Unexpectedly Productive

In a most unexpected turn of events, my Monday-after-a-holiday was super productive!! That never happens! I think I was just that determined to not have the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas follow suit of the last few weeks where I've only muddled through. So, there. I hope your Monday back to it was equally great however you define the greatness!!

It probably didn't hurt my work-from-home productivity to not run this morning as I decided to let it force my hand to do something with that time. It was cold and raining again this morning, so, not running was really not my choice as much as an option I exercised because I was not running in cold rain. Ick. And, brrrr. I will be back at it tomorrow, though.

So, for the last few days, I've certainly been indulged in the good stuff. Yesterday, I lived amongst the Snoopies ...

The "skirt" of the Peanuts tree takes shape!

Indeed, decorating for Christmas is in full force around here!

Also during the last week was our first-ever 5K-to-Couch series created by Pit Crew #2 and myself to take away any potential feelings of guilt (ha! Whatever.) or otherwise sluggishness when our real Thanksgiving aim was to hang on the couch together as much as possible and catch up on awesome DVRed TV. That, my friends, is ambition if I ever heard!

We did, indeed, run at least 3.1 miles daily, so the exercise part of the mission was completed! On those four days, we: hit the couch twice (excellent, sappy Hallmark TV movie, at our service, as well as a Food Network Holiday Baking Championship we're in the middle of); spent a way-past-our-bedtime evening during a surprise visit from out-of-town friends, and then there was Thanksgiving where we had our annual dessert + Home Alone viewing also, this year, shared with a friend.

And, that's what I call BOUNTY.

The break with the kids was painfully too short, as usual, but we most definitely made the most of it. I think it's exactly what we all needed --> a recharge from each other. At least, that's how it worked for me.

The regular swing continues onward from here even amongst the crazy of the season! That sounds like a great time to go for a run to start the day off just breathing. I'll check in after ...!

Sleep For the Win

Remember how I was sort of debating what I was going to do with this morning, run or sleep?

Yeahhh ... Sleep won.

It needed to win. And, it was fabulous!

Until tomorrow ...

Double Dose

Yesterday’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 938.5 (running: 758.4; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $.34

 

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 938.5 Aaron: 673.6 (b: 598.6; w: 75)  Elly: 250.8 Total: 1844.9

I recently learned there's actually something scientific about how you can be laughing hysterically one minute only to turn on a dime and start crying. The bottom line of what I learned is that your body actually needs to rebalance itself as it can't handle the extreme for terribly long. Hence, tears following laughter and vice versa.

I get that kind of dichotomy in many areas of my life. Yesterday was a prime example. Or, should I say, examples.

• We spent a wonderful afternoon with my Dad playing Bingo which, of late, entails my heart fighting with itself as we have a great time together but the toll of his disease is starting to exhibit itself more. I both recognize and ignore this reality so as to be in the moment; I just admit it leaves me tired when we part for the day.
• That visit was followed by a trip to the mall. Pit Crew #2 was on the hunt for a few things. I adore PC#2 through and through. But, I really hate shopping. My love for her always trumps my personal desire to run as far away as humanly possible from the clothes section of any store.
• Punctuate that with the fact that it was Black Friday, and I forgot about that very fact until we drove up to the mall. I wanted to politely ask for the car to be paused while I got out and trekked home. Of course, that didn't happen. Accidental Black Friday participation did. I love my daughter; I really hate the mall on Black Friday.
• I also hate Black Friday and what it brings out in people. It brings out too much ugly. But, I love Christmas. I hate the two are associated. Can't we do Black Friday in the middle of June or something? 

Anyway, my afternoon was full of dichotomies, and, long before PC#2 was finished browsing one of her targeted clothes sections, I was more than antsy. PC#3 asked me to join him at another store down the mall simply because I 'looked like I needed to go somewhere else.' By the time we left the mall, I knew I was going for a run.

It had been raining all. day. long. Seriously, it was non-stop. And, I knew I just wasn't going to care. As we were heading to the doors of the mall to leave, I told Aaron I was going for a run unless there was a downpour. As we drove home in the drizzle, Aaron said, "Now, you're not really running in this, are you?" to which I said, "Now, that's not really a question, is it?" I absolutely had to go. And, PC#2 was coming with me.

