Here Already!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 874 (running: 686.3; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $80.43

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 874 Aaron: 571.3 (b: 505.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 232.4 Total: 1677.6
 

Am I the only one who is experiencing that, "It doesn't feel like Halloween?" thing? I know for certain I'm not the only one who felt like the WalMart parking lot today was a whole lot like it is on December 23 because both Aaron and a random lady commented on it in kind.

Anyway, ready or not, it's Halloween! I hope yours is a happy one! I started mine out with a drizzly run with the dog. Our sightings should have totally tipped me off that today was the day:

Niiiiice ...

Not so nice ...

I wanted to stay under the covers this morning so bad, but I figured if I went out today, then I could indulge in a little extra sleep tomorrow when we have that extra hour. Booyah ...

Anyway, it was a good run. It was short and sweet, too. My compromise for not wanting to go at all was to just go 2 and shake out the morning cobwebs. Two miles was a good distance for Elly, too, especially when it was, indeed, raining for most of the run, and rain makes that girl smell.

"I don't stink, mommy. You stink."

I can hardly believe there are only two months left in 2015! There's a lot of running to do between now and December 31 including some really fun things to look forward to. I'll catch you up tomorrow. Enjoy your Halloween! And, yes, you should eat that piece of chocolate your eyeballing ...!

Always Get Up

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 870 (running: 684.3; walking: 35.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $80.43

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 870 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 230.4 Total: 1656.6



I'd like to first note the Food Bank total is more than $80. BAM!

Second: Did anyone else run into an unexpected elementary school costume parade in their downtown today, too? Just asking ...

 

I ran by a shop window this morning that was being decorated for Christmas. I averted my eyes. I will be ready for that on Sunday. I am good with living in the dual decorations for Fall and Christmas once Halloween has passed ...

 

I was glad to have this catch my eye this morning:

It's just happy and peaceful. I love it.

 

The 34-degree run was peaceful, too, and not nearly as cold as the temperature indicated it would be! The key to comfort was there was no wind. I can more than ready to soak up cold air so long as there's no wind. When that kicks in, be ready for some complaining. And, feel free to skip those entries because who wants to hear complaining?

 

WHEW! It's been a week. Strike that: It's been a MONTH. I'm not sure I've been this busy since the kids were wee ones and couldn't do anything for themselves. That was an exhilarating but scary time because I lived every day having to ride on my faith as well as my confidence in myself that I could not only do this, but also do it well. They're turning out better than alright (which is a massive understatement), so I guess it has all worked out thus far.

 

Through this past month, I find myself with similar "that sounds amazing and exciting" feelings with some potential opportunities I can create. Sure, I'm a bit scared, too, but I think I've been through enough events that are exciting-but-scary that turned out well to have the confidence to handle whatever comes my way, good or bad. My life not being a success-only journey helps build such confidence!

 

I have been thinking about my possible new venture while out running this week. Ironically, this is the same week I see myself coming up short on my mileage (therefore, not successful in that regard)to the point I'm again not so certain I will hit my year-end goal. But, instead of beating myself up for it, I use my time for better thoughts like brainstorming a new adventure ...

 

This running gig has been a huge life lesson (or, should I say, lesson upon lesson upon lesson) of challenging myself, taking on something that scares me and going forth regardless of fear or of what seems stacked against me. And, there have certainly been moments where I feel I have failed. But, in the past however-many years, I haven't given up no matter to what degree I have been down. And, isn't that where success ultimately comes from?

 

I have a lot of thinking and learning to do as I look ahead, and it actually excites me more than it scares me. We'll see where my thoughts take me. And, while have my brain working, it's probably more important than ever to keep running. It's consistent. It's reasonably predictable. And, it's a constant reminder that I can take on something that intimidates me.

 

Who knew that would come out of pounding some pavement now and then?

 

Start your weekend off just the way you want, and I'll be checking in!

That Which Sparkles

Pit Crew #2 casually-but-with-purpose (she's like that) said to me at breakfast this morning, "We need to carve our pumpkins soon." I was all, "Uh-huh ..." And, then, I looked at the calendar which is also when my eyes about bugged out of my head.

I shouldn't have been surprised that the entire month of October happened around me without my notice. But, I was. I've always loved October, and I really like the time leading up to Halloween. And, then there's this season in my life where it all got away from me, and I'm reframing my head to really, really look forward to Thanksgiving. We might even have to decorate for it with some mummy lights because I didn't get around to putting them up this year. At least PC#2 and I managed to remember to get these gems up last weekend:

SPARKLY BATS AND GHOSTS!! These rule.

She also had the foresight to make these this Summer. It's a good thing, too, or we'd have no sparkly bats and ghosts.

In this, one of the busiest and crazed months of late, I am thankful for the little, bitty things. In fact, I find myself in a constant state of making sure I see the little things because I can't seem to keep track of the big picture as evidenced by not realizing it's only two days 'til Halloween. GULP.

