! So, once finished, I went for my run. I started it after the point in time I would have normally been finishing, so it felt kind of funky, like, something was wrong but wasn't really wrong ...

What was wrong, though, is that I was very tired (which comes from not sleeping great because my brain had things to think about) and I'd already been standing for 2 hours before starting my route. It just all went together to make for a very weird and somewhat off-balance run! For real, I found myself veering to one side of the sidewalk or the other which isn't really good when there were a lot of people around! Yes, that two-hour difference made it so the traffic lights weren't just cycling but, rather, actually directing traffic because there was a lot of traffic milling around. I kept my eyes peeled when it was time to cross streets, but all bets were off on the sidewalks while I hoped for the best.

I was snapped out of my daze when I was happily surprised by a friend who gave me the perfect excuse to stop and chat for a bit. Running is awesome! By my own choice, I stopped too long meaning I had cooled down completely by the time I picked it back up. A tired body doesn't really appreciate such demands, but, we had words, and then I kept going.

For a sleepy run, it was a good one. I banged out just over four miles (would've gone for five but feared just dropping in my tracks ... for real ...) and found 87 cents along the way. BAM.

Today's run was very much an exercise in mind over matter. Big time. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last, so I'm just happy to have seen this one to the end standing upright! May you have arrived to Friday entirely spent on a week chock full of good, and I'll be checking on the weekend!

Welcome Fall!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 782.8 (running: 604.6; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $66.55

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 782.8 Aaron: 501.1 (b: 440.1; w: 61)  Elly: 187.5 Total: 1471.4

Have you ever spent a couple of hours on what can only be called ridiculousness?? Anyway ...

I woke up with an urge to run this morning, so I went for it. I mean, we went for it:

As you can see, we also took a sit break so as to show off the flowers. You can also say we blocked the flowers.

Elly was truly stoked to come running with me, and I'm thankful I can spring a 5-miler on her and she still handles them well as long as I don't do it often. She's a good running buddy. Besides, how could I not allow her to show off her new Fall fashion on this first day of the season?? It just had to be done!

Hmmm ... I just looked at my current movement mileage, and it's different from what I thought they were (which is a result of logging numbers and moving on, not counting and scrutinizing them). It turns out that with a steady running schedule, the personal year-end goal is completely doable. Now I need to decide if that's good news or bad news ... hahahahaha. (so much for any 'oh-well-it's-out-of-reach-anyway' excuses!) Anyway, I now need to rethink everything I've been thinking.

Seriously, I can't keep up with myself.

I can however, wish you the happiest first days of Fall from both me and Elly!

We started it off strong, but we're RESTING tomorrow! I have a promising recipe I hope to try and share! Stay tuned ...

I'm a Believer

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 776.6 (running: 599.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $66.07

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 776.6 Aaron: 501.1 (b: 440.1; w: 61)  Elly: 182.1 Total: 1460.6

I have very little to report about my run from this morning. Getting hit with an actual life issue before 6:30 a.m. totally set the tone for the morning to suck, and it led straight into having to cut my run short by a mile just for the sake of time. So, suffice it to say that the run happened, but it's not the star of today's show.

Instead, let's talk food. Namely, this:

While not beautiful (because none of my cooking is), those are tots. Cauliflower tots. No joke. And, SO yummy!

Before I even tell you how to create these little drops from Heaven, let me again say I tend to hate cauliflower. I used to be able to tolerate it in the raw form disguised dipped in ranch dressing. But, cooked in any way? Ohhhh, noooo. Puke. And, then, whenever the new craze of "let's use cauliflower to fool everyone into thinking it's actually mashed potatoes" came into the mainstream, well, that was just disgusting. And, a lie. I'd say it was the recipe used by the person who suckered me into trying it, but I think, at its onset, the cauliflower pushers hadn't done enough recipe development to get anyone on board in any real way except for those who already liked cauliflower. We who have always hated it just wanted to gag.

So, with the knowledge that I usually hate it, I have to testifyyyyyyy that these are THE BOMB. I completely understand if you don't believe me because I have been in your shoes. It took me some time to cross over. I'll wait patiently for you with my tots.

The Fiesta Cauliflower recipe I have been making helped a great deal in convincing me the cauliflower swap has potential to be a good thing. These tots have made me a total believer. Give 'em a try!!