We missed our morning run because of the rain, so I was truly thankful for this opportunity so as to stay true to our 5K-to-Couch mission. I put on my brightest, day-glo shirt in the hopes of cars seeing me, whipped on my It's Raining Out There hat, and we took off. In fact, we took off like a shot. I couldn't decide if it was the fact that it was evening and I didn't need to warm up as much as in the morning or if I just had that much pent up inside that had to burn off. Either way, we were off and a serious pace.

I knew I was all wound up inside because my breathing was super high in my chest, and I couldn't drop it. No amount of trying to take deep breaths was working, so I used this as an excuse to walk up one hill. Perhaps it was the admitting it part that helped me because almost immediately after, with just another mile to go, I felt just fine.

I was so glad to be with my girl. Just being.

And, then ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 942.7 (running: 758.4; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $.85

 

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 942.7 Aaron: 692.1 (b: 617.1; w: 75)  Elly: 250.8 Total: 1867.6*

*Average monthly miles required to meet year-end goal: Complete!

I was glad to get in a run yesterday at any point given it we woke up to rain and our 5K-to-Couch thing. But, the late run and an earlier one today was, well ... painful. At least for the first mile, the ol' legs hurt. I made the mistake of asking PC#2 if she felt last night's run. She said she didn't, so I pondered how our decades of age span just came through loud and clear. It was a great outing together, though, made even better when we ran into one of our favorite people:

There's my friend Juli!! YAHOO!!

You know your good friends when you'll stop long enough to huddle together for a stinky running selfie!! We exchanged hellos and hugs and Juli paused long enough to thank and gush at PC#2 for the recent manicure. And, no, no one asked the other how the run was going because who really cares when you have hugs and compliments to dole out?

The rest of the run was most excellent. The feeling-last-night's-run was worked out by the time I hit the end of the first mile, and the rest was on something of cruise control. I did diverge just slightly before we wrapped things up so as to pass through an open drive-thru. I don't tend to use such routes when the stores are open because - duh - they're open and I'd care to not get hit by a car. But, not only were there no cars in sight, but the Food Bank stash has been slow to grow in the last few days. While that's to be expected, it's not to be liked, so I upped the odds and scored.

Aaron very kindly was waiting for us at our normal finish spot, and we were ready to head into the day. I mentioned to Aaron that I was looking forward to the extra sleep tomorrow morning when PC#2 chimed in with, "Oh ... we're not running tomorrow?" Evidently, she missed the part about the 5K-to-Couch lasting 4 days, not 5. And, now, I'm torn about what we're doing in the morning. I mean, I know I could use the rest, but I also like the idea of rounding this whole thing out. It's a decision I simply cannot make right now, so I'm leaving it to play by ear in the morning!

I'll check in with the outcome! I hope your Thanksgiving weekend is winding down in its own, perfect way! Until tomorrow ...

Turkey Trax Recap

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 935.4 (running: 751.4; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $.34

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 935.4 Aaron: 673.6 (b: 598.6; w: 75)  Elly: 250.8 Total: 1841.8

Happy day after Thanksgiving!! Is everyone moving around even if slowly? Today should actually be called Digestion Day, I'm just sayin'. I hope your celebration was exactly what you wanted and with whom you wanted it! It's that last part that can be tricky, amiright? HA! It's not tricky around here, though, because long, long ago, Aaron and I put the kaibosh on company on the actual holiday day so as to have an opportunity to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. Locking it down to our family walls on the actual day has proven mighty successful for us and has certainly led to some very fun traditions including Turkey Trax!! Here's how it went down yesterday!

 

The first bit of good news for the race -- for me -- was discovering Friday night that the race didn't start until 8:30 a.m.!! EIGHT. THIRTY. That was music to my ears when I'm out and about before that on most days and certainly on most race days. THAT RULED.

 

The second bit of great news -- for all of us -- was that we got up to no rain. It was certainly in the forecast for exactly the time the race was going on, but we lucked out completely! In fact, it was somewhere in the 50s which is usually nice, but we were a bit overdressed for the temperature. In particular, our headwear was not terribly comfortable in the 50s, but there was no way we weren't wearing them!

Just two dudes. Hanging out on a corner. Talking dude stuff.

I do love looking around and races to spy those who put an extra touch to themselves to get in some kind of race spirit! There weren't a ton of people sprucing it up for Thanksgiving, but there were a couple of fun ones including a smattering of tutus ...


... fun socks ...

