Every Day. Or, Not.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 144.9 (running: 141; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 82.1  Money Found For Food Bank: $41.12

I had this really idiotic thought while out running today: "This third day of running, even after starting off with a long run, is going so well that it is quite possible I could run every day, even just a mile or two, and it would be good." Then I decided all of the fresh air must be making me loopy.

I will say that while I have no intention of trying to run every day --> in part, because I highly value the actual physiological reasons for a Rest Day and, in part, because I simply don't want to <-- I have come a very, very long way in terms of even having such a desire. That tells me that both mentally and physically, I continue to improve. That process has been going on for these last 7 years of running, so it is certainly a turtle venture. The turtle always gets there, though!

So, while I will not be running every day any time in the near future, I will highly value every run I take on! Oh ... sorry ... every run we take on!!

Elly looks so stoic. I have no idea why.

So, piggy backing on that ohicouldruneveryday thought, I relish that tomorrow is a Rest Day! I'll be checking in then.

The Perfect Compromise

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 141.9 (running: 138; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 79.1  Money Found For Food Bank: $41.03

The fact is, I knew I needed to stick to schedule and run this morning, but the other fact remained that I really didn't want to. So, I compromised with myself (always a good thing): I slept in this morning, and I ran later with Pit Crew #2 and Elly.

TA. and DA!!

This plan worked out well for PC#2, too, as she also wanted to run today, but there was nothing dragging her out of bed this morning to do so. As a former teenager myself, I totally got that! Of course, as a former teenager myself, I don't get going out and running at that age at all ... but, I'm glad she figured it out long before I did! In fact, the other day, she was having a day. You know the ones. Anyway, she looked at me late in the afternoon and said, "I think I'm going to go run." to which I responded, "I think you need to." So, the teen has it figured out that there is something productive to be done to release some stress, unwind and regroup. Damn, she's going to be an awesome adult!

Our outing was really, really good. It was also really, really windy, so we planned our route accordingly with the wind to our backs on the last hill. That was good mama thinkin'! I only grunted once when we went straight into it which is markedly more grown up than my pre-run assumption that I'd just be a big baby through the whole thing. Have I mentioned at least 100 times how much I hate dealing with the wind? Then, put the wind factor on top of having done my long run yesterday, and I warned PC#2 I would likely whine the whole way.

Tomorrow was planned for a Rest Day until PC#2 reminded me it is supposed to be nice tomorrow morning but potentially cold and raining on Tuesday suggesting I might want to run again tomorrow. I was all, "You're trying to kill me. This much is clear." She countered by telling me she was just trying to be nice but that I could do what I want. *sigh* I appreciate she was looking out for me!

And, to that end, running has gone on the schedule for tomorrow. I may as well avoid a quick and yucky turn in the weather, and I'm thankful for the heads up! I hope you have all you need to start your week off just the way you want, and, evidently, I'll be checking in after the morning run!

The Run Down Memory Lane

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 138.8 (running: 134.9; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 76  Money Found For Food Bank: $40.97

Today's run was mostly rough. At the end, I came in with a solid time (meaning how it felt did not negatively translate into how it actually went down). I was thankful for the time only because it meant that, physically, things are going just fine. What felt so rough was the emotional part of it. As I wanted to, I used this run to try and decompress from the last couple of days and much of that time to myself just reflecting and praying.

I spent the majority of the run going down many offshoots of Memory Lane, and all of it made me smile even though it also felt very, very heavy. No matter how it begins or how it ends, I've never, ever taken a friendship lightly. People choosing to be around each other is a two-way privilege. I loved Memory Lane even when it hurt.

By the start of the seventh mile, I finally felt 'in place.' Perfect timing on an 8-mile run, amiright? But, that's nothing to complain about. I finished in the sunshine full of bittersweet feelings. The long run was good today.

And, then I came home to something else that made me smile in the immediate:

Nope, it's not a stand-off. They were nose to nose but for two different reasons. Lizzy was genuinely reaching toward Elly (not understanding that she set the tone when we first got her because she was so completely obnoxious to Elly. Oh, and Elly's a hound.). While Elly was reaching in toward Lizzy AND gave her a slurp before walking away, it wasn't really out of affection.

It was that Lizzy had just had a couple of treats, and she had crumbs on her mouth. Hence, the slurp.

It was, indeed, a really good start to the day. Thankful for every minute.

Way Too Soon

I am completely off balance right now. In the past 24 hours, I've received terrible news about two friends. One of them has been battling a brain tumor, and he has made the decision to stop treatment. The other was killed in a car accident. They're the friends you're pretty certain you'd still hang out with had life not taken you down two entirely separate paths, so the time distance is irrelevant when it comes to healing your heart. It's a lot to take in especially when trying to reconcile how things like that happen.

And, it's when things like this happen that we often default to deciding all of the things we've been doing or stressing over don't matter. I don't tend to go that direction. I am more prone to still find value in daily tasks and activities, but I start to get really super aggravated about how I see relationships being treated. Between Aaron and myself, we have more family members than we care to count who treat others as disposable. In just the past couple of years, I've watched a number of mid-life crisis husbands walk away from devoted wives and beautiful families. I listen among the many teenagers I'm around to how terribly they can treat each other for absolutely no reason other than they're either jockeying for position, or they're simply allowed.