If not well managed, life gets overwhelming. Even when well managed, it's not all in our control. Take even just a second to notice something small, something happy, while taking your busy days one step at a time. I'll be sure to put in my running steps tomorrow which will make sure I've done what I can to start the day off calm ...

In the name of paper, glue and glitter ... I'll be checking in tomorrow ...

SQUIRREL!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 864.8 (running: 684.3; walking: 35.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $79.96

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 864.8 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 230.4 Total: 1651.4



I just received an email where the sender wrote, "I'm like a dog with squirrels" as to why she hadn't yet responded to something I'd sent. I guess, then, she and I are like the start of a pack of dogs because it was the perfect descriptor as to how my brain has felt for weeks! I was getting a bit weary of such a feeling yesterday only to have more items dumped in their for sorting, praying and realigning. It was one of those days where I just had to start laughing and say, "Okay ... so, what else?"

 

At least I was giggling by the end of the evening even though my brain was on overdrive.

 

And, my weary brain is exactly why I got up and didn't want to run today. But, I made myself go, and I'm so thankful to have done so. It was exactly what I needed -- to just get out and be in the fresh air. It was cool and drizzly and kind of quiet. It was a much better way to start the day than to immediately shower and jump into the chaos.

 

Instead, I enjoyed this ...

You see why I started humming, "It's beginning to look a lot
like Christmas ..."

And, remember this tree from last week?

Today, it looks like this:

Yup; same tree!

Ahhhh ... Fall is the ultimate eye candy for me!

 

Continuing on with my good-thing-it's-planned-or-it-wouldn't-work week, tomorrow I can't run, but, Friday, I can! I have a few things to update and hope to do so tomorrow! As things have been going, though, I can only say we'll see ...!

 

It's just a season of life where everything is upheaved. By taking time to pray, think and make sure I get in running for the ultimate down time (next to sleeping!), I'll get to the other side with as many peaceful steps in between as possible! May your current path be either (a) under control, or (b) controlled in its chaos, and I'll check I'll be checking in!

Plugging Along

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 859.6 (running: 679.1; walking: 35.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $78.71

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 859.6 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 230.4 Total: 1646.2



Is it wrong that I got up this morning and desperately tried to figure out a really good reason not to run? I think not. I also don't think it's wrong to have just heard it's supposed to rain tomorrow morning which is the perfect reason to take the morning and catch up on the rest of my life's happenings!

 

I know, I just had the weekend off from running, and I'm already talking about a Rest Day. But, the weekend was off from running, not from life. (It's kind of like when the kids were younger and got out of school for the summer only needing to be reminded, "Your break is from school, not from what you need to do around here.") I need to get my game plan going for the week if I don't want it to slip away!

 

That equates to, rain or not, I'm using the morning to catch up with myself, then I can run Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. BAM. There are my four days this week. Funny how that worked out without my even trying! In the meantime, I also have some running plans in the works to carry me through the end of the year plus at least one more item to add on the calendar after it turns! Part of tomorrow might just need to be sitting with the calendar and doing just that.

 

Oh, and this morning's run? It was good. It was a quick 3 miles out and back to get it done and get on with my day. And, that was good enough!

More tomorrow ...

Surprises Around Every Corner

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 856.6 (running: 676.1; walking: 35.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $78.59

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 856.6 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 230.4 Total: 1643.2

Done and soggy!

It was raining when I got up this morning, but I was determined to go run anyway. It was 60 degrees, and the rain was but a shower. It was a good day to find my hat (which took some time, I must say) and get out there.

Of course, I left Elly at home. After yesterday's near-death experience, I could use a run without the drama. Besides, she's cute and all, but wet dog smell is not awesome. She napped the rainy morning away ...

So, the run was full of surprises, the first of which being wanting to go even in the rain. You might recall there was a very long stretch of time that rain would have kept me inside without question. And, that's okay; I've just come to be fine with it. That, and, for me, any time running outside beats the crap out of indoor exercise <<shutter>>.

The second surprise came in the form of money. I'd already run through my target-rich spot and found very little. Some, but not much. I just wrote today off as a low-money day until I kept finding dimes. Dimes were everywhere! In 5 miles, I found 8 dimes. Three of them were in a row literally right next to each other ... whuuuuut?! I never find that much silver. It was fabulous.

My favorite surprise came in the form of hearing my name being called only to turn and see Aaron! I'd have a picture, but I left my camera behind because of the rain. He happened along today's route (Hey, isn't he supposed to be at work?) heading toward one of the hundred-in-a-city-block's coffee shops, so we sat a bit and chatted. (Seriously. Work ...?!) Mid-run breaks can be brutal when it's hot out because once the body starts to cool down, it's difficult to gear back up! But, when it's 60 and comfy? Bring on the break with my favorite peep!

I did eventually wrap up this run logging 5.2 miles and snagging $1.38 for the Food Bank. That added up to a great Friday!

Tomorrow's a day off for sure, then I'll use Sunday for catch up on the latest info around here if not for a run! I'll wait and see what that day brings! In the meantime, enjoy your jump into the weekend! I'll check in as it's winding down!