... and, of course, more hats!

LOVE the shoes on the bird!

The color of this one totally caught my eye well before I realized that underneath the hat ...

... was a friend of mine!

And, let's congratulate retrospectively
congratulate her on her very first 5K!!
YAHOO!!!

And, for whatever reason, these were in the crowd, too:

By the way, do you remember this girl from last year?

Jammin' down the street in the pumpkin
pie hat like Aaron's! 2014

She was here again!

We were keeping absolutely no track of time and just followed what the crowd seemed to be doing. At some point, that meant we started running!

Not bad for completely blindly snapping
over my shoulder. At least I got my own
family in it!

I had to admire this clearly dedicated dad en route:

Aaron would totally do that if I ever thought about it! I always seem to focus on the hats, though, and never consider the tail aspect. You would think I would actually focus on the running at some point!

The 50+ degrees bit us a few times as it was just hot with not much to be done about it. But, like I mentioned, that was way better than having it rain!

Those three miles really just blew by, and, before we really knew it, we were high-fiving that panda on our way to the finish:

It's not cool to begin and end a race up hill.

The four of us haven't run together since late Summer, so it was fun to join together again and do so!

A congratulations also goes to this adoption hopeful who ran the course ...

... but, not so much to this trio who just kind of hung out and kept themselves busy looking scared of everything.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, here's one of the age division prizes:

I've never really seen one up close and personal. I admit it was a little weird to have the shirtless teenage boy wandering around with it, but I still had to take a picture of the loot. It's a medal, an age division pie prize and what I believe is an overall placement pie prize in the box.

How many people think his mom was all, "Oh, crap! I need dessert for Thursday. Get out there and run, son!"

And, there you have it, this year's installment of Turkey Trax! It was a great way to start our day especially when all of us got to Wednesday with the same thought: "Wow. So, you say, tomorrow is Thanksgiving ..."

Have a great rest of your Friday, and I'll be checking in tomorrow ...!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 935.4 (running: 751.4; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $.34

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 935.4 Aaron: 663.6 (b: 588.6; w: 75)  Elly: 250.8 Total: 1831.8

From my crazy Crew to yours ...

... the happiest of Thanksgivings!!

Eventual Destination: Couch!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 932.3 (running: 748.3; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $.33

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 928.1 Aaron: 660.5 (b: 588.6; w: 71.9)  Elly: 250.8 Total: 1825.6

Pit Crew #2 and I got up and out there this morning to kick off our personal 5K To Couch series for the long weekend!! I'm not exactly sure when the couch part is going to kick in today, but I'll be sure to report!

Speaking of parking oneself on the couch: One of our couch-worth options is to binge watch this season of Dancing With the Stars as it has sat on our DVR all 12 weeks. We both managed to get through every, single week without so much as a peep of who was still on and who got eliminated. And, then, there was this morning: I turned on Good Morning America, and right there at the top of the show, without warning, was the reveal of who won! In my lemonade-out-of-lemons moment, I decided I could still watch to find out who came in second because I didn't see that ...

Anyway, we got in 4.2 miles in a pretty fast hurry (well, after mile 1, it goes a lot faster!) so as to get on with the rest of the day and really kick off the weekend! --> Which makes me wonder how I've been working and she's doing homework, but such is the real of life, huh?!

We have a lot to look forward to even with real stuff smattered within! I'm very thankful for fun plans! Oh! And, I'm also thankful that on the first day after donation day, there's money back in the Food Bank tally because rolling the number back to zero kind of hurts!

Make the most of this Thanksgiving Eve, and I'll be checking in tomorrow!

Probably the Most Worthwhile Reason I Run

2015 Money Found For Food Bank: $98.78

Okay, I get that running is good for my health, both physical and mental, and all that jazz. But, in addition to that, finding money to donate to the Food Bank often feels like the most worthwhile reason I run. That's probably because there's almost always an immediate, measureable payoff, no pun intended.

I look forward to this day to recount and see if my year-long tally was accurate. This year, after counting, I had to adjust up (yahoo!), and the Food Bank scores! That $98.78 translates into 1481.7 pounds of food, or just about 1087 meals. NICE!! It was just out there on the streets ... waiting for me ... (it's not unlike how we say we scored finding Elly at the Humane Society because it was like she was just waiting there for us, only we found and kept her which is actually very different from finding this money that's allegedly 'been waiting for me' only to turn around and give it away again. So, really, it's not like adopting Elly at all. BUT I do run because of Elly, so there has to be something symbiotic here that I'm just not putting together. But, I digress ...)