I met these two men when we were all in high school. They weren't like what I just mentioned. They liked everyone who let them. They were quirky and kind and just good. It was a blessing to have them in my life's path. They made a difference.

When I run, it never, ever escapes me how fortunate I am to be able to do so. Because I'm able. Because I have time. Because I am here. On tomorrow's long run, I will be thinking about them, so thankful for their friendship.

It's Time To Put This Day To Rest!!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 130.8 (running: 126.9; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 76  Money Found For Food Bank: $40.49

When our run this morning was finished, both Elly and I were on the same page: Total focus on getting in the car and just being finished. Hence, instead of staying in the glorious outside for the post-run pic, I present selfie in car ...

In fairness, it was pretty cold, so who wants to just linger in that especially once you've gotten your sweat on. Not that 'cold weather' means anything in relation to 'getting a Diet Coke.'

Had I known the kind of day it would turn out to be, I think I would have lingered outside a little longer. (Morning runs tend to start the day well, but they sure can't do much about what comes after!) Things just weren't going my way. It was the kind of day that people say drive them to drink. Swap 'drink' with 'have some THM ice cream and chocolate sauce,' and I'm counting myself ahead of the game there.

*sigh*

Some days are like that, but I have no real reason to complain when I take a step back and see the bigger picture. I'm just saying I think I'll be able to see the bigger picture better after a good night's sleep. Perhaps I'll begin tomorrow with a DO OVER declaration!!

It's a Rest Day tomorrow (couldn't be better timed!!) leading into the week's long run Saturday. I'll be checking in ... hopefully with a better mood!

Catching Up

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 128.8 (running: 124.9; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 74  Money Found For Food Bank: $40.29

Okay, so, I did run yesterday. Elly and I both ran. And, by the time evening rolled around, I could barely remember having run because the day was that full. And, so it goes ...

I'm glad to have run yesterday instead of today because there was another temperature drop this morning, and it was just cold. I'm down with the cold when it stays there for a while, but can be difficult to ride the daily coaster. The forecast was for a small potential of freezing rain this morning, which was the reason for the switch, and I am never down with running in freezing rain. Well, I'm sure I would be down ... on my butt ... We didn't get the rain, but it all worked out well anyway. Tomorrow is the last 2-miler of the training schedule, and I intend to enjoy the short jaunt.

In the meantime, I have to report I inflicted the latest radish dish on the family at dinner the other night. I didn't tell the kids what it was nor did I wonder if Pit Crew #2 was going to like them (I knew she would). It was PC#3 whom I watched with glee as he cleaned up his serving without blinking an eye. When asked if he liked it, he said in his most respectful duh tone, "Well, it's potatoes. What's not to like?" It was when I divulged they were radishes that the eye blinked commenced. He appeared to not know how to process the information.

I completely understood.

So, I've had a craving for them again and went to the store to get more. The first time I bought them, they were already crinkle-cut into chips and in a bag. When Aaron went to get some, he could only find them smoothly pre-cut in a plastic container. And, when I went today, I had to get a bag of them whole because nothing was already done for me. I know it's more economical to do myself, I just didn't want to have to (and, there was no way I was going to the work of cutting them if they were going to taste like crap, so the first round had to be as easy as possible!).

I guess I know something else on my to-do list tomorrow:

Prior to last week, that would have been one of the ugliest sights I've ever seen. I'm still not too stoked to wash and cut them. I know, I know: Boo hoo ...
Well, the wash-n-cut will come after the quick run in the morning! I'll be checking in; see you then ...

We're Off!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 125.8 (running: 121.9; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 71  Money Found For Food Bank: $40

And, just like that, Monday arrived, and we were up and at it!

The only runs that are certain this week is the long run on Saturday and the one that's not happening on Friday! Between now and then, I need to get in my days/miles to prepare for Saturday in between a strange schedule and a potential for rain Wednesday morning. For as much as I've gotten past my complete aversion to running in the rain, I don't turn cartwheels at the idea of it, either. So, this week, I'll be watching the weather, too, and working to avoid a wet and shivery run.

Elly and I capitalized on some good weather and a wee bit of extra morning time heading out for 5 miles to start our week of strong! Well, it started me off strong; it has started her off with a great run and an agenda to hang out on the couch for the rest of the day!

"I have exactly enough energy to nap and wag my tail. And, I'll
give you a slurp if you come closer. I call this a good Monday."

But, it was excellent to be together to start it all off ...

So, given the week's outlook, I'll be running in the morning. There's a lot to do between now and then, so it's hard to even wrap my brain around doing so, but so it shall be!! May your Monday be productive and happy, and I'll check in after the morning run!

And, That's How Sunday Rolled ...

I was soooooooooo going to take a walk today. And, then, I didn't. I took a wee, little nap instead.

The temperature dropped by 20 degrees today, so at the time I thought I'd mosey around outside, it was still chilly. I didn't feel like changing clothes to dress for it, so I put on a DVRed episode of Steve Harvey and napped on the couch which required no wardrobe change ...

It was fabulous.

