Friday, April 29, 2016

The Short Of It

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 324.1 (running: 274.4; walking: 14.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 132.8  Money Found For Food Bank: $47.10

It feels like a million hours ago that I ran. But, it was just this morning. I think I have too many items on my plate! And, that is exactly why this intended 3-mile run went to 2 miles. So much for wanting them all to be at least 3. That just wasn't going to work today!

Our two were good, though. They were reasonably strong, I got an earful from a man on the street asking directions making sure the building he was in front of was the building he needed after being misdirected by others twice already today. Apparently, telling such a story to a random jogger and her dog requires a number of expletives. It's okay. I learned those words a long time ago.

Even though we were going strong, we did stop for a quick pic:
Elly offered up her very best super model look.
I honestly have no idea what the weekend holds for running. Honestly, I just pooped! In fact, I'm calling it a Do Over beginning Monday! I'm going to recoup again, and we'll take it from there!

Don't follow any made-up rules! Instead, take care of what you need the way you need! I'll check in on another attempt at the reboot on Monday ...!

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

It's Elly's Day!!

Of the biggest blessings in my life, this girl is one of them:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEET ELLY!!!
 
For all of the sloppy kisses, head-butt hugs and whaps with the tail, we love you so!!

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Swimming Through the Morning

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 322.1 (running: 272.4; walking: 14.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 130.8  Money Found For Food Bank: $47

Elly and I totally lucked out this morning and got a run in before it stormed. WooHoo for great timing that I had absolutely nothing to do with!! I'll take a win when it comes my way!

We started out with a stare-down from a neighborhood cat ... or, two ...
Check out the one being all tricky behind the fence. Yeah, we
see you ...
And, we enjoyed the sights and smells of Spring!
The only complaint of the morning was the humidity. It was a little like a Spring swim. But, that much sweat just makes me feel like I worked really, really hard. Elly agrees:
"We be strong, mama!"
I reiterate my current glad-I'm-not-doing-a-Half-in-a-month mantra and report it was a run to just enjoy! Elly wasn't all about running today anyway, so with no training schedule, I could just follow her lead. Or, as it is, keep pace to have her right on my heels! She's mighty loyal.

She's also very loyal in the follows me room-to-room variety when a storm is rolling in. Just sayin'.

I keep thinking about running tomorrow only to remind myself the day is too packed to make that happen in a way that's reasonable for the entire day. So, I will be otherwise productive and take two Rest Days in a row. You will be hearing from me, though, and there's a very important day approaching ...!

Monday, April 25, 2016

Set the Tone For the Week

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 318 (running: 268.3; walking: 13.5; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 126.7  Money Found For Food Bank: $46.73

Wow! WHAT a MONDAY! Now, before I go on talking about how very busy I was from the beginning of the day until, um, NOW, I have to make a confession. After my run (and shower and breakfast), I sat down to work which requires a quick scan of Facebook. That's when THIS caught my eye ...
... and, I had to take a minute to register myself, Pit Crew #2 AND text my virtual running partner extraordinaire Mary Kate to make sure she's IN. So, there was a delay in the productivity. Such control over my time is a perk of working from home. Of course, I put too many delays in the day, and I'm wrapping up work at 8:20 p.m. like I just did. Give. And. Take. I missed this registration last time they had it, so the delay was worth it.

So, yes, PC#2 and I are registered, we're counting on Mary Kate joining the bandwagon, and the week begins!!

Such virtual events are very worth the investment to give me some focus right now. I thoroughly enjoyed my outing with Elly this morning because I embraced the fact that I was just running versus running a training schedule. It was a GREAT decision to nix the May Half Marathon, but, I admit to needing that carrot in front of me for motivation.

We seriously enjoyed the outing, though. Elly had her sniffer on high gear. And, we heard all kinds of crazy chatter from this tree as we passed ...
The chatter stopped when we did and resumed when we got going. Those birds or squirrels (I couldn't tell) were chickens.

We also saw these:
Very cool!
It was a great way to get the blood flowing and my gears going on this Monday! That's also the plan for Tuesday -- another outing before possible rain on Wednesday! It's so gross and humid out tonight, though, that I wonder if some rain is creeping in. We'll see what morning brings ...

Sunday, April 24, 2016

What Matters Most

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 315 (running: 265.3; walking: 13.5; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 123.7  Money Found For Food Bank: $46.42

Holy moly, this weekend has been picture perfect in terms of weather!! I utilized it this morning by sleeping in near an open window (ahhh ...). I think that was the perfect way to start the day! Yesterday, we all got in gear much earlier to participate in an area walk for MS. Again, it was a perfect day. See?
For real. PERFECT weather. And, the forecast for yesterday
did not waver through the week's forecasting. It was always
tagged for being beautiful.
Our team is in green. You can see the Crew there. And, yup, that's Pit Crew #3 in the balloon hat. All of the teens on the team happily got in line for the balloon guy, and we did not start the walk until all of them had a balloon in hand or on head! I love kids!! And, I really love teenagers. For Real.
 