As each piece of treasure is gathered one by one (which also translates into a really substantial number of squats, so there's a sweet, accidental cross-training effect in force) and stashed in Peanuts receptacles, donation day also means one of the most disgusting duties: Sorting and counting some really, dirty money.

This year's haul went from here ...

... to here ...

You better believe there was some serious Clorox wipes
action going on for that table after all was said and done!

... to here ...

By this point, I had washed my hands at least five times.
Eww ... eww ... eww. Even the cleanest of money is just Eww.

... and, finally, to here:

We added our Money Found Walking Around as well as money saved by both young Crewers, so the entire total was $147.05 (2205.75 pounds of food/1617.55 meals. BAM.).

I will be the first to admit the actual donation part is amazingly anticlimactic, so it's a good thing that it's not about that moment. It's about where it's going from here and, admittedly, how much fun it was to collect!

And, the tally starts over tomorrow from zero! Here's to another year of great finds and for being so very thankful we can be on the giving end of this endeavor!

I'll be checking after the morning run!

Slow Start

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 928.1 (running: 744.1; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $98.25

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 928.1 Aaron: 660.5 (b: 588.6; w: 71.9)  Elly: 250.8 Total: 1821.4

You know those times when you decide to just embrace the schedule coming your way so that it actually makes you laugh more than it stresses you out? I had a moment like that last night when looking at just the first two days of this week. I'd look at them and simply think, "Yeah. I'm pretty screwed." And, just accepting it made it feel better! It doesn't hurt that on the other side of those two days are a number in a row where the only thing on the agenda is whatever we want to do. So, barring anything unforeseen getting thrown in the mix (including a suddenly sick young one as happened today), and the end of the week should be easier than the beginning!

Running with the theme of not easy, let's discuss this morning's run: It was not easy. I was out and about yesterday afternoon, on my feet longer than expected and finding myself doing more walking than I would have guessed. That all added up to legs screaming for mercy this morning, and I run was not an enticing idea! That's when I had the most brilliant idea ever to bring Elly with me because, if I ever want an excuse to go quite slow, she's my gal.

"I got you, mommy."

It was 31 degrees when we headed out which is 10 degrees too warm for my super-awesome, purple running jacket. But, when you're trotting along like we did, that super-awesome, purple running jacket was quite comfortable.

That tells you everything you need to know about how the run really went. And, that was just fine for today!

One of the main reasons I wanted to go out today instead of putting it off 'til tomorrow was an effort to make one more good sweep before tomorrow's donation day for the Food Bank! I'll be counting it all up in the morning to verify my tally which will include the $1.25 I picked up today! By the way, every squat down to get a coin was actually a welcomed stretch of the ol' tired legs. Who would have expected that? I would have guessed it would be a go-down-stay-down situation, but it turned out to be just what I needed!

I am taking tomorrow off from running not just because my legs are telling me to, but, moreso, because Pit Crew and I have our 5K-to-Couch thing going on starting Wednesday, and I don't need to be running every day this week. So, instead of running, I'll be counting!! Stay tuned for the official outcome ... and, thank you for rooting it on!! See you tomorrow ...

Pretty Perfect

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 922 (running: 739.5; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $96.67

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 922 Aaron: 639 (b: 568.6; w: 70.4)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1789.2

I woke up this morning, looked out the window and literally gasped. IT WAS SNOWING!!!

Aaron came in about a half hour later and said, "I assume you're not running," to which I responded, "You assumed wrong!" Running in the snow? Hell-to-the-yeahhhh!!! It was sort of sticking but not enough to be any kind of problem. At all! I was totally going, and Pit Crew #2 was about to be awakened to join me!

She says I 'football tackled' her to wake her up. I disagree.

Within 30 minutes of her startling rise into the day, we headed out!!

It was very windy, the kind of wind that actually hurts a little bit when it hits you just right. It was cool, though, because it blew big snowflakes in my eyes and mouth. It was really fun!