Also fabulous is my newfound method (it take me a while to catch up or catch on) of making ice cream ahead of time and freezing individual servings in the containers I had to buy to do such a thing. You might recall that I started my little experiment this past Thursday to see if adding vegetable glycerine made a difference in the smoothness of the ice cream, both right out of the maker and once thawed from being frozen hard.

My verdict: In the batch from the experiment, there was a definite difference for the better in how smooth it turned out. In the batch I made last night, there seemed to be as many icy crystals as not using it (which doesn't bother me, it's just not as creamy smooth) but -- and, this is probably more important than anything to me -- it thawed way better after having frozen solid overnight. So, it was ready to eat quicker today, and it was no more icy than it was fresh out of the machine. I most definitely attribute that difference to the vegetable glycerine, so we will definitely continue using it:

Yeah, I know it says it's for skin care. If you
spring for the bigger bottle, it lets you know
it's totally edible. I guess those words don't
fit on the smaller label ...

Oh, it only takes a tablespoon to add to a recipe with a serving size of 5-6.

In other edible news, someone really liked their pulled chicken with home made BBQ sauce last night ...

It was house member Number 5. Yeah ... Elly got to the bowl that wasn't yet taken from the table we were at during movie night. Boy, did she look guilty when I walked in on her!

We normally wash those bowls instead of putting them in the dishwasher because we use them so much. That bowl is in the dishwasher where it will stay until it is run ...

Speaking of running, it's not on the schedule to do so, but I'm heading out for a run tomorrow! Because I can. Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in after!! May you have a moment as happy as the pup finding the bowl ...

Better Done Today

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 120.8 (running: 116.9; walking: 3.9; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 66  Money Found For Food Bank: $39.35

I'd already had a much disturbed night's sleep, so I figured I'd do tomorrow's short run today in the hopes of a better night of sleep into a more rested morning. Even if that doesn't sound logical -- like, perhaps I should have waited to feel more rested before running -- it totally made sense to me. Why blow a good Sunday morning of sleep by having to wake up and run when Saturday's morning was already screwed up? See? LOGIC.

It was 39 degrees when Elly and I headed out, but it was a very warm 39. Sun + no wind + running = warm!! I was completely overdressed, although it could have been worse, but for three miles, I didn't need to complain.

The warmer weather brought out something we've not been around in quite some time: Many, many, many dogs! It seemed every home that had a dog had it out in its yard. One of the streets on the route is lined with backyards on both sides, so Elly passing through set off quite the fire storm of barking. Happy Saturday morning, everyone!

Elly tends to ignore such crooning, but she had her own fun following the path of a dog up ahead of us running with its owner:

They're way up there, but those two dots on the left of the street perked up Elly's nose in their paths!

They payoff to go ahead and run today way outweighed all of the reasons I could have used to not. Besides, what a great way to start off a quiet Saturday morning with my furry girl:

'Had that zoomed in and didn't know it. Whoops. I guess I wasn't really completely awake ...

I hope the first part of your weekend went exactly the way you wanted! If not, here's to the other half to make it go the right way! Either way, I'll be checking in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Wooooooooshhhh!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 116.2 (running: 113.8; walking: 2.4; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 64.5  Money Found For Food Bank: $39.34

Ohhh, what a difference 25 degrees makes! When I ran my 6-mile long run last week, there was ice on the ground. This morning, it was pushing 60 degrees for my 7-miler! It would have been helpful to have had a wee bit of build-up there! I was fine for the first 3 miles or so, but I needed to slow down and readjust a bit at that point realizing the much warmer weather was a factor to consider ... as were the 30 mph wind gusts into which I was running almost that entire time. YUCK!

I gave myself some grace and took a walk break when I turned out of the wind. It was still hitting me sideways, which is a whole different issue, but I little bit of a walk was in order to regroup. The wind was whipping, and the sun was beating in my face (another recent development!), and I suddenly remembered what Spring running was all about!

It wasn't all fabulous, but that wasn't important. It felt good for the most part. And, it looked like this:

Just keeping it real.

I think the run would have felt pretty fantastic had the wind given me a chance! But, here's to the next one! I have a bit of an itch to run in the morning and take Sunday off instead, so I'll be checking in after I figure out what I'm doing!

Have a wonderful start to your weekend! I'll see you soon ...

Thwarted For a Greater Good

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 109.2 (running: 106.8; walking: 2.4; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 64.5  Money Found For Food Bank: $38.92

Elly's having a difficult time deciding
what she wants to do, too ...

It's one of those moments where I have more thoughts scrambling around in my brain than I seem to be able to handle. And, every one of the things I feel like I need to do right now feels like it is the top priority, so every decision about what to do feels like I'm making the wrong one. So, what did I turn to but to go right here where I decompress and regroup a little bit almost every day ...

I had an errand to run this afternoon, so I designed it so I could get a decent walk in while doing so. I'd already had a long and tiring morning, but why not throw a walk in there, too?! I haven't had much of an opportunity to do so, so I capitalized on the moment and did that two-birds-one-stone thing.

Speaking of capitalizing on moments: Yesterday, before I got some (great) news (that required my attention the rest of the afternoon and thwarted my vision of actually pondering what to do ...!), I did jump on freer time in the morning and whipped up some Trim Healthy Mama goods. I had plans to do more in the afternoon; but, I'm not complaining!