I used this recipe but tweaked it to fit the Trim Healthy Mama teachings. I'm actually surprised they turned out so well because I am hardly ever successful going rogue. Chalk one up for Nancy! So, here's what I did:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups finely chopped cooked cauliflower (I just used a whole head. I would have measured had I used frozen.)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs
• A bunch of shaking from my Italian and Onion Powder seasonings. If I had to guess, there's a heaping Tablespoon of each in there. But, it's a guess. Season to taste here ...

 

Directions: 

• Cook the cauliflower 'til soft. I pressure cook it for 4 minutes. Break it up until it looks like tater tot mush meaning there can be small pieces in there, but, for the most part, you do want it broken down.
• Add the cauliflower, almond flour, cheese and eggs into a large mixing bowl. Mix with a large spoon until everything is combined.
• Preheat oven to 400F. Shape the tots as best you can to look like the real deal but don't kill yourself over it. Mine ended up much like balls. I didn't care. Bake on pan lined with parchment paper. I highly recommend the parchment paper because they do stick a wee bit.
• Bake for about 15 minutes. Bottom of tots should be brown. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes or until desired crispiness. 

I actually made my first batch in a toaster oven, so the time took longer. The next batch went into the oven, and they were done inside of 30 minutes. So, there you have it.

And, they are DELISH. The only negative feedback from anyone in the fam was that the texture wasn't 'tater tot-like'. And, that's accurate because they're baked, not fried. I actually did make a serving on them fried in coconut oil when I was testing the recipe ...

... and, they were good, but not really worth the effort for me. I liked the baked variety, but I am willing to make a serving for the voice of dissent. Oh, but in my next frying attempt, I will fry a serving of them after taking them out of the oven. The mixture is kind of wet, so some of them fell apart going into the oil. Baking them will put 'em together, and frying for just a little bit should bring about that crunch that was missing.

And, because I was feeling snazzy, I baked some in fry form:

Again, freakin' delicious, but the tot balls were easier to put together. So, I suspect I'll just stick with that.

Who knew cauliflower could be something this family ended up craving?!?! Mmmm ... already can't wait to get some more ... I'm beggin' you to try this recipe. It's that good!

And, tomorrow? I might run especially when I'm itching to make up that mile, or ... I'm still not sure. I might just need the day to regroup! I think I'll let the morning happen and see what I decide to do with it. Having already run two days and due for a break, I have some wiggle room. I'll check in tomorrow with the verdict ... in the meantime, do yourself a happy favor, and get yourself a head of cauliflower ...!

Perfect

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 772.6 (running: 595.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $65.93

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 772.6 Aaron: 501.1 (b: 440.1; w: 61)  Elly: 182.1 Total: 1456.6

I could not have asked for better weather or a morning beautiful Monday morning ...

I all but burned out one of my retinas looking at that vision, but that was my own fault.

My run mornings are intriguing to me. I absolutely hate getting up before the sun. I really do. Nothing about it inspires action. And, I can hardly make it through an afternoon without nodding off for a wee spell. But, I love that time to run. It's peaceful and mostly quiet and the hub-bub of our city hasn't quite begun. The trade-off is very worth it, but I'm waiting for my body to adjust better in the afternoons ... I'm actually not even sure I ever will, so, I'm really quite certain I shall maintain my job working from home! It's part time; I can sneak in the zzz's.

Seriously. SO worth it to be out there -- any time, really, but especially when it's still quiet ...

Tomorrow's notes are all about gushing over the latest and greatest from the kitchen! Just wait ...!!

Pause

I'll get back to running or resting or recipes or whatever it is my days tend to bring tomorrow. Today, it's just about celebrating my Dad:

Let's sing loud and proud and get down to
business with those brownies!!

Happy 78th birthday to my Dad -- my life long cheerleader. So much of who I am is because of him.

No Hurry

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 767.6 (running: 590.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $65.60

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 767.6 Aaron: 481.1 (b: 420.1; w: 61)  Elly: 182.1 Total: 1431.6

As of yesterday evening, I wasn't quite sure if I was running this morning. As of last night before going to sleep, I decided I was going to run Saturday because I didn't want to run on Sunday.

And, sometimes, that's all the reasoning that's required.