I like the first few snowfalls because they elicit such response from everyone. Like, I got texts from local friends reporting on not only their snow enthusiasm but also what they were doing with it (one was also running and the other baking ... I'm thinking we should have run to her house ...). Of course, I had to send a message to long-distance, virtual running partner extraordinaire Mary Kate to show off today's setting. And, then there's the Facebook feed blowing up with both ends of the spectrum with regard to feelings about snow. Feelings. Such strong feelings ...

I'm just saying I love it. And, I love being out in it whenever possible because it's so hit or miss for us. I wasn't a huge fan of the wind straight from the North biting our faces when heading that direction, but I can't complain when it simply came with the territory.

And, what lovely territory it was:

Here's the fave:

I saw this tree being decorated last weekend. I call that Perfect Timing!!

There were, of course, imperfect moments (aside from the wind) on this route, too. For instance, there was this time I stepped right into a puddle and soaked my foot. We hadn't even yet hit the second mile. That wasn't the worst part; that was when PC#2 totally laughed. She claims it was because my reaction to the unfortunate incident was hilarious. Hmmm ... Well, all I can say is I don't have the same 'your reaction was so funny' excuse for when I laughed at her for being blown over when she was crouched down to tie her shoe.

Now that I think about it, though, those were probably the most perfect moments of it all. Who really cares about the run when you can laugh together?!

Tomorrow is slated for Rest, and I'm pretty excited about it. Keep enjoying your weekend no matter what you're doing with it, and I'll be checking in ...

Day Late, Dollar Extra

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 917.8 (running: 735.3; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $96.61

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 917.8 Aaron: 621 (b: 550.6; w: 70.4)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1785

Well, so much for being on top of things this week! I ran yesterday and didn't even get back to thinking about it again once I was finished much less jotting it down for posterity's sake. I blew a whole bunch of intended plans yesterday while somehow managing to accomplish the absolutes. Sometimes, that has to be good enough!

I keep thinking about yesterday's run, though, because I missed out on getting out there today. It seems that when one makes a dental appointment six months in advance, the appointment doesn't necessarily end up landing at the most convenient time! So, last night, when I realized this conflict in my desired schedule, I simply cut my losses and moved on rather than beating myself up trying to figure out how to make up the run or the miles or whatever. Instead, I had a little slower of a morning, took care of my oral hygiene and have big plans for a fun, cold run tomorrow with Pit Crew #2!

By the way, I like going to the dentist. For real. I always have. I have always hated going to the doctor, but put me in a dental chair for a cleaning any time! Oral hygiene: Good. But, apparently, my make-up removal hygiene is way, way under par. Check this out:

That's my eye make-up from the night before after running 4.6 miles! That shows you what a terrible, terrible job I did taking it off. And, yes, I know there are all sorts of reasons I'm supposed to. It just doesn't sit high on my priority list. Or, apparently, it's not on there at all. I need to rethink my position when I see people running in makeup because maybe it's not that they put it on before heading out ...

In the arena of role modeling proper make-up removal importance: Fail. I do pretty okay in other areas, though, so, there you have it.

Before I even realized I was on a Glam run, I was out there having a great time soaking up a very cool morning. While so many of the trees have dropped their leaves, there are others still holding strong ...

... and, I take all of them in. I truly love the beauty of Fall!

I also loved finding more than a dollar's worth of coins which was a complete surprise after Wednesday's bonanza! I'm not half as focused on running right now as I am on how much more money can I find before next week's donation day! I'd love to think I could swing the total over $100, but I fully accept that's really not in my control! I plan to route tomorrow's run to maximize potential, though.

So, today has been full of looking both backward and forward, just by a day each direction, to make sure loose ends are wrapped up and decent plans are made so as not to just squander or otherwise allow time to slip away from me. As I keep experiencing in this season of what I can only call Blur, time has a way of doing that if I don't grab on to it and make it what I want! That's the plan for tomorrow -- to start the way I want with a run ... unless it rains, then, screw it.

I'll be checking in! Happy beginning of the WEEKEND!!

Day Late, Dollar Extra

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 917.8 (running: 735.3; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $96.61

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 917.8 Aaron: 621 (b: 550.6; w: 70.4)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1785

Well, so much for being on top of things this week! I ran yesterday and didn't even get back to thinking about it again once I was finished much less jotting it down for posterity's sake. I blew a whole bunch of intended plans yesterday while somehow managing to accomplish the absolutes. Sometimes, that has to be good enough!