Too Close Of a Call

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 851.3 (running: 670.8; walking: 35.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $77.21

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 851.3 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 230.4 Total: 1638

Today's run started out like most others. Elly and I happily cruised along (okay, perhaps the 'happily' part isn't like most others ... but, I digress ...) while taking in the cool morning. I heard this is supposed to be the week for colors to peak around here, so I paid attention to that, too, since the sun was already up.

Elly was enjoying the first mile of this particular route more than usual because we were running on the sidewalk against traffic. Given the sidewalk status, running with or against traffic shouldn't matter. But, when you're a hound afraid of the sound of big, scary trucks or even of heavy traffic, it matters. Today, she was rather peaceful.

Until she wasn't.

We came to a stretch where the sidewalk was out. Of course, it wasn't until we were up on it we could tell it was gone. The whole area where it used to be was blocked off by construction mesh. Of all of the choices I had to get from one side to the other, using the pathway left between the mesh and the road seemed the most reasonable especially for this small stretch.

Perhaps it was reasonable to me, but it was not to Elly. Our path was only wide enough for one, so she and I had to be one in front of the other. And, she did not like being behind me (not that being in front would have been any better). When the light changed and traffic started moving toward us, the girl lost her mind. I felt a tug from her leash, and I turned to see the dog scared to death and pulling herself backward into the road. Both of her back legs and her rear were already off the curb in the road by the time I saw her. She was completely non-responsive to my leash tug or commands; she was that petrified.

It was immediately evident she was not going to come back on the grass on her own; I think the orange mesh fence intimidated her or otherwise messed with her sense of space. She was still working as hard as she could to go backward which was nothing but unnerving for me. Fortunately, I kept my wits about me for the both of us. I squatted down and heaved her hind end up on the grass and just held her until the pack of cars went on and the next was held up at the light.

"Holy crap, mommy, I am scared!!"

Thank you, God above, that her collar didn't slip or break. Had it, her momentum would have hurled her right into the line of traffic without a thing anyone could do about it, not to mention, given the right grip on her, we both could have tumbled into that lane.
When traffic was held at the light, we scooted past the construction and to safer grounds. It took about a quarter mile for it to all catch up with me enough to feel it. Of course, by that time, you-know-who was totally fine.

"Is there a problem? YAHOO!"

I'm happy to report the rest of the run was completely uneventful beyond finding another awesome Fall tree ...

... which is where Elly got all contemplative. About what, I have no idea. It's not like her earlier antics provided much evidence for deep thought.

Now that Elly has shown that she hates both sides of that particular road, that will answer my question about whether or not to take her when I use it in my runs. I'd say it was her way of getting out of the exercise, but, she's not human, so that can't be the case!

Tomorrow? I'll run if it's not raining hard. That'll be the deciding factor! I hope your Thursday was way less eventful than ours, and I'll check in tomorrow ...!

Puppy Tales

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 847.1 (running: 667.2; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $77.09

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 847.1 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 227.4 Total: 1631.2

This morning's run was bookended with dog stories. And, Elly was not front and center in either of them. In fact, she could not have cared less.

Story one took place right after hitting our first mile. Day was breaking, and we were happily trotting along when a little mop of a dog leapt out of its owner's parked convertible and took off after me and my pooch. The nice thing was that the dog was so small that we could outrun it with absolutely no effort. It's poor little legs tried oh-so-hard to catch us, but it just couldn't. It ran half a block at us while its owner kept calling to it. The statement, "Come back if you want a treat!" finally caught that dog's attention, and it ran back to its home base.

Seriously. Jumped right on out of that car. There was another dog in there, by the way. It didn't jump. It was probably looking at it's canine counterpart saying, "What, are you stupid?"

The second story was brought to me by Mile 3 when I saw two dogs and their owner hanging out ahead on the sidewalk where we were running. Clearly, owner and dogs were camped out for a morning of lingering and talking with friends, so it just made sense to me to get off the sidewalk and avoid the whole situation.

The dog owner did see us coming, and he pulled his dogs back (one on a leash, one not). I appreciated the effort (for real), but it was still too narrow a space to bother going through and potentially making a big bunch of doggie hubbub. As I veered to the street, the owner called out, "Oh, it's okay! They're friendly!" Forget that the smaller of the two was snarling and going nutty in a "Come close enough, and I'll rip your face off" kind of way.

I appreciate dog owners not only love their animals, but they want to paint the best picture of them. But, friendly to one does not mean friendly to all, especially when the new stranger has another dog. I am more a fan of let's keep strange dogs at a distance from each other and call it good.

Oooo! I call this good, too:

In the last 24 hours, people were all about throwing pennies everywhere. The Food Bank thanks them.

Our run was solid for us both ...

... which earned us a day to rest tomorrow! We'll be checking in ...

Eye On the Prize

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 842.5 (running: 662.6; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $75.83

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 842.5 Aaron: 556.3 (b: 490.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 222.8 Total: 1622

And, let's hear it for Monday!! I hope your weekend was exactly the way you wanted it to be! I unapologetically took two full days off from running, and that was just what I needed!! This school year has been on rapid fire from the get-go, and I finally hit my own, personal wall where having two days off from running really didn't feel like two full days. The whole weekend kind of mushed into feeling like one, big day, but it was a perfect opportunity to stop, rest and regroup!