Anyway, first, it was time to make some ice cream! Mmmm ... There was a functional reason for this, though, as the blogger I like to follow most recently suggested putting a tablespoon of vegetable glycerin into the recipe to (a) help keep it from freezing too hard to the sides of the maker, and (b) to up the creaminess while helping to keep it from being too icy when thawing out leftovers. We tried it recently, and while the ice cream still stuck to the sides of the maker as much as it ever did, I did think I could taste a difference in creaminess both in the original batch and in the leftover. But, I wasn't certain.

"I'll help you out by tasting it, mommy ..."

So, what's a girl to do but make a half batch with and a half batch without, then freeze and see how it turns out!

Two with; two without!

The couldn't have been more predictable thing was that I was on the phone when putting together Round 2. So, when I got off the phone and poured the mix into the machine, I had no idea whether or not I'd added the glycerin (which I wasn't supposed to). With no way to tell, you know what that meant:

Extras at the bottom of the freezer!
Quick: Name someone who wasn't
bothered by extra! Starts with an A ...

We've tried the 'with' batch, and I do think it made a positive difference. We'll try the 'without' and let you know!

When Aaron came home and got dinner ready, I had time to make another batch of THM chocolate sauce ...

Slam. Dunk. Fabulous.!!

Now, it's hard to go wrong with the ice cream recipes we've used, so those really aren't news except for our intrigue about the vegetable glycerin. And, then, there was this ...

Remember when I said the THM people had me at okra in terms of my desire to buy their new cookbook? When I got it and started reading, I not only saw props for okra, but they also brought to the forefront of my brain radishes.

Believe me, they would not have had me at radishes ...

So, why radishes? The bottom line is they are of the vegetables that fall positively in the lowest calorie to highest nutrient ratio. Okay, so you can't beat that. But, can you beat the taste out of them? Because I happen to think they suck. The answer is ...

YES. Yes, you can beat cook the taste right out of them! I bought a bag of radish chips (having failed at finding the suggested matchstick variety). I put them on a pan in about a half teaspoon of butter, sprinkled salt over the top and let them cook for about 20 minutes turning them every so often.

I will completely admit that I had to remind myself that it was okay to try the first bite because, as my fork was approaching my mouth, I could feel my tongue retract and my mouth start to clench shut. Then I reminded myself that I voluntarily embarked on this venture, and that I could just dump it if it sucks, and I tried them.

Bite 1: Fine. Not offensive, just kind of there.
Bite 2: Much better than fine. In fact, I think I need another bite.
Bite 3: Could not get enough of them and was sad when they were gone!

I'm often like that with the 3-bite thing. Often, there are things I seem to have to get over on that first one or two.

Anyway, yes, the bitter of the normally disgusting vegetable went to the wayside, and I was left with something that was as close to a little side of potato as I could hope for! Who knew?!?

So, those were my kitchen accomplishments yesterday. What bumped the rest of my plans was totally worth it, so I have no complaints! And, now that I'm really quite decompressed and somewhat focused, it's time to map tomorrow's long run and take care of some other business! I hope your slide into Friday is just what you want, and I'll be checking in after the morning run!

That's the Kind Of Input From Strangers I Can Get On Board With

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 107.5 (running: 106.8; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 64.5  Money Found For Food Bank: $38.92

Today's training run is only scheduled for two miles, but I was really, really looking forward to enjoying it because it's not often it's only two on the calendar. I have spent the last 24 hours picturing a little extra time, starting my breakfast a little earlier than usual, starting the day's tasks a little earlier ... ahhhh ...

So, Elly and I headed out on a sunny but still quite cold morning, and it felt good to know this was out and back and done. Then, because I am who I am, I almost squandered away my own vision of time by thinking I could run to a particular area I know is often ripe with loose change. I even started planning out where I knew two miles ended, and I figured I could leisurely walk back from there. Technically, I had the time, and Elly, of course, would love it.

I was almost resolved to do it when I looked to my right and found a penny. I decided it was sending me the following message: "Here. Pick me up. You found money today. Now, get over it, and go home."

And, so, we did!

We didn't wrap it up, though, before a very nice lady called out to us with a, "I so enjoy seeing you and your dog run together." That was followed by, "You have the best running partner!" That very nice lady also possesses keen insight. I told her that, indeed, I do, and we went on our ways. I like when strangers are so nice (and aren't spouting b.s., unsolicited input or directives).

As Elly was most definitely the star of the show, I figured I'd show her off for our wrap-up pic ...

... which is the exact moment a semi turned the corner and was coming down the road toward us scaring the doo-doo out of her. Hence, the worried look that followed a really nice outing!

So, she's resting on the couch while I've tackled a number of planned items on today's to-do list! Many were in the kitchen, so I'll share those tomorrow when I'm finished! May your to-do list go your way today, and I'll see you from the kitchen tomorrow!

Continued Evolution

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 105.2 (running: 104.5; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 62.2  Money Found For Food Bank: $38.91

I'm very intrigued by human behavior, and that often includes my own. For instance, there was a time where I would not have even considered exercising inside on a rainy day much less go run. Rainy running days evolved into a begrudging run on the treadmill which was replaced last year with swapping running miles for recumbent bike miles. It was during the past year, though, that I decided I probably wouldn't melt after all if I ran in the rain, so, I started being okay with it if it were just sprinkling and I wore a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes. And, to date, I keep my orange hat on the ready as I will go out in the rain unless it's a downpour. I don't really even worry about it anymore; I just get myself rain ready and head out.