As an added bonus, since I knew I'd be mighty tired this morning, I invited along Aaron and Elly. Together, we cover good distance in a very, non-hurried fashion.

Who needs to hurry?

Tomorrow's agenda: REST. Well-deserved rest from running. I'm all over it! I will be checking in, though, so I'll see you then ...!

Make It Matter To You

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 764.5 (running: 587.1; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $65.58

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 764.5 Aaron: 478 (b: 420.1; w: 57.9)  Elly: 179 Total: 1422.3

This was applicable to yesterday and to the beginning of the school year thus far:

Just. Sayin'.

So, regardless of whatever happened to yesterday, here we are on a very muggy Friday!! It was already in the low 70s when I went out to run (ah, the back-and-forth weather of our state!), and it was really quite gross. I really wanted to get a good run in, though, so I sucked up my complaining and went for it.

At one point, I went past a garden shop and saw this sign:

That was really pretty clever and funny ... until my brain twisted it into "Grease Is the Word" and I subsequently sang it to myself for more than half of my five miles. I'm sure I'm not the only one who not only gets a song stuck in the head, but also only has part of the song in there. Over. And, over. And, ooooverrrr. I worked hard to get more words in there which is also the point at which the song as a whole fell out of my brain. Maybe I've stumbled on the way to make the song-is-stuck problem stop ...

Anyway, I stopped for a sec at the garden shop. I just had to:

Holy smokes, I love Fall! I know we're not quite there yet ... but, soon!!

I had two big payoffs with this running gig this week. First, of course, is surpassing last year's donation total with just a bit more than two months to go to find money. In the $1.01 stash from this morning, check out this dime:

Ummm ... how?!?!

The other is that an acquaintance of mine came up to me and said she sees every morning I'm out there which has inspired her to go for a 15-minute walk every morning before she starts working. That was both fantastic and humbling. Even better, though, is what she said for herself: "I have found out that just that little bit makes me feel so much better for starting my day." And, that is the point. It doesn't take much. You don't have to be training for the Olympics nor make apologies for anything or any effort. You just have to own it, embrace it and make it matter to you -- and to you alone. I'm happy to have been some source of inspiration; I'm happier that she has made a shift that makes her feel good!

In other feel-good topics, I've spent some time in the kitchen today with some Trim Healthy Mama recipes that I'm stoked to share! That's what's on the docket for this weekend when you tune in! Enjoy your slide into the weekend, and I'll check in tomorrow!

Worth It

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 759.5 (running: 582.1; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $64.57

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 759.5 Aaron: 478 (b: 420.1; w: 57.9)  Elly: 179 Total: 1417.3

Okay, what's with all the food I've found on the ground. Here's today's contribution:

Add this to the recent apple and orange I found, and I have quite the fruit salad. I even haven't reported on the number of utensils I've found. For real, I'd be all set.

I do what I can to work my runs in such a way that I don't have something to do immediately after (shower not withstanding ...). I like just a bit of buffer time so I don't necessarily have to commit to a certain pace. Call it giving myself an out; I call it proper planning. Today, though, it was important I get my miles in within a specific and non-negotiable window of time as I had somewhere to be (straight to it; no shower. Nice ...). So, I hauled it. I pounded the pavement like my life depended on it except for the obvious stops to pick up the moolah. I haven't run like that in ... months. In fact, I'm pretty sure my last endured run at that pace was at my Half Marathon in April.

It felt great but more in the camp of, "Hey, I can still do that even when I haven't been working at it," rather than how it actually felt because, truth be told, my legs are killing me.

And, that's okay. It was worth it all the way around.

Being Real

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 755.5 (running: 578.1; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $63.64

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 755.5 Aaron: 478 (b: 420.1; w: 57.9)  Elly: 179 Total: 1413.3

Money Found For Food Bank Contribution for 2014: $63.64

Money Found For Food Bank Total To Date: $63.64

 

Buh-BAM!!!

Happy Tuesday!! I'd say Happy Monday, but I totally whiffed that one, didn't I ... It worked out great for yesterday to not be a running day as I didn't sleep well at all the night before. Well, it's not so much that the sleep wasn't good; it's that I woke up three times very suddenly out of very hard sleep. You know, the kind of wake up that startles you and makes you feel completely off kilter for most of the day. Three rounds of that, people, three rounds!