Now, that didn't mean I was bounding out of bed today to get out and run, but, I wasn't dreading it, either! For a Monday, I can't ask for much more than that! I can only remind myself of my plans and trust them seeing as nothing-and-I-do-mean-nothing feels good about getting out of bed while it's still dark!

Yup.

The run was good and solid thanks to taking the aforementioned rest. I am pleased to report a good run seeing as I also had to brave the elements, namely Wind From the North. Holy moly, every gust was just cold making my shorts and short sleeves regrettable choices. I don't mind being cold, but I still want to be prepared for it! By the end of my four miles, my wrists were stiff from the cold which I discovered any time I waved at cars that let me cross in front of them. Finishing today's run was a relief from the chill more than the run as a whole!

Today's run continues to add to the physical bank while I maintain a solid foundation from which I'll start training toward the end of January for April's Half. Understanding why I continue to go out there keeps me out there; the eye stays on the prize which, as usual for most prizes in life, is off in the distance.

While working toward that moment, I continue to make the most of every run with the little things. For instance, trees that can't decide what color to turn ...

"Am I going to be red, am I going to
throw in some orange, who's to say ..."

... and allowing fun things in the store windows catch my eye:

Who doesn't need to fancy up their
boot tops?

And, the big bonus made up of many little pieces: The Food Bank Fund. As of today, it went over the $75 mark. Were that many people too cold to pick up their cash?? Just wondering ... Regardless, it's going to a good place, and I'm stoked to have the opportunity to find it and relocate it!

Tomorrow's slated for another run! It might be a day for Elly to take a whirl, but we'll see how the morning goes! Make the most of starting your day, and I'll check in after the morning run!

Unexpected

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 837.9 (running: 658; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $74.06

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 837.9 Aaron: 536.3 (b: 470.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 222.8 Total: 1597.4

Yahoo for FRIDAY!!!

The Peanuts Gang from today's Facebook post on the Snoopy page has much more get-up-and-go than I'm really feeling, so I thought I'd put them up for some inspiration!

That sentiment is a little misleading, though, in that Elly and I actually ran today! I know, I was surprised myself. I had no plans to run, and I do mean zero. After working yesterday, which followed 4 straight running days, my legs were on fire. I mean to tell you they hurt. So, I was all set to not set the alarm so early and take a real Rest Day today.

But, you know that moment when you wake up anyway and your brain turns on? Yeah, there was no fighting that this morning. I actually got up with a pretty good surge of energy and knew I could run. So, I did. However, I completely admit that by the end of the first mile, I was super-sleepy-tired. My surge had run its course, so Elly and I cruised two solid miles and called it good.

I also ran because my calves were still hurting, and I wanted to loosen them up. That, and I had an opportunity to take a shameless nap. Both activities were good moves. Plus, while out, I got to see seasons converging:

So, two miles isn't the norm, but seeing as I was planning on no miles, it's awesome. In fact, by my math, I think that means it's, like, 200% better than planned. Holy moly, I'm ahead of the game for Friday!!

Actually, run or not, I'm always ahead of the game between my Crew and this girl:

Okay, I'm not running for real tomorrow. I only squeezed this one in during this wonky week because (a) I woke up at a very unplanned time, and (b) Aaron and I took matters into our own hands the other day and removed some of the wonkiness. We will replace some of it with a breakfast date tomorrow. BAM.

I hope every part of your Friday puts things in place to start the perfect weekend! I'll be checking in ...

Running Around In My Head

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 835.9 (running: 656; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $74.01

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 835.9 Aaron: 536.3 (b: 470.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 220.8 Total: 1593.4

This has been a fun way to start my mornings for the past couple of weeks:

They're just up there smiling at me before the sun comes up. It's pretty fantastic in person.

So, I realized a few things on my outing today. They don't necessarily go together, but that's how my brain works when I'm out there. Here's the rundown:

• I did not congratulate myself nor otherwise even acknowledge the fact that September marked the 8-year mark for my running adventures. Eight. I would have never guessed it would stick this long. I seem to have implemented it the right way for myself!
• If I've been running for 8 years, that means Elly is 9 years old as we adopted her when she was already a year old. She's 9, but I've been thinking she was 8. I do that to people, too. Shoot, I do it to myself. "How old are you, Nancy?" "Uhhhhhh ..."
• My running shoes need to be replaced. My legs are hurting, and it's the kind of hurt that only comes from worn out shoes. Fortunately, I have a pair ready for me in my closet. I have to duct tape the toe part from the underside to protect what is already breaking, but they'll work 'til the end of the year when I need to have a new pair ready for training time!
• I'm still teetering on deciding how much I want to hit the 900-running-miles mark for the end of the year. At the rate I'm going, I'll be close (within 50 miles). I'm not sure if 'close' will be satisfying or downright annoying. I still have thinking to do there.
• Some people are awesome at crosswalks and allow for pedestrians to have the right of way. Others are simply not awesome.