This has been an evolution over the better part of a decade; I do eventually learn.

It was raining pretty steady when I looked out the window this morning. I wasn't thrilled about running in it since it was also 35 degrees, but I knew a run in the rain was heads and tails above any bike workout. I put on what I thought to be -- and what thankfully turned out to be -- just the right layers to keep me warm and dry-ish, left the pouting puppy and went for it.

The only real disappointment about running today was that I felt compelled to leave my new shoes and home and wear the ones I just replaced. They're a good shoe for short distances, and they are superstars in the wet with their tight weave. I only kicked or otherwise sideswiped puddles two or three times, and my feet were barely damp. Good shoe structure for the rain, not awesome for long distance miles!

Everything has its best purpose.

I ran what I thought was a 3-mile route (as scheduled) that turns out to be 4.3 I love when it turns out to be more than I thought rather than less, but, clearly, I need to pay more attention to and, perhaps, revisit what I think I know.

I came home rather cold but loved the warm sight of this:

That was a particularly sweet thing to see because, lately, they have been having bouts where they're fighting like cats and dogs. But, not really, they're fighting like cats. Because that's what they are. Anyway, I realize part of the above moment was purely functional as they cuddled to be warm, but even a cat won't cozy up to someone she hates. So, I enjoyed seeing them be sweet.

And, tomorrow? It's another run. It's the shortest of the week especially if I map the route correctly! Catch yourself doing something you wouldn't have done before, and be proud of that very moment! I'll be checking in after the morning run ...

Lots Of Love

Ready for a new week?! Here we go!!!!

I hope you had a great Valentine's Day however it is you celebrated!! Even if you totally ignored it, may it have been a fabulous Sunday! It was a fun day around here complete with new, fun little trinkets ...

... as well as our annual viewing of "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown." I cannot get enough of the Peanuts specials and am thankful for a family who supports such a habit!

Pit Crew #2 continued her holiday tradition of creating home made cards, and this year's were fabulous. While I most definitely loved what she made for me and Aaron, my favorite of the three was the one she made for her brother ...

... because it was of one of his very favorite foods:

The Hot Pocket.

That girl has a heart that most definitely knows the hearts of others!

Speaking of traditions, I did ask Aaron to amend my usual gift. For all of our years together (at least, married years), he's gotten me chocolate covered strawberries from a place in town that makes them like no other. They're so good that when I let the kids try one a number of years back, I started getting extra so I had some to share and some for myself (because there was no chance I was sharing much without a bump up in volume). This year, I just asked for the smaller box for all of us to share. It was good to indulge on a smaller scale, and everyone got to partake. That's what I call winning! Seriously ... they're so good ... writing about them is making me think about them which is making my mouth water just a little bit ...

My other gift was just what I wanted:

That's right!! New kicks!! And, not just any new kicks ... I went for an upgrade on the shoes and got a pair of Brooks. I've heard and read more positive buzz about Brooks than any other running shoe, so, I went this direction this time.

Excellent tidbit: So, I saw the shoe on display, but I could not find an associate to help me. The display happened to be my size, so, I tried it on. It felt so good that it was worth pursuing an associate. When I found one, before I said a word, he hesitantly said, "Oooo ... that is the only pair of those we have in." To which I responded, "That works, because they happen to be my size!" While he looked for its mate, I threw out there, "So. Since it's a display, does that also mean big discount?" He didn't even look at me when he said, "No," so I looked at PC#2 and said, "Well. I tried."

The associate finally found the mate and went on about his business while I tried on the whole pair. I loved them and decided to get them. As we were walking through the store to the cashier, the same associate was jogging up to us from behind to let us know he thought we should get a 10% discount since they were on display. Score! Clearly, it didn't hurt to bring up the question!

The cashier had been told of the discount, but she didn't know the reason. So, when she asked (so as to log it into her computer), I said, "Because it was the display pair. I MEAN, to compensate for the pain endured while using them." I live to amuse myself.

I took these babies for my 3-mile spin on Saturday, and I loved everything about them!! They're light with just the right amount of cush ... two attributes not applicable to my recent pair of durable but not good for very long distances Asics. If the toe area of the Brooks is as durable as I'm hoping (and, at this point, it is a 50-50 hope), then I'm pretty certain I've found myself a new brand! Friday's long run will add to the evidence collection.

In the meantime, the week's short runs pick back up tomorrow! I'll be checking in then ...!

Unintended

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 99.9 (running: 99.2; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 62.2  Money Found For Food Bank: $37.46

Could I be any closer to rolling 100 miles? For crying out loud ...

For real. I had no intention of running today. In fact, the whole reason I moved my long run up a few days is because of an event involving Pit Crew #3. In fact, I thanked him for having said event (even though he had absolutely nothing to do with the scheduling) because I would not have moved said long run, and I would have been absolutely miserable given the morning wind. It was bitterly cold walking into the building with him. Even I was complaining. I was so happy to not be running.