Our route was on a walking trail which ruled because much of it was shaded. Later in the walk, as it got much warmer, our team captain staked out a spot to take pics.
My knowledge of MS is very limited. I know there's a disruption in the communication of the brain and the body. And, I know that the symptoms are as varied as the people who have it. And, I know it can suck.
 
What better way to spend our time than to participate in an event that personally matters?!
Here's to spending our time, energy and love on what actually matters. Here's to looking forward to a great week!

Friday, April 22, 2016

Invest

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 312.3 (running: 265.3; walking: 10.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 122.5  Money Found For Food Bank: $46.42

YAHOO FOR FRIDAY!! Here's a pretty for you from today's run:
I'm just saying that, anymore, my brain is completely fried by the end of the day! Of course, my days are ending far later than they have in a very, very long time. A new job, an old job and taking care of the usual suspects will do that to a girl.

I'm saying I am finding a whole new appreciation for those morning runs!! And, how could I not love them when I have such cute company?!
Say it with me: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!

We had a great time out this morning. It was 50 degrees, slightly breezy and sunny. It was the perfect soak-it-in outing!

I don't feel like I have the best life balance right now, but it had to be that way for this past month. I plan to work out some of those kinks this upcoming week, but, I make no promises even to myself. Instead, my promise is to continue to do my very best keeping enough balance that no one else pays for what I've chosen to take on!

In the meantime, I've promised myself to stay true to my running schedule even though I have to admit I've been tempted to bail on it this week. I honestly thought that temptation was gone. Apparently, it is still in consideration for dumping when I want to find time. But, the running time matters in many ways. Even when it's difficult now, I see it as an investment for later. And, so, we continue ...

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Weather Lies

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 308.8 (running: 262.3; walking: 10.3; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 119  Money Found For Food Bank: $46.38

I was careful to watch the weather report this morning because I wasn't sure when the rain was supposed to arrive. The 7 a.m. report announced, "Rain after 2 p.m."

I'm just saying that it is 1:40 p.m., the sun just peeked out, and the rain fell on our heads this morning when Elly and I were into our first mile. Of course, I stopped under a tree for a quick pic before protecting the camera in the unused poo bag for the duration of the run ...
"No one said anything about rain, mommy.
This is so uncool."
... because, when it rains, you must stop for a pic, right?

Well, so much for my plan to run 3-5 miles on my outings. I planned for three today, but I cut big corner when the rain started. In truth, I was thankful for even that bit of extra time in my morning, so I wasn't bothered. And, frankly, I was glad for the opportunity of a short cut instead of having no option. Elly appreciated it, too. She's not a fan of the rain!

Because we cut it short, I did pick up speed to make it a decent workout. Here are two pieces of trivia for today:

1. Did you know that less than 2 weeks after running a Half Marathon and feeling like you are all that that you can go for a casual run and feel like you have never run a step in your life?

2. Did you know that even though she wants to get in out of the rain, Elly doesn't really like to pick up speed?

As though I didn't already, this morning showed me both of those scenarios.

We'll try the run again on Friday! See you then ...

Monday, April 18, 2016

What It Is

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 305.3 (running: 260.3; walking: 8.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 115.5  Money Found For Food Bank: $46.37

For the first run back after a week off, this run was a good one. For a regular run, it was passable. Just sayin'. Elly and I lucked out with a beautiful morning at the perfect temperature to start out in shorts without getting roasted hot along the way. I couldn't ask for much more than that to not just restart running but to also kick-start the week!

I thoroughly enjoyed running for "no" reason. Deciding to blow off the idea of running another Half at the end of May was a good choice indeed. I have too many life balls in the air right now. It's time to let running simply be easy.

I do have two virtual 10K plans in the works. One is with Pit Crew #2, which I suspect will take place near the beginning of the summer, and the other is with Elly. I suspect I'll just pounce on her readiness for that one! Both of those adventures will keep me going until I figure out my next challenge! If I had to forecast, that challenge isn't coming any time particularly soon! And, that's more than okay. I'd rather be juggling both the old and new aspects of my life than concerning myself with how many miles I'm going. There's merit to doing so when it comfortably fits into my life. Right now is (happily) not that time!

For now, running four days a week at whatever distance suits me sounds fabulous! I suspect my range will be 3-5 miles depending on the day and how much time I have to give it. I'll throw in some of the 6-milers for good measure, and I'll re-evaluate when the time comes. Until then, we'll just keep on going ...