Amidst my very superficial thoughts (that I'm even awake much less moving at that hour is enough of an expenditure ...), I found enough money to throw the Food Bank tally over the $74 mark. So far, that's between 888 and 1110 meals the Food Bank can provide. Buh-BAM! That doesn't count the money Aaron and I have found just walking around! With about 5 weeks 'til donation time, I'm pretty stoked at what the totals will be!

Shifting gears to the inside world, I had to share this as you know I like to pass along things that simplify my life ... especially in the kitchen! Okay: Did you know you can cook chicken wings in the crockpot!?!?!?

Tonight's dinner just got underway! In five hours, those babies will be cooked without having to blaze up the oven! That's 28-32 wings in a 5-quart crockpot, and there's nothing else in there. No sauce, no nothing. That makes for an easy clean-up as well as saves so much sauce that would otherwise just sit in the crock. They'll cook on low for 5 hours. After, I'll put them on a pan, slather them with some hot sauce before broiling them on low for about 4 minutes. Then, presto, super-easy dinner!

I. Love. Easy. I pass this along because I have mentioned cooking them this way to a couple of people who had never thought to do so even though I'm usually the one way, way behind the culinary times.

With that, I'm off to tackle Wednesday! I have a handful of days off from running as the wonky of the week goes in to overdrive by tomorrow morning! Have a great rest of your week, and may you manage it well! I'll check in on the other side of the craze!!

Many Paths

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 831.9 (running: 652; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $73.65

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 831.9 Aaron: 536.3 (b: 470.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 220.8 Total: 1589.4

Whew!! Today was a blustery one!!

I literally had this exact image in my head while out running this morning. (Thanks, Google Images!)

It was perfectly Fall today including all of its beauty and hazards -- namely, an abundance of acorns and walnuts hanging out on the streets just waiting to trip me. Fortunately, I'm so accustomed to looking out for change that seeing and avoiding fallen nuts is just not a thing. Further, I'm pleased to report that yesterday's Be the Orange mantra worked, and I walked none of the three hills I considered by reminding myself of what I wanted out of this run. And, it wasn't to be a tangerine ...

I wanted to run 5 miles today except I had a last-minute meeting to attend. In short, the outcome of the meeting was what it should have been, but, MAN, it was painful to get there! My gripe: I'm so sick and tired of excuses and nay-sayers and giver-uppers. I'm not sure I can count how many ways the person with whom we were meeting threw up ridiculous (not to mention irrelevant) road blocks during the process of what I thought was supposed to be a problem-solving session, not to mention the countless times she threw up her hands in the "there's nothing else I can do" narrative.

"Nothing?" Really ...

You can bet there was not only something she could do, but, by the end of the meeting, we walked out of there with a reasonable solution. I say 'we' as, thankfully, Aaron was with me. By the middle of the meeting, I'd already adopted my "You've got to be kidding me face" and had actually uttered, "Unbelievable" as I dropped my head toward the ground in utter disbelief that the person we were talking to conveyed no desire to solve anything; it was Aaron to the rescue as he moved the conversation forward while I mentally recovered. I would have picked my head up quickly had he not been there. But, he was, so I capitalized on the opportunity to regroup. I'll also happily own the fact that the woman was done with me. I didn't really care because if she continued to be a road block, I'd just keep going. See? Another path exists.

If there's one thing about me, it's that I don't tend to stop when I see a reasonable possibility/solution to something. That's not to say there's always a different solution (or, at least one that will please me), but it is to say that, more often than not, there are multiple avenues to pursue, not just a tunnel-visioned one. Even if I wind up where I started, at least I know I tried. I just find that so many people just don't seem to want to stretch themselves to see another way, or they don't want to take on the work of having to do something different ... or, whatever it is, it's crazy.

What a waste of the intelligence and critical thinking skills we have been given to intentionally opt to the path of least resistance as a matter of course instead of working toward being productive! Seriously. It grates on my last nerve.

I couldn't help but wonder in how many areas of her life this woman just throws up her hands when her singular attempt at a solving a problem doesn't work out. One's mode of operation tends to permeate everything rather than to compartmentalize. I can certainly say that for myself. I know those periods of my life when I've put in less than my all, employed excuses even though I would have never called them that and just gotten by. No one else necessarily knew this, but I did. And, to everyone else, things looked fine.

But, why shoot for fine ...? Why is that the standard?

I get that, especially as of late in this non-training stretch, I talk about my runs being 'just fine.' My point there, though, is to communicate that to get out and try and/or enjoy running, it's not necessary to be of Olympic caliber: It's okay to just go. But, personally, every run gets everything I have that day. All of it. Even when 'all' looks like very little to anyone watching. It's what I have, and I'm happy about it. Me as compared to me.

And, it's because I learned and engrained long, long ago to not quit on a whim and to give something everything I have that I have a lot of satisfaction, peace and happiness in my life. My life is very blessed; I have a responsibility to make the very most out of it. And, that doesn't happen by trying once and stopping.