"I am responsible for Round 1. 'Had a
hairball, what can I say ..."

I topped off the day with a delectable slice of carrot cake to celebrate Aaron's birthday!!

Yay Aaron! Yay Birthdays!!

It's his top choice of birthday cakes, and we all love it!

Holy. Yum.

It's the kind of cake that makes you certain you're not going to fit into your pants the next morning, not to mention it's not the best running fuel! But, whatever, it's awesome and part of Aaron's birthday tradition around here (as is eating off of the McDonald's birthday plate for the birthday person)!

I had a better night of sleep last night to precede my morning run, and I was even brave enough to try on post-carrot cake pants before I got dressed to head out. Pants: Totally fit. We were good to go!

It hit me as I was out there that part of my unexpected energy came from the very fact that my pants fit. It was like, "Oh! They're good! Then, I can do this." Whereas if they'd been snug, heading out to run would have been more of a drudgery and felt more laborious when that's the very time I probably should feel some inspiration or, at least, motivation. The psychology of it seems backward to me, but I think at least most of us can relate ...!

The run as a whole turned out great! Five strong miles in 60-degree weather -- I can't ask for much more than that! Even while I was thinking about how I'm still pretty certain I'm not going to hit my end-of-the-year mileage goal for running, and I'm still quite good with it. Not hitting that goal would have made me feel like some kind of failure in years past. Fortunately, I'm in a good spot where I realize I continue to give everything that I can when I can while keeping my world as a whole in balance. And, what I put into this is good enough for right now!

In the spirit of being real, I will report that the core work of the virtual challenge has been lacking. I've done it and liked it, but I've not been intentional enough in making specific room for it on a consistent basis. My final report on my progress is going to be sad in comparison to that of others who took on the challenge. Eh, I'm okay with that, too, especially when I'm no fan of people comparing themselves to each other! This effort is about comparing myself to me ...

So, tomorrow! It's another running day, so I'll see you after ...!

More Than Okay

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 750.5 (running: 573.1; walking: 32.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $62.89

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 750.5 Aaron: 477.2 (b: 420.1; w: 57.1)  Elly: 178.2 Total: 1405.9

I cannot get enough of this fabulous weather right now, so, with the knowledge that it's supposed to heat up pretty quickly this week (boo!), I decided to capitalize on what's in front of me going running this morning. Aaron was already on the exercise bike when I had this great idea for him to join me. Fortunately, he readily agreed so I had some company!

Our roll was slow as we not only had Elly with us, but also because Aaron hurt his ankle right at the end of pool season during a game of house-rules basketball. That was totally fine by me; who needs to go fast, anyway? Besides, Aaron and I both embrace the fact that we're 'of the age' that it can take us longer to heal, so why push it and make it worse? He found his pace ceiling, and we had a great time talking and soaking up this weather!! Check out the very happy dog against the uhh-MAY-zing blue sky!!

Elly's sniffer was in overdrive today because when we got home, she picked up on a scent that was hanging around the house. It was this:

The funny thing is I had just noted to Aaron that I hardly saw any bunnies hanging around and/or destroying our gardens this year. I think we now know why! Good kitty ...

As I noted, our outing was pretty slow. It was steady, but it was slow. I'm still in the camp of that being okay!! In fact, it's more than okay. I very recently saw a blog post about someone who "avoids junk miles at all costs." I'm certain our outing would have qualified for the Junk Miles title, but I just can't get behind that concept. I simply cannot find it in myself to judge the degree to which someone is making an effort particularly when their effort isn't affecting nor impacting anyone else in any way. And, I'm certainly not going to pound on myself.

I think what's more important than an outside assessment of someone else's (for instance) 'Junk Miles' is that we are honest with ourselves about our own efforts and what we can expect of them as a result. That's why having goals throughout the year are important to me. Having a 10K goal at the end of the month requires something very different of me for a shorter period of time than does having a Half Marathon staring at me. Changing up my goals allows for all kinds of runs with all kinds of combinations of distances and people (and canines!) joining me. It's nice to have the variety throughout a calendar year.