I keep thinking about yesterday's run, though, because I missed out on getting out there today. It seems that when one makes a dental appointment six months in advance, the appointment doesn't necessarily end up landing at the most convenient time! So, last night, when I realized this conflict in my desired schedule, I simply cut my losses and moved on rather than beating myself up trying to figure out how to make up the run or the miles or whatever. Instead, I had a little slower of a morning, took care of my oral hygiene and have big plans for a fun, cold run tomorrow with Pit Crew #2!

By the way, I like going to the dentist. For real. I always have. I have always hated going to the doctor, but put me in a dental chair for a cleaning any time! Oral hygiene: Good. But, apparently, my make-up removal hygiene is way, way under par. Check this out:

That's my eye make-up from the night before after running 4.6 miles! That shows you what a terrible, terrible job I did taking it off. And, yes, I know there are all sorts of reasons I'm supposed to. It just doesn't sit high on my priority list. Or, apparently, it's not on there at all. I need to rethink my position when I see people running in makeup because maybe it's not that they put it on before heading out ...

In the arena of role modeling proper make-up removal importance: Fail. I do pretty okay in other areas, though, so, there you have it.

Before I even realized I was on a Glam run, I was out there having a great time soaking up a very cool morning. While so many of the trees have dropped their leaves, there are others still holding strong ...

... and, I take all of them in. I truly love the beauty of Fall!

I also loved finding more than a dollar's worth of coins which was a complete surprise after Wednesday's bonanza! I'm not half as focused on running right now as I am on how much more money can I find before next week's donation day! I'd love to think I could swing the total over $100, but I fully accept that's really not in my control! I plan to route tomorrow's run to maximize potential, though.

So, today has been full of looking both backward and forward, just by a day each direction, to make sure loose ends are wrapped up and decent plans are made so as not to just squander or otherwise allow time to slip away from me. As I keep experiencing in this season of what I can only call Blur, time has a way of doing that if I don't grab on to it and make it what I want! That's the plan for tomorrow -- to start the way I want with a run ... unless it rains, then, screw it.

I'll be checking in! Happy beginning of the WEEKEND!!

Well, Blow Me Down. Or, At Least, Sideways.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 913.2 (running: 730.7; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $95.51

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 913.2 Aaron: 621 (b: 550.6; w: 70.4)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1780.4

It was back at it today, and it was good to be back outside! It was also good to have had a wee stretch off these last three days because I think the rest is what gave me the strength the run straight into the wind for two and a half miles! gulp! Before heading out, I heard there were 30-mph gusts going on; I totally believed it especially when I worked to push through them! And, it was hard!!! Waaaaaaaaaa! I persevered, though. Because, really, what was the choice?

Well, as with everything in life, there's always a choice. (I was even told that when in labor with Pit Crew #2 and we found out she was not only breech but in such a position where her life and mine would be in serious question had I opted to not have a C-section. I said to the nurse, "Oh. I just figured I didn't have a choice," and she immediately hopped on the, "The patient always has a choice!" train. *sigh* Which is when Aaron and I looked at each other and were like, yes, but not all choices are good ones ...)

ANY.WAY. The choice people seemed to not want to make during the last two days on my normal route was to stoop down and pick up money they dropped. I found more than $2 including this:

That's a half dollar, baby!! YAHOO!!
Oh, and I told you it was windy. Nice
hair. And, my bangs are too long.
They're buggin'. Just sayin'.

My theory is that, since it's been raining, people just wanted to get out of it rather than get retrieve their cash. Fine by me; the Food Bank will do good things with that!
The up-and-down side of taking my wee break and returning in such a wind that I got an extra workout is that my legs are tired. They're that we-feel-alive-but-are-also-tired feeling which only tells me three days off is somewhat excessive. I'm not sorry for it, it was just a day too long in general.

In other news, OHMYGOSH I just found a facebook page exclusively for virtual running called "I Love Race Medals"!! It's like reading my mind!! And, see? It's not just meeeeee ...!

I'm going to have to check that out, but, right now, it's time to sink into the evening. Ahhhh ... And, tomorrow? It's again time to RUN. I'll see you after!

Eventual Victory

I woke up to a lot of rain this morning. Like I said yesterday, I felt like it was perfect timing to have another day away from the run.

That didn't stop me from considering a quick run when I heard the rain stop. I was very seriously thinking about getting ready super fast and heading out before any more started. By a stroke of luck, though, I happened to catch the weather radar before making it too far into the getting ready process, and I saw we were due for more rain in 9 minutes.