I think it was good to have had the meeting with Madame Road Block post-run (but, pre-shower; maybe that's why she didn't like me by the end ...). I was pretty chill thanks to that run. And, that run happened because, many years ago, I just didn't stop even when I didn't fit the mold, when it hurt, or when it felt hopeless. Shoot, I still don't fit the mold, and it often hurts. But, that doesn't mean throw up my hands.

One more for the wonky week tomorrow! I'll check in after ...

Be the Orange

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 827.3 (running: 648; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $73.34

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 827.3 Aaron: 536.3 (b: 470.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 220.8 Total: 1584.8

Multiple alarms went off this morning from different rooms in the house. I can only say most of them were not only set wrong, but they were also snoozed. And, I heard them all ...

Now, is that the way to start a Monday? In theory, no, it's not. But, they kept going off to the point is was actually comical, and I had to just start laughing at the sweet souls who kept messing with their alarms. While I didn't really realize being a mom meant years and years of interrupted sleep, I'll totally take it!

Getting up early was worth it with or without the multiple alarms. See?

Elly and I had a lovely 4+-mile outing. It was a little on the warmer side, but it was still plenty comfortable for the pup. And, that's all that really matters seeing as she doesn't get a vote whether or not she accompanies me. (Ohhhh, but she tries. Daily.)

So, while I'm not training for anything specific, I've found myself sometimes fighting over the rationale of running hills. For the most part, I kind of like doing so for variety if nothing else: how else do I appreciate the downs and the straights if I don't do the hills? But, there's this one hill at the very end of my route that just gets on my last nerve because it's the end. I've always griped out race officials ending a run up hill; seems I'm not much better at it! Anyway, I admit to bailing on that hill now and then and actually using the reasoning that I'm not training for anything anyway. But, what I do know is the few times I bail, it never feels awesome to have done so. In fact, mentally, it feels kind of crappy because there are times I know I could have run it, but I just chose not to.

Today was like most runs where I had to remind myself why I'm out there in first place so as to motivate myself up that last hill. From now on, though, this visual might be just what I need to get up it without the personal argument:

Interestingly, I love oranges, but I do not like tangerines. It's like a personal connection there.

Anyway, yes, I did run that hill today. And, I suspect I will tomorrow. I much prefer the orange to the tangerine.

I hope your Monday started off strong in whatever way you wanted or needed! I'll be back at it tomorrow; see you after!

Run It Out

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 822.7 (running: 643.4; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $72.89

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 822.7 Aaron: 536.3 (b: 470.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 216.2 Total: 1575.2

Yesterday was so busy and so full that even Pit Crew #2 had to think long and hard before deciding if she was going to join me for this morning's run. Of course, that came after my own debate about the whole thing! I mentally reviewed my week and realized I actually needed to utilize today to run to optimize the entire week's schedule. It's about to be a funky one, so I need to be really specific with the planning!

That meant a run for me but not for PC#2. She may or may not head out later, but I needed to just get out and move in the morning. I drafted Aaron to go with me, too, but, as we had a wee bit of a time crunch going on, that meant leaving Elly behind even though she was giving both of us this face:

She's begging Aaron there. She'd already tried and heard "Not today" from me, so this was her last-ditch effort, never mind I tend to be the one to make the final call. Good effort, Elly, but it wasn't in the cards for you today ...

Aaron and I got our grooves on in beautiful 56-degree weather. You really can't ask for much more than that kind of temperature! We decided (um, not really) to make it more interesting by having a pretty hefty disagreement right in the middle of it. Disagreements are always awesome, are they not? But, here was the perk I realized was happening: You know how people say that when you're upset (in particular, angry) about something that you should go out for a walk or a run to release some of that energy, calm down and restart? Okay, well, we were already there. It was kind of cool because we'd already built up some momentum just by going. Then, we threw some gas on the fire by having a spat. But, as we were already kind of revved up, the disagreement went on warp speed, and we got to the end before we knew it. In fact, enough had been said so fast that I was silent for a moment (it's true) before I said, "Um, I really don't even know what the problem in anymore." We quickly debriefed and continued on our way.

So, the choices of what happened include I had a memory lapse at the end, we've gotten to where we can unscramble any mess we make faster than we used to (20 years together ought to bring some expertise there, just sayin'), and/or all of those run-the-crap-out-of-your-problematic-emotions suggestions totally work. I vote for the last two of those three options!

It seriously was nice to get everything shaken out in a swift and efficient manner. Speaking for myself, I have to hand quite a bit of that of that credit to the run. Not that I recommend running with your partner then picking a fight.

Finished in tact!

Tomorrow kicks off what is certain to be a seriously topsy-turvy week! It'll be good to start it off with a run! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I'll see you after the morning run!

Will Run For Light

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 819.7 (running: 640.4; walking: 34.5; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $72.87

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 819.7 Aaron: 533.3 (b: 470.6; w: 62.7)  Elly: 216.2 Total: 1569.2

In an effort to take care of the business that actually matters, let's start by saying HAPPY FRIDAY!!