I admit I didn't start off understanding the ebbs and flows of running. I thought there had to be a certain level that is maintained and that you can't go back and forth. And, that if you did, you were doing something wrong. But, it's because there's an ebb and flow for we non-Olympians, and because I've learned to appreciate all of them for their inherent value, that this gig keeps happening.

With that, I'm off to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day, and I'll be checking in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

For the Long Term

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 746.4 (running: 570; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $62.87

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 746.4 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2)  Elly: 174.1 Total: 1386.8

In case you were wondering about this:

That's at the gas station I frequent to get my morning Diet Coke. I looked over the counter, saw the directive on the can and just laughed. I love that such things have to be spelled out. Those working there pointed out the cracks in the can that made such notation required. For real.

We saw that at the end of this morning's run, the very run I almost talked myself out of because it was feeling so good to sleep in a cool, open-window breeze this morning ... until a jackwagon neighborhood resident started mowing his lawn before 7:30 a.m. SO not cool. (It reminded me of when my Dad would decide that I'd slept late enough and start the lawn mowing right under my window. Only, let's face it, my Dad did it on purpose, and the neighbor was oblivious on a personal level.) Anyway, the mower did get me up and keep me up, so what's a girl to do but get up and run? Well ... first, I waited for Pit Crew #2 to start stirring so she'd go with me ... then, it was time to head out!

It was something like 50 degrees this morning which is fantastic running weather!! That also meant we could easily take Elly and have no fear of the temperature being too much for her. The only fear bringing her poses is tripping up and over her when she startles and cuts me off. She hasn't taken me down in years, but it doesn't escape me that it is a strong possibility at any point. I've noticed she has consistently slowed her pace during this last year, too, which actually increases the possibility of a tumble ... or of my flat-tiring her. (Until this run, PC#2 did not know the meaning of 'flat tire' someone. Whuuuuuuuuut?!)

The main thing that mattered today is that we went at all. The weeks are longer and stuffed full of things to do, so sleeping away a Saturday morning run is increasingly enticing. But, that's a thought in the immediate, not one that fuels and fosters long-term thinking. And, to that end, off we went ...

... and, back we came! Onward to finish the day, and I'll be checking in tomorrow ...

Just Happy

Happy Friday, everyone, from me and Elly:

And, that is all until after the morning run ...!

Choices

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 742.2 (running: 565.8; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $62.79

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 742.2 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2)  Elly: 169.9 Total: 1378.4

I was kind of tired in the middle of today's run. That tends to happen if I run three days in a row, so it wasn't unexpected. I tried to muffle the, "I'm tired" banter going through my head by over-powering it with messages of, "Well, you are the one who chose to schedule it this way! You're choice, baby ..."

But, first, let me take a
selfie ... 

It was my choice, indeed, and I made the most of it. And, then the topic of choices made me think all the way back to when I was about to give birth to Pit Crew #2; they did a last-minute ultrasound to find out she was breech and, even better, in the worst breech position possible to actually deliver naturally. I didn't remember much from childbirth classes, but I did equate breech automatically equaled C-section. I kind of liked the simplicity of that. Anyway, The doctor reported the baby's position, complete with a quick opinion of just how difficult the birthing process was going to be for baby and me, and then he and the nurses just stood there looking at me. Not one of them moved. Finally, I said, "Is someone waiting for me to say something?" and they were all, "Um, yeahhhh ..." totally-thought-it-was-assumed consent for a C-section. Then they all scurried around like a busy ant colony trying to get me to surgery before the accident on the highway arrived and took away the anesthesiologist. (Yes, let's hurry ...) While in scurry mode, I said to one of the nurses, "Huh. I just assumed I didn't have a choice," to which she immediately (read: In cover her ass mode) said, "Oh, you always have a choice."
which is when I gave my

That's what I spent a lot of my time thinking about while out and about today. Choices. And, when you're conscious of making them. And the gamut of importance they span. And how many times we think we don't have a choice. And how many times we convince ourselves of that.

Ultimately, I was glad to make the choice to run today. It wasn't as spectacular as giving birth, but it, too, still had a great outcome. And, tomorrow, we rest ...!

Adjust For Balance

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 737.2 (running: 560.8; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $62.47

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 737.2 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2)  Elly: 169.9 Total: 1373.4

So, this is still happening around our city:

Look close -- they go all the way down the street, and I'm
already more than half way down. It is truly something
in person!