Later in the day, I kept thinking about our morning schedule and how it was going to make things a bit tricky to work a schedule into other things we have to do. I pondered this as the day went on, and I decided tomorrow's run simply needed to happen today.

Of course I did. And, of course, I didn't completely decide this until after I treated myself to the last THM Cry No More Brownie, and I'm just saying that running a mere 20 minutes after eating one of those rich, delicious brownies is not a great plan. But, it wasn't terrible, either, and I'm no worse for the wear.

This plan worked great for Elly, too. She was stoked to go out with me. She either had an excited spring in her step, or she simply knew the faster we went, the faster we got back home to hang by the fire. It was 23 degrees at 4 p.m., after all. Today was, indeed, a cold one. Getting Elly out there was also good as her run preceded having a guest over, and she tends to lose her mind and manners for the first few minutes when people come over. I think the run sucked some of that energy out of her because she was totally polite from the get go! Good doggie ...

Anyway, it felt great to get out there, 23 degrees and all, and it felt better to think how there's one of tomorrow's items crossed off the list today. Booyah.

Speaking of tomorrow, yahoo for Valentine's Day!! I'll be checking in with what I already received!!

Our Cat the Jerk

And, while today was set aside for rest for me, someone else had other plans:

Those Snoopy friends sit along the wall of the stairs
minding their own business. Then comes Lizard (as
she is known when she is rotten) ...

*sigh*

A more pleasant update tomorrow ... !

I Wish All Of My Screw Ups Turned Out This Well

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 96.8 (running: 96.1; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 59.1  Money Found For Food Bank: $37.44

For everything that I've already screwed up to start off this round of training, and for the elements that were against me this week between the wind chills and today's ice, something has been going very, very right to have made this morning's 6 miles go so well!

That's a happy way to start a report if I ever heard!

I didn't exactly gear back up for 6 miles since, up 'til yesterday, I thought I was going 5 miles on Friday or Saturday. And, yesterday's decision to go an extra mile wasn't really the wisest decision if I wanted good energy on reserve for today. (Some people don't need it; this amateur does!) So, I just accepted that it might not be my best showing, and I didn't really put a lot of thought into it. The Half has many, many miles between now and then; these, right now today, don't matter that much.

Unless they go as well as they did, and then I say they matter in such a way that they are predictive of the entire training schedule! See how I spun that?

In truth, I take every run as it comes. I do my best that day, and it is what it is. I'm very thankful for a good showing today especially when yesterday's snow turned into today's ice:

I spent the first mile dodging areas and aiming to places that looked snowier than icy. Every step included a little extra effort as my feet slid just a tad backward while they found their stable point. And, those little, bitty slides add up. My thighs got more than they bargained for today! I ran that way for about a mile until the completely clear pavement in the street taunted me enough to lure me out there. I took advantage of the bike lanes and jumped between the street and snow-covered grassy areas as necessary. It was worth the gymnastics because the street gave me a break from the whole-body stability experiment!

I knew things were going well when I arrived at a hill I forgot was on the route. It's a hill that used to be the very bane of my running existence, not to mention I could only ascend it without walking every other time we met. Today, though, even though it was covered in snow, I cruised right on up. I was stopped at a light at the top of it which gave me ample time to look up and smile to God for everything I've been given in this running journey. It was kind of nice to be forced by a red light to just take pause. I would have thanked Him anyway, but to do so right at the moment of victory was pretty fabulous.

The rest of the route from that point was pretty uneventful. Oh, and some of it was pretty. See?

I've always simultaneously liked and been freaked out when I pass this tree:

That hole goes way, way down. I'm both fascinated and creeped out all at the same time!

So, if I'm going to mess up the schedule, at least it worked out well! I'm taking a break for the next two days (not even sorry about it!) and will pick back up as scheduled on Sunday! Have a great start to your weekend, and I'll be checking in!

I'm Not Sure I Ever Know What I'm Doing

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 90.6 (running: 89.9; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 59.1  Money Found For Food Bank: $37.32

With very little wind out there this morning, the 19-degree temperature felt great!! I know, that's weird to most, but I don't mind it. It's not my pick, but I don't mind especially once all systems start firing. Then, everything warms up nicely! Elly and I had a most spectacular run in large part to the unexpected tolerable weather! I was all geared up for it to be windy and miserable. As it wasn't, we took off like a shot and never looked back.

I headed out planning for the scheduled 3 miles, but a couple of factors changed that. Foremost, I was, indeed, scheduled for 3 miles, but that's the only thing I've done right on the training schedule this week. Let's just say I messed up all the way back to this past weekend, and the upcoming weekend thwarts my plans, so Saturday's long run (which I thought was supposed to be 5 miles but, after consulting the calendar, turns out to be 6) is moved to tomorrow, and I figure I'll get it all sorted out by Sunday. Or ... Monday. I really don't know. But, with all plans way out the window, I also decided I wasn't interested in one of my 3-mile routes and headed toward 4 only to end up going 5 because I was feeling so good in the middle of the route that I decided a quick detour to investigate a money spot was in order. An extra mile and an additional 60 cents to today's stash, and how in the world could the run get any better than that?

Ask, and ye shall receive the answer in the form of ...

... snow on the puppy's nose!!! That's right; it started snowing while we were running!