Eight minutes later, this happened:

I know it's difficult to tell, but it's pouring. I know exactly where I would have been on my route, too. Needless to say, I would have been royally screwed.

So, I made the best of my day which included indulging in a bit of this:

That's a pie I made last night. But, it was not awesome last night. That's because I ignored the fact that it is a custard pie even though it says so right in the name: Pecan Custard Pie. You really can't get any more clear than that. I guess I saw Pecan and saw Pie and got all kinds of excited that I found a sugar-free pecan pie recipe right before Thanksgiving because, as you know, not only am I on a reasonably consistent quest to find and experiment with many of the fabulous Trim Healthy Mama recipes that are out there, but I also love to find sugar-free options that my Dad, who cannot have sugar, would enjoy.

So, last week, when I came upon the pie recipe (here!), I was pretty stoked. I finally got around to making it last night. I was even smart enough to get it in the oven to bake while we were eating our dinner so it would be ready soon thereafter. Planning!

We waited for it to somewhat cool, but it was actually still steaming when the slices went on the plates. Everyone took a bite, and no one spit it out or otherwise grimaced. That's usually a good sign. But, something was wrong. I didn't quite know what, but there was something about it that wasn't what I wanted. Then, Aaron piped in with an unenthusiastic, "It's pretty good. But, it tastes more like a custard."

That was the problem. Oh, and DUH.

Like I said, it was right there in the name. And, I don't know about you, but I think custard is pretty gross. The consensus around the table was a similar-to-Aaron's lack of enthusiasm except for with regard to the crust. THAT was a HIT.

I recalled from the recipe that its author said she preferred to put the pie in the fridge overnight and enjoy it cold. With that lingering in the back of my head, I put the rest of ours in the fridge, and I retested it this morning (so, instead of running, I ate some pie. You read that correctly!).

It was AWESOME. Chilling it totally took that custardy edge out. The filling, which I found kind of gelatinous last night, settled in and was no longer spongy-weird, and the flavors were enhanced from sitting and stewing on themselves. I sent Aaron an email announcing my victory and promised I'd leave plenty for everyone to try.

Once everyone was home, we all resampled -- even Pit Crew #3, who politely gave me his "Ew, no thanks" look without actually saying the words, trusted me enough to try it again anyway. Including my own, the fridge version received 3.5 thumbs up! The recipe went from last night's "You don't need to make this again" to "Totally make this again!" And, to be honest, even if I never made the pie filling again (which I know I will next week), the recipe is a total keeper for the crust itself. YUM.

So, there was the latest venture in the kitchen. I'm not wildly successful in there (because, let's face it, I don't care enough), but I like to share when I am! I do better on the road which is where I intend to start my day tomorrow! I'll see you after!

I Believe This To Be Perfect Timing

Aaron woke me up with some truly beautiful words this morning: "It's raining." And, in my too-early-for-actual-conversation response, he received a, "Really? Yeahhhh!"

Yup. I embraced the reality of it keeping my running miles goal even farther out of my grasp, and I dove right in to work (well, I dove in after getting a Diet Coke going) and accomplished a huge amount. I can't always brag about how much I accomplish in a morning, so this set a good tone for the week!

While I was all kinds of productive, Elly dove right into her daily endeavor, too:

THAT is how to get your nap on!! She did give activity a nod
as she wagged her tail, though.

I have a lot of running to look forward to toward the middle and end of the week plus my 5K-to-Couch endeavor with Pit Crew #2 next week. So, these days off are probably very well placed!

I'll be checking in with what tomorrow brings ...

Got Over It

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 908.6 Aaron: 621 (b: 550.6; w: 70.4)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1775.8

 

Early this afternoon, I heard it is supposed to rain tomorrow morning which is when I'm planning to run. After a few minutes of pondering, I just about had myself talked into going for a run.

And, then, I got over it. I did this instead:

I know, I do something close to this every year. But, this year, it took me a couple of weeks to even get to it, and, then, I pulled it off in about 5 minutes. The 5-minute part was sweet.

That was a fabulous way to spend 5 minutes of my Rest Day. Well, let's call it 10 minutes because I have to get the box out of the storage room, and that's not as easy as it sounds when the cats are banned from going in there but they run to it as soon as they hear the door open and/or close and then they sit like palace guards on the outside of the door waiting for it to open and they don't move to let you out of there and you're trying to watch to make sure they don't just bolt in ...