It's pretty cool what the pros can do because this is what's happening around my house in the pots:

That pot was beautiful until Sunday.
And, then came Monday ...

Today was a good day to be out and about on foot and even on different paths so I could take in the remnants of Summer plantings! I do so love the flowers, but I hardly ever miss them because I love Fall so much! I'm very anxious for the weather to turn and stay cool (it keeps being promised ... I'm still waiting ...). The best of the best running weather is oh-so-close!!!

Todays' run was a good one especially for guessing my route and distance. Our car status was promoted last night being able to get one in driving mode while the other got fixed (so as to trade when Car 1 was finished ... good times!), but that still left us with just one which meant altering all kinds of routines and routes! It worked out well ... the cars and the run! There was absolutely nothing of incidence to report other than I'm pretty pleased I keep on going right now because there is literally nothing big on the books. I have my virtual 10K at the end of the month, but I could do that right now if I wanted, so it isn't pushing me. My 2015 Challenge miles are on target, so I'm good there. My personal end-of-the-year miles are not on target, nor do I think I can get them there without taking the fun out of going. So, there's that, and I'm good with it! Fun trumps arbitrary number of miles ...

In other numbers games, I'm going ahead and putting a third day in a row of running for tomorrow simply because it works into my schedule better. -- There really are some benefits to not operating within a specific training schedule!!

Oh, speaking of numbers, get this ... If you can believe it, the car guy didn't go for my proposal to pay for the repairs in a two-for-one deal ...

Clearly, I'm in a maintenance mode of sorts right now. That works well because it fits better into my world as a whole! As many of my dailies have kicked up a notch and gotten crazier, my running can just come along for the ride and balance it all out. NICE.

Adjust what you need in your life to make the most of everything you are doing, and I'll be checking in after the morning run!

It's Monday, Right?

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 732.5 (running: 556.1; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $61.74

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 732.5 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2)  Elly: 169.9 Total: 1368.7

Getting up and running today was hard. I don't know if it was the 3-day weekend thing or that I wasn't well fueled or that I was just being a baby or ... Whatever the reason, today was a hard one made worse by it being thick and muggy out. Bleh.

Elly had herself a grand time, though!

"Cruchy Leaf Season is staring, mommy!
WAHOOOOO!"

For as Bleh as the weather made it, it was still good to get out there. There's really nothing wrong with mentally escaping into, well, this:

Nothing fancy. Just peaceful.

It's quite possible the run is what saved my sanity on this fine feels-like-Monday! As I wrote in an email to my boss, everyone is okay, but more things happened at once today that needed their blazin' fires put out immediately than I had hands and/or brains to deal with very efficiently! Things happen: I'm just glad I was in a mental place to handle them!

Some of today's happenings are spilling over into tomorrow (car issues, anyone?), but, hopefully, we'll be on the part of it all where we are rolling into the finish line! In the meantime, through the day's havoc, I can already see the opportunity for a morning run!

And, I remain thankful for today's!

"Me, too, mommy!!! Slurrrrrp!!"

Until tomorrow ...!

Change Is Hard

I have two worst days of the year: The first day of school when my wee ones head back to their corners of the world, and the day the pool closes for the Summer.

Guess which one is today.

Almost every year, we do a total corn dog picture of summertime sadness on Labor Day because that's the day the pool is taken away from us. In this year's version, Pit Crew #2 is in the process of letting us know how terrible she is at making goofy faces for the camera, and I really don't know what PC#3 is doing. But, that's us.

I have no room to complain seeing as we are at the pool every, single possible day. We again filled the Summer with tons of our-rules pool basketball, 2-on-2 volleyball and floating while talking. PC#2 and I didn't quite finish our Best Of 101 Volleyball Tournament and had to wind down the season with a score of 12 (me) to 5. Yeah, we didn't quite finish out the 101 concept in part because we started so late in the Summer, and in bigger part because the four of us playing together trumps just about everything.

Every season brings about something different to look forward to, and, without the change, those other good things would have no room to enter. There's so much good that's coming, but that doesn't mean saying goodbye to family pool time today wasn't hard. Change is hard. But, like I said, I have no room to complain because look who I get to do the changing with:

Indeed, I have nothing to complain about.