Yahoo, snow!! There's something rather amazing to me about being outside just when the snow starts. It's like you've been invited to something special. It's peaceful and beautiful and I've been lucky enough to have it happen at least three runs in the past couple of months. It's pretty great!

We wrapped up our run and headed home while the snow really started to pick up. By the time we were home, it was doing this:

So, we had to get out there for a little bit to enjoy it!

It ended a couple of hours after it started with the promised accumulation of about an inch. Everything was really pretty for a little while. I'm glad to have enjoyed it because a lot of it will be gone in the morning on that thought-it-was-5-miles-whoops-it's-6 run!

So, tomorrow will wrap up the week's running! I'll check in after to wind it down!

Apparently, It's Another Of Those Holidays Or Whatever

Apparently, it's Mardi Gras. I didn't know that until I got to my Dad's, and they were all decked out. He and I joined in on the fun:

I super suck at selfies with my phone. He still makes me smile
big even when fuzzy, though!

We dressed for the day and won some Bingo! Banner. Day. !!

So, since today is Mardi Gras, that also means it's Fat Tuesday. In our household's totally fake celebration -- which is another way of saying Pit Crew #2 hinted she wanted some homemade ice cream, and I didn't say no -- I made us some vanilla ice cream and chocolate (should totally have named it THE BOMB) sauce:

DAMN I love the Trim Healthy Mama recipes!! The ice cream is a blogger recipe, and the chocolate sauce is from the THM peeps' new book. SCRUMPTIOUS.

It's almost been a year since Aaron and I took the THM reigns, and I have been SO very happy with how this way of eating has made me feel! Things fell to the side through the holidays. I knew it was happening (duh, I was the one doing it), but I was okay with it because I knew how to dig myself out and get back to feeling better. And, that's just it: I didn't even eat very terribly in November and December, but I ate just enough of what had been zapping my energy that I genuinely felt like crap. I had little extra energy, and I just felt blah. And, let's not even talk about how running felt by December 31. I went right back to the THM plan on January 1 and rebounded almost immediately. My energy is totally back, running is sound in body even when it isn't in mind, and I feel better just in general.

I have felt so good, in fact, that I have been chomping at the bit to get paid so I could put in a hefty THM order. Today was the day! So, in just a few days, we'll be replenished with sweeteners and things to bake with and I even splurged on myself for a moisturizer of theirs. Everything ... and, I do mean everything ... I've ordered from them has lived up to exactly what was promised, so I'm totally stoked for a box to arrive soon ...

In the meantime, we'll keep meal planning and learning and swapping and reconfiguring things we've known into familiar-but-better tummy fillers and energy rechargers! And, in the immediate, it's time to finish my ice cream!

I'll see you after the morning freeze ...

Wicked Wind Out Of the West

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 85.6 (running: 84.9; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 54.1  Money Found For Food Bank: $36.25

It was really cold out there this morning!! It was this kind of cold!!

Say what you want about cats, but these two are inside and on
a soft bed ...

It was also really windy out. This kind of windy:

That's what Elly looks like when she gets nailed with a big wind gust. There were consistent reports of gusts exceeding 30 mph. Having run into them (not to mention having listened to my windows rattle all night and all day long), I totally believe it! And, they weren't just strong. It wasn't that they bit you. It wasn't that they stung. It's that they totally bitch-slapped you in such a way that you questioned your own common sense just by being outside.

I'm just saying.

But, we made it, Elly and I, during a very fast, very strong three miles to kick off the training schedule for April's Half Marathon! With weather like this morning, where it also started snowing toward the end of the run (awesome and whee!!!), it's weird to think there is weather down the road suitable for such an event! But, as it is every year, here we are on the roller coaster weeks ready to get through them and into Spring!

It was fun to gear up this schedule with my pup:

As the schedule is right now, we rest tomorrow and get back to it Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! So, wind or cold or warm or whatever, here's the countdown to the big show in April! Here ... we ... go ...!!!

This Time, They Had Me At Dor-i-to ...

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!!

I'd care a whole lot more if the Seahawks were in it, but it's still fun to pick a team and cheer! We have a house divided -- Aaron and Pit Crew #2 rooting for the Broncos while PC#3 and I are for the Panthers, so it'll be a fun rivalry in house!

First of all, the Panthers are the ones who knocked out the Seahawks. If they were going to be beat, I'd much prefer it be by the team that goes all the way. Second, how cool is it that Michael Oher (of The Blind Side story) is on the Panthers? That's pretty cool if you ask me ...

Of course, we make a bit of a thing about the Super Bowl no matter what which, of course, includes Super Bowl food. Translation: Of all days, this is the one where the kids can count on me to buy them a bag of Doritos. I don't like to have Doritos in the house because they'll be all gone, all the time. Not one of us would be immune to their deliciousness. This year, they're all for the kids because I stumbled across the most delicious snack recipe from Trim Healthy Mama that totally sets Doritos aside as far as I'm concerned! Not bagging on the Doritos as a whole. They're just not good for this mama anymore!

Anyway, the recipe came through my Facebook feed about a week ago, and the only thing I really remember about it was that the person reporting on it said it tasted like Doritos. I'm listening ... The recipe is in their new cookbook, so I had to look it up and give it a try.