The Snoopy Facebook page knows how to perfectly punctuate a day!!

So, I woke up this morning and was pretty sure I heard it raining. That would normally mean I mini celebration that I didn't have to get up to run, but that wasn't the case today. I didn't even reach out to pet Elly when she came in to greet me because she'd just been outside, and, if her head was wet, I'd know it really was raining. I'd gone to sleep early enough to not wake up in too-tired-to-move pain (you know how that is), and I was ready to roll.

While Aaron confirmed it was, in fact, raining, he also said it was very light. I was convinced that meant it was either staying that way or passing through (based on nothing but my own desire to be outside), so I got ready to go.

Street lights bouncing off the wet
pavement. The green was my fave.

The thing about running just before the sun comes up and with clouds overhead is that it's dark. Really, quite dark. Usually, by the time I'm past the first mile, the sun is awake enough that I can see everything. With the clouds? Not so much. The light seemed to be about a mile behind me today. I normally wouldn't mind, however, it was about to make it difficult to find change in my normal hot spot. (Difficult but not impossible; I found a penny in the dark on a walk last night. Aaron's not even impressed anymore.) Not wanting to start my day with unnecessary, avoidable difficulty, I tagged on another mile to give the light time to permeate some of the clouds.

My delay paid off both in money found and additional distance. Besides, the light was just enough to show you that this is still here from yesterday ...

Yeah, that's a pizza under a car. There was more of it there yesterday. It's yet another item that would be added to the potential, forthcoming Crap For Dinner Found Running column.

Today was chillier than I expected, but I'm glad I didn't know ahead of time because I likely would have overthought what to wear and gone too warm. Shorts and short sleeves are perfect for me when it's 53 and I'm running. My sleepy, morning brain doesn't necessarily translate 'every day' vs. 'running' requirements and desires when it comes to clothing, so I often regret the wardrobe selection by the first mile. Today's choices made with no consideration for anything actually paid off -- as long as I kept moving. Once I stopped, well, I was a bit chilly!

In other positive pay-off news, I went to mapmyrun.com to double check last night's walking route before logging it, and I decided to double check my 4- and 5-mile routes. It turns out they are both actually longer than I originally thought! The 5-miler is only 2 tenths of a mile longer (run it 5 times, though, and that's another mile), but the 4-miler is 4.6 miles! SCORE!! I went back through my runs since August and adjusted my mileage (and, Elly's too!). I'm reasonably certain this adjustment could be made for many since the beginning of the year, but I know exactly what I've done the last two months and want to keep my records as accurate as possible. I'd much rather under report than overshoot it! The overall adjustment wasn't huge, but every step makes a difference!

Whew. Nice to take care of that and get it all settled. Hey ... isn't this why athletes have trainers ...?

"Yes, mommy, but those trainers can use a pen ..."

The day has stayed overcast and cool which seems the perfect day to catch up and clean up the loose ends of the week before kicking off the weekend!! Wrap up your Friday just right, and I'll check in over the weekend!

Smallest Of Victories

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 813.4 (running: 635.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $72.06

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 813.4 Aaron: 531.6 (b: 470.6; w: 61)  Elly: 212.7 Total: 1557.7

I think next year, I'm going to compile a list of all of the crap I find running as it relates to meals. I'm just sayin' ...

I might have to come up with rules, such as, if I find a plate, it must be in tact. Or, if I find a spoon and a knife, does it count as finding a whole, ready-to-go meal if the main course actually requires a fork ... For real, the crap I find ...

This morning's run was a nice, slow jog with the pup as we not only added to the mental list of What's For Dinner as found en route this year, but we also continued to enjoy the sites of Fall:

Granted, the acorn one might be more appealing without the wad of gum amidst them. But, whadda ya do ... I'll pick up nasty coins, but I'm drawing the line at chewed gum.

Elly and I were casual joggers today. And, while I make no apologies for us, I have seemed to hit a stretch where I catch myself thinking, "So, I can actually run a Half Marathon and do so in what amount of time?!" *sigh* 'Tis the happenings of my life right now, though, where the rest of the day is so busy that just the early morning movement is a victory! I'll take it especially when there was a time when my daily schedule was the perfect excuse to not exercise!

"Run, walk, lay around ... I'll do whatever
you do, mommy!"

Tomorrow, I'm back at it. I'm not sure about the pup, but I'll be back out there! I'll check in once I'm off the road ...!

Throwback

Once upon a time, I used to remember every detail about every, little thing, remember every, single name I ever learned after the first introduction, and I would keep track of a complicated schedule often without the use of a calendar.

That was before having kids.

Believe when I say I'd trade remembering and quick, creative thinking all over again and again and again to have my sweet ones and to pour all of my brain cells into their development. In fact, completely relocating my brain capacity probably did me a favor as I now often amaze myself by doing the most DUH of things. The smallest of problems solved or what I believe to be creative solutions brings about an uproar of cheer in my own head.