Up and At It!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 729.5 (running: 553.1; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $61.63

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 729.5 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2)  Elly: 166.9 Total: 1362.7*

*Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Whiffed by the end of  August, but completed today. Eh, what's 6 days ...

So, by the time I went to bed Friday night, I didn't even consider running yesterday morning! I was completely whipped, and I knew getting up early to run wasn't going to do anyone any good. My body said, "REST, FOOL!" Who am I to argue?! And, then the entire day was consumed by (a) my newfound, nothing-to-do-with-running project, and (b) getting in the pool time while the pool is still open!, so, here it is a day later than otherwise planned.

And, so it goes ...!

I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with this morning (running vs. sleeping) until I heard Elly bolt out of our room. She's usually down with the morning slumber, but, if the leash comes off the hook, the girl is up and at it! Aaron was all set to take her out, and she got so excited that just the movement of her up-and-bolting woke me up -- which is when I also decided that I needed to get on out there!

It's a good thing there was a lot of good company because the weather was just awful. Very hot, very thick, very gross. Oh, and then there was Aaron who directed the outing to hit a big, long hill before the end of the first mile. It was his idea to go, so I figured I should take his lead instead of insisting on what I would do. I also figured I'd complain about it a little bit and write it off to having been awake for only about 8 minutes. He and I both knew better and that I would have complained no matter what, but he went along with it.

I will note that I am pretty sure his approach to this particular route is probably better than mine. He has a point that it gets the biggest of hills out of the way first instead at the end of the run. If I ever get over the psychological struggle of facing that big hill first, I might just have to reroute myself on a regular basis. We'll see how long that takes.

Everyone was a winner on this outing including our leopard gecko, Winnie, who got the little critter in Aaron's hand when we got back home:

Ohmygosh, how cute is Elly?!?!?!?

Yes, that's a grasshopper. Aaron caught and carried it for the last mile of the route. I guess that actually beats carrying Elly's poo ...

So, there were over-achievers today and those who are slacking a bit. In the over-achieving department, Aaron made up for some lost Change Hound miles by biking 31 miles between yesterday and this morning! WooHoo!! We have completed the August goal! And, in my virtual core challenge, well, I am probably slacking compared to most as I took the entire day off from everything yesterday instead of just from running. But, bite me, challenge, I needed some rest! And, if I do the core challenge even on just the days I run, I'm way, way, way ahead of where I have ever been. So ... there.

And, soon, we keep ourselves in motion by again hitting the pool!! I guess there's some good to this sudden heat after all! Enjoy every part of your Sunday, and I'll be checking in soon!!!

Daily Progress

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 726.2 (running: 549.8; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $61.57

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 726.2 Aaron: 432 (b: 382.1; w: 49.9)  Elly: 163.6 Total: 1321.8

YAHOO!!! It's Friday!! I had so much taking my time yesterday (story for later ...) that I never signed on here, but that wasn't going to happen twice! After all, I had to kick off Friday with a good run!

And, good it was! I somewhat hate to admit this, but this core challenge thing I took on has made a very fast difference in my strength, and I absolutely felt it in today's run. I only hate to admit this fact because I am going to have a progressively difficult time rationalizing not doing it after the challenge is over! (Do any of us really want to add more and more things to do much less in the exercise realm?) Currently, I'm committed to this month's challenge, so I'm focused only on this month right now. One ... thing ... at ... a ... time ...

And, even before that, I was focused on the morning run. It was already in the 70s before 7 a.m., so that certainly set the tone for it! (gross!!) I did get a question answered you may or may not have ever had, and that is: If Nancy saw a coin under a car, would she reach under the car to retrieve it?

The answer is, if reachable, YES. And, today's was reachable. I figured if anyone asked I could say (a) "I'm grabbing a penny; I'm really good at it." OR (b) "I'm planking, I'm just really bad at it."

Either way, more than dollar and four miles later, I was finished and ready to continue on with the day!

A handful of mystery -- that so much can
be found on the ground!! Food Bank wins!

I have to admit I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow as far as running goes. I don't want to set a Saturday alarm, but I don't necessarily want to skip the run. Hmmm ... Well, I think I'm going to give my brain a break and leave it up to whatever happens in the morning! Sometimes, the decision just needs to ride, and I'll figure out the plan from there! Have yourself a great start to the weekend whatever you are doing, and I'll be checking in!!