I totally get the run-on sentence factor; it's very indicative of my brain during that delicate time between opening and closing the storage room door, though.

So, tomorrow: Who knows? If it's raining, I'm diving right in and using the time to work instead of biking-instead-of running. My fingers are crossed for the opportunity to run, though, especially when they're calling for rain Tuesday morning, too. This week is -- and, my goals are adjusted as -- such that I can just play it by ear, so I'm going to!

May your Monday start just the way you want -- or the very best you can make of it! -- and, I'll check in as we kick it off the week together!

How Much Is That Penguin In the Window ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 908.6 (running: 726.1; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $93.42

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 908.6 Aaron: 611 (b: 540.6; w: 70.4)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1765.8
 

I must stand corrected from yesterday: Aaron did not spend any time complaining about the cold this morning. And, that's because he wore his fleece hood/mask and his winter gloves.

Whatever works.

I thought the temperature was almost perfect. It was perhaps a bit chilly, not no biggie. Some knit gloves and long sleeves did the trick. And, of course, no wind was the real reason I wasn't too cold! We had a very nice, very quiet, Saturday morning outing. It was perfect.

I had to stop and take a look at some of the new, cute window decorations in one of the downtown stores:

I really wanted to find out how much those owls in the bin are, but none of the price tags were facing us in the bin nor those hanging in the window. So cute, though!

Who knew running was also good for window shopping? I know, I know, most runners don't stop for such things. But, I do. It's part of what makes it all fun! I will get more down to business about this in January. For now, my eyes are on Pit Crew #2 and my "5K To Couch" Thanksgiving endeavor, the family 5K on Thanksgiving Day, the virtual cupcake 10K run in December ... and, whatever else I figure out along the way! With only six weeks left in the year, though, there's not much more planning or figuring out to do!

And, of course, I'd love a handful more morning outings with this guy:

And, tomorrow? It's been a very long week; I think I must rest! We'll see what actually happens, but that's my plan. Enjoy your Saturday evening, and I'll be checking in ...!

Winding Down the Week

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 903.9 (running: 721.4; walking: 37.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $90.46

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 903.9 Aaron: 606.3 (b: 540.6; w: 65.7)  Elly: 246.2 Total: 1756.4
 

So, this happened today:

Yeahhhh it did!! That's a pic of the movie poster that I really really really want. I tried to take a picture of it at the theater, but that just doesn't work well with a well-weathered, acrylic poster frame. So, thanks, Googe Images, for having exactly what I wanted!

It was fabulous, by the way. An hour and a half of visual happy. WOOHOO!!

Pit Crew #2 and I spent the better part of an hour with our own brand of happy this morning as we headed out to run together. We ended up going our 4.2-mile route even though I know she not-so-secretly wanted to go 3. She hinted at it last night, but I told her we shouldn't talk about it because no distance was going to sound inviting when discussed at 11 p.m. I also knew I wanted to go this particular route, and I didn't feel like making a case for it. See how that worked out?

It worked out great for all, by the way. We had plenty of things to catch up on as well as just enjoy a crisp morning. It was 35 degrees but no gloves required. I can't complain about that!

We both found some money, too (score!). At one point, PC#2 let me know under no uncertain terms that I overlooked a dime that she ended up finding. About 100 yards later, I let her know she didn't see the quarter that I found. And, I made annoying noises at her about it.

The noises matched the face.

Mom of the year.

Regardless of who found what, the Food Bank tally went over the $90 mark because of it all!! That's HUGE!!

Also along the route, PC#2 and I swapped running fuel notations. Mine: "Uuuugh ... popcorn. Not good running fuel." PC#2: "Hey, that Sonic slushie wasn't so bad to have last night before running!" That's when I tripped her. JUST KIDDING.

So, it was a full morning of activity success with our running and Aaron's 20 miles on the bike. I'm taking Aaron running with me tomorrow; it's supposed to be 32 degrees overnight. I'm just saying I'm preparing for a wee bit of him being a baby about it! Which, by the way, is fair enough because I am a crank in the Summer heat if I'm not submerged in a pool.

It's time to wind some work week things up and get the weekend started soon!! I hope you enjoy your slide into Saturday, and I'll check in after the morning run!