They're called Crispy Addictions (p. 459), and they absolutely live right up to that name! You make them with large flake coconut (we found ours at Natural Grocers -- I'm getting pretty good at navigating asking the associates to find things in that store!). There's only a teaspoon of oil spread over the coconut, and, from there, the book has a sweet recipe as well as a savory one. We went for the savory which includes hot wing sauce, onion powder, nutritional yeast and garlic ...

They bake at the oven's lowest temperature for hours. The
directions are to leave them in there overnight. We did ours
during the day for seven hours, tasting a piece every few hours.
Toward the end, it was difficult to keep our hands out of the pan!

The finished, delicious-beyond-words product!

As soon as I got up this morning, I started making another batch. That way, I will be more inclined to share during the Super Bowl rather than ration and act like I didn't stash some out of everyone's sight. PC#3 reminded me he has Doritos and will be zeroing in on those, but, once they're gone ... For real, he really seemed to like this! I think he had a wee concern that if he looked like he really liked them, that there would be no Doritos for Super Bowl 51 ...

Two funny things about this recipe -- First: I am no fan of coconut. But, after baking for this long, it's not in-your-face coconutty. It's just a crispy base with a hint of coconut taste wrapped in all of the other mouth watering spicing! Second: Had I not seen this recipe on my Facebook feed, I'm not sure how it would have caught my attention in the cookbook. I think I saw it the many times I've gone through the book, but it never grabbed me. I'm definitely thankful for the THM recipe testimonials and how someone likened these to Doritos.

I wish you could smell my kitchen right now. Savory goodness just waiting to be devoured ... Mmmm ...

I wish your team luck this evening or, at least, that you enjoy whatever you make of the Super Bowl! I'll be checking in after what is forecast to be a very cold morning run!

The Adventure Before the Adventure

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 82.6 (running: 81.9; walking: .7; biking: 0) Elly's miles: 51.1  Money Found For Food Bank: $36.13

HAPPY WEEKEND!! Elly here!! I got WAY more than I counted on when I asked to go with Mommy and Daddy on their outing this morning!! It turned out that it was Take Your Doggie To Work Day!! YAHOO!!!

Okay, it really wasn't the official day for that, but it IS how the morning turned out because Daddy had something science-y to do before we got our grooves on. So, I had myself quite the adventure before the adventure!! LOOK!!

I really didn't know what to expect in this place; I was just
happy to find out it wasn't a back entrance to the vet.
Mommy showed me some of the sites like the rack of
coats they wear when they want to look like real scientists.

These just scared me because they look like shots. <shiver>

And, this thing jiggled all by itself. How'd it do that?!

All of those things were fine, but I had my own kind of
investigating to do! Like around the biohazard bin!

And, in this trash can!

And on this cart of canisters filled with goodies!!

HECK YEAH this is FUN!! My sniffer never had it so good!

Wait ... what was that?!

I heard Daddy, and he was doing important
science stuff!

Daddy explained he was using liquid nitrogen. See the
white waves floating on the counter? ...

... Yeah, ME, EITHER because I had BOXES to smell!

The real adventure begins when you get between the cabinet
and the biohazard box! If it's like at home, there's always
stuff that misses the trash can lurking in such places!

This box was closed, so it wasn't as cool.

I saw Daddy again!! Wait ... he's putting
on booties ...

It's a secret passageway!!

He shut the door and went to work.
Without us.

Apparently, I'm not authorized personnel ...

... even when I give my cute face. *sigh*
Time for more exploring.

All of the trash cans and biohazard bins had been sniffed, so
Mommy thought we should check out Daddy's work area. Here
are his Simpsons Squinkies ... whoever the Simpsons are and
whatever a Squinkie is ...

... and here is his display of running bling ...

... and, a comic. Mommy read it to me. I don't get it.

Awww ... there's my family before they were my family!!!

And, there's a picture of Daddy with his
smarts hat on.

Mommy noted his messy pile. I just wondered if he even knows
that other pad of paper is on the floor. Mommy said he probably
doesn't. I guess it helps I'm at that level ...

Yay!! That's ME!! Covered ... in ... a ... boatload ... of ... dust ...

Speaking of gross ...

I had to leave that zone once I saw gross
Lizzy, so I moved on.

One of his work friends brings her dog
to work with her often. That would be more
fun if this floor weren't so slippery!

I was totally ready to go, but Daddy had to
wash dishes. This bored me. I can see that
at home.

So, I went to the door and just stared. At home,
that can make the door open.

I'm with you, fake dog -- let's bust out of this joint!

SERIOUSLY. DADDY. LET'S GO!

Back to the elevator -- on which I was VERY BRAVE ... a little
weirded out but BRAVE ...

And, it was time! THAT time!!!

It was neat seeing where Daddy hangs for
most of his day, but this was more like it!

Daddy ... Zipper ... Eyeball ... just sayin' ...

It was definitely a fun adventure this morning!! Frankly, my sniffer is exhausted, but it was totally worth it! Thanks for doing your science stuff for us and for the world, Daddy! But, I think I'll stick to my running expertise if you don't mind!!

We'll be back at it soon ... stay tuned, and thanks for joining my on my very special morning!!