Short and Sweet

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 721.2 (running: 544.8; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $60.03

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 721.2 Aaron: 432 (b: 382.1; w: 49.9)  Elly: 163.6 Total: 1316.8

Even though I got a later start than I intended, I did actually get on my first day of the core workout of the Guardian Dog virtual challenge! Believe me, doing that was a victory in and of itself because I'd already rationalized how it was okay to not do it because it was later in the morning than I intended. (Nice rationalization, huh?) But, I went on and did it using the fact that I signed up on purpose as my accountability. Why sign up if I'm not going to comply? Duh. Today's workout was short and sweet and focused on the lower body with a handful of different pre-run lunges. Day 1: Done!

My plan was to take Elly for a walk today, but I was inspired to run with her as I was rather warmed up. We didn't go very far in part because I didn't want to take a lot of time for it today and in other part because it was already steamin' hot (not good for a pooch). We saw a couple of fun things on our route, though ... this ...

It's a statue. It's hilarious!

... and, this:

That belongs in my garden ...

We also found a dime which rolled the Food Bank counter over the $60 mark!! With almost three full months to run and find money, I'm in line to wipe out last year's $63.64 donation! Suhhh-weet!!

The exercise today was short and sweet and totally worth it. Elly, in particular, was very pleased:

Tomorrow's schedule dictates a break from running, so I'll be back at it on Friday!! I'll be checking in soon ...!

Totally Worth Getting Up For

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 719.7 (running: 543.3; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $59.93

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 719.7 Aaron: 432 (b: 382.1; w: 49.9)  Elly: 162.1 Total: 1313.8

Oh, yes. THIS.

THAT was worth getting up early to see! And, it never ceases to amaze me how fast it all comes and goes. The brilliance of that sunrise lasted within a 15-minute window, and, then, it was done for the day. It changed so fast that when I first saw that apartment building from down the street, the bricks looked like they were on fire reflecting the sun. I completely diverted my route so I could run down to it. By the time I got there, it looked like the above picture. It's still cool, but it just changed that fast.

Not particularly fast, or even interested in moving, was this little guy!

I'm so glad I didn't step on him! He was kind of like our cats: Directly in the path of our feet, absolutely sees us coming, and totally standing ground so we have to go around! Who knew grasshoppers were defiant like kitties ...

But, then there was this guy:

I've so enjoyed seeing all of the squirrels collecting these walnuts that are way too big for their mouths! Before getting on to this brick wall, that squirrel was busy trying to bury his prize. And, then he saw me. And, unlike the grasshopper, he took off.

I stopped at a good distance, but that wasn't enough for him. He was all I'm outta here!

He thought he out-smarted me by going around to the other side. Psych!

"If my mouth weren't full, I'd have some words for you, lady."

In actual running news, my plan right now is to shoot for 20 miles a week, so I went ahead and did 5 again today. I figure I'll get some walking with Elly in tomorrow, then have a Rest Day before running Friday and Saturday. I don't think 80 miles a month will get me to my year-end goal, but it's a good restart at this point of the year. Maybe I'll actually try to hit the goal, maybe I won't. I do know that I most certainly will not be disappointed if I keep the monthly miles at 80, though, so I'll win either way.

Oh, and the virtual Run For the Dogs challenge that has a core work component? It actually starts tomorrow ...!! Wahoo!! I was so not in the mood to start core work today. I'm not saying I'll ever necessarily be in that kind of mood, but it works better in my schedule to put that off a day! That's another winning moment over here!*

So, tomorrow, I have got to get the dog out!! She's been so patient in the morning. Perhaps that's because she's not really that awake when I've been going, I don't know. But, tomorrow is time for her, and I'm totally looking forward to it!

On one of our local radio stations, the morning DJs decided Tuesday is the worst day of the week. I don't really happen to agree, and I hope that's not the case for you!! Do with it what will make it good, and Elly and I will check in after the morning outing!

*Update: I just checked my email, and apparently I am wrong and that the challenge starts today (like I thought it did!)! For real. Well, the instruction was to do the day's exercise before running, and, well, I'm finished!! So, the strategy now is to get the email one day but use it the next so I don't have to wait on its arrival to do it same day. I'm such a problem solver.