Thank you wee ones ...

The latest victory came in the form of these:

Remember the Cauliflower Tots recipe I shared here? It's been a total hit around here; even Pit Crew #3 is coming around to genuinely liking them as he's gotten used to their smoother texture (vs. the regular, fried tater tot). I make a double batch of the mixture to keep in the fridge, and we pull on it during the week as a side for dinner.

Or, for breakfast ...

The taste of these is truly, remarkably like potato. Couple that with the texture, and it has reminded me of when my mom occasionally made potato pancakes for breakfast following a dinner where we had mashed potatoes. I loved potato pancakes at breakfast. Mmmm ... Anyway, the other morning, I decided to give this mixture a whirl at turning them into potato pancakes. I added some (a helpful measurement) almond flour to make sure it was stiff enough to cook and flip, then I plopped two heaping spoonfuls on to a pan sprayed with coconut oil. After the first side was cooked enough to endure a flip, over they went for about half the time it took side one to cook.

These suckers took me way back to the days of mom's potato pancakes. Same taste, same consistency, same-but-healthier happy tummy.

So, yeah, the day's victory was figuring out I could cook the same mixture in two different forms. That's brilliance like I don't often experience anymore. And, I'll take it!

Tomorrow, I take my brilliance on a morning run! I'll see you after ...!

Smaller Pieces

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 809.4 (running: 631.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $71.76

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 809.4 Aaron: 531.6 (b: 470.6; w: 61)  Elly: 208.7 Total: 1549.7

If I'm being completely honest, I was totally over this morning's run before it even started. Some mornings are like that. I was tired both physically and mentally, and the idea of getting up to run was most unappealing. However, my desire to take the dog and log the miles, not to mention my hopes of spying some coins, trumped my emotions, and Elly and I went for it.

Within the first few steps ... not any particular, measurable distance ... steps ... I called for tomorrow to be a Rest Day which is exactly what kept me going today. Did I mention I was just tired? I wasn't too tired to notice this, though:

I saw these, too:

And, as Halloween decorations emerge, this spotting was very appropriate:

As with most everything we take on in life, this run was exactly what I made of it. And, I employed strategies that I use in daily life to make it happen, reapplied to be specific to this run:

• I embraced how I was feeling from the get go so I could work with what was real and not with what I might have tried to convince myself of otherwise.
• I found the less obvious perks of going to keep me motivated versus focusing on the run itself.
• I put in place something to look forward to (tomorrow's rest!) as something of a reward for persevering through what was currently challenging me. 
• I accepted that today's run wasn't going to be the best run I could ever do, but it was the best run I could do today.
• I prayed in thankfulness for all of the choices I had in front of me and for my ability, including physically, to figure out how to get from start to finish.

When something is staring at me that feels beyond the scope of what I have to give it in that moment, I like to break it down. Running is no exception.

Big things are easier to tackle in smaller pieces. Keep breaking it down as an option for when you feel overwhelmed ...

And, with no strategy necessary, I look forward to tomorrow's Rest Day! I'll be checking in ...

Elly's Day

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 804.4 (running: 626.2; walking: 33.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $70.93

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 804.4 Aaron: 531.6 (b: 470.6; w: 61)  Elly: 203.7 Total: 1539.7

Elly here!!! It's a BIG DAY for me, so mommy said I could write today's entry. What's the day, you ask? It's the day I hit 200 miles for the year!!

YAY, MEEEEEE!

That's the moment right there when I hit it! You know how I can get all uncooperative about standing still to take a picture in the middle of a run, right? I compromised today by standing still, but I wouldn't look directly at the camera. And, mommy didn't even bother to ask me to sit. Apparently, she learns. Despite my annoyances on almost every outing, mommy wanted to celebrate me. And, I was all about it!

And, check this out! While we were out running the streets, we saw daddy!!! I always get excited when I see a car that looks like his, but, this time, it was actually him!! He stopped to say hello ...

... and, there was no chance for an in-focus picture because I was too excited to let mommy stand still. I was also so excited to run back and see him that I pulled mommy's shoulder really, super-hard. We don't need to discuss that, though.

Daddy went on to work, and we went about our business. Mommy took care of a lot of business by finding $1.78 today which put the Food Bank total over the $70 mark! I don't really know how that necessarily affects me, but, it makes her happy, so that's enough reason to celebrate with her. Besides, she tends to find coins in some places that have really awesome smells for my sniffer. So, I guess everyone wins!

We trotted a solid four miles before mommy called it good for the day.

Yay, US!

And, then, to punctuate my extraordinary physical activity effort, I came home to do this:

THAT was a great way to start off whatever day this is! I don't keep track of such things. I just know what I like. And, what I like is to be with my family no matter what we're doing! It's a simple concept and makes no real demands except of the heart. And, that seems to work out for all of us.

We hope your day started off just as well as ours! I need to get back to my day's couch agenda while you get to what you need! We'll be checking in from our next outing (see how I just decided I'm going?! I'm a take-charge kind of gal ...). Thanks for cheering me in to my 200!!!