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Oh, Expo, How I Love You

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 300.8 (running: 256.3; walking: 8.3; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 115.5  Money Found For Food Bank: $46.14

I did not run all of this past week, and I feel it! I'm feeling a little sluggish, and I'm a bit restless. It's an intriguing dichotomy. Anyway, I jumped on the extra time not running this week to try and get my life logistics in order. I'm not so sure I fixed as much as I messed up, but, either way, we're going full force tomorrow with it all including (hopefully!) a run!

I can't start back without wrapping up last weekend's events, though. I mean, sure, I could just leave it in the past, but what fun is it to not show off one of running's main events! There were some fun little moments before the run, so I had to include this even if I'm this late doing so! Come with me on our adventure into THE EXPO!!

Immediately upon arrival, we snagged the necessities (bibs and shirts). I even remembered to look up my bib number before arriving to pick it up unlike last year when I completely whiffed that detail and looked like a total tool. Eh, what's new about that? Anyway, here's the Crew with the goods:
Two observations. First: I sometimes suck with the family
selfie and cut someone's face in half. However, it's also kind of
descriptive of our imperfect world, so, there you go. Second,
note we all are showing race items, but Pit Crew #3 held up
his buy-one-get-one card from Chipotle! Of course he did ...
I meant to take a picture of the Half participant shirts, but I guess I was a bit uninspired. They're orange, but they're kind of a dirty orange. I say, if you're going to go with orange for a race shirt, go all the way and make it scream! But, they didn't. I wasn't too impressed. Hardly anyone had theirs on Sunday morning, too, so, I'm not sure what kind of hit they were. Oh well. It'll match my sweat and grime this Summer.

There were some faithful vendors in attendance that we had to investigate including the wicking headband lady ...
PC#2 bought a super-cool, funky one. I passed this time, although I enjoyed looking.

There were a lot fewer shoe vendors there. I never look at them, so, I didn't care. But! PC#3 and I did notice these at one that was there:
Oh, yes, those will make me feel FAST! We just kept staring. It's like we couldn't look away ...

One More Mile was there, and I always like poking around their stand. In fact, as I overheard someone in the crowd say it might rain on Sunday, I put on my Expo agenda to find a hat. Maybe that person was a plant from One More Mile walking around creating the immediate need for some merchandise ... Okay, no, but it would have been a successful plan had it been the case. Mama's not running in the rain without a hat if at all possible! PC#2 joined in the pursuit.
While we looked for hats, Aaron checked out the shirts ...
If this had been almost any other color, I
would have bought it for him!
Aaron and PC#3 went their own way for a while which also means they are the first ones to find a food sample:
The mac-and-cheese was okay, but the
quinoa salad mess topped with very, very
dry chicken was not good at all.
Speaking of food at the Expo, are we the only ones who were totally surprised to see this?
I will note this table was doing a lot of business! I'd love to know the end story and if it was worth the cost and effort! A lot of runners made sure they'd be happy at the finish line!
My only other pursuit at the Expo was for a long sleeved, dry fit shirt. I do so love my day-glo Cowbell one, but, honestly, I'm sick of it. Not knowing how Sunday's weather would be, I knew I needed to have the short- and long-sleeved options for a last-minute decision. Cowbell was with me, but I hoped to find another. And, as luck would have it, I did! This is the back of it:
As it turned out, I ran in short sleeves, but I didn't care. I needed a new one long-sleeved one regardless of Sunday's choice. Besides, how could I resist the little, stick figure runners along the course?! See that one in Illinois going back toward the bridge to cross the river? She's running away from that smell I talked about in my recap! You can bet she's going pretty fast ...
Pleased with our purchases, we wrapped it up ...
... and, we headed out to later investigate our goods, both purchased and free! Hey, did you know the freebie, pure beet juice sucks?!
I think there's a reason every participant was given a full can! NASTY!

So, all of GO! is behind us including the recap, so, it's time to go forth! And, if there's no rain in the morning, it'll all reboot then! Here's to the next adventure ...!

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Let's GO! ...

Ahhh ... finally!

That it has taken almost three days to recap GO! is completely indicative of my little slice of the world right now! In fact, it's exactly what I was talking about before the race -- I hardly had time to think about the fact that it was coming, and, now that it's over, it feels way back in my rear view mirror! However, it's not only in my mind's eye, it was of course caught in pictures! Here we go!

Okay, so, given I didn't put a lot of mental preparation into this race, I realized I should look at the race like this: I prayed that God would take over my run and use it to teach me whatever it is I am supposed to learn from it. I had no idea what I was to learn, but I wanted this run to show me something. I only hoped I would understand at the end. But, even if I didn't, I knew I needed to not worry about it and just GO ...

We woke up Sunday morning to a 40-degree morning and a storm blowing in. The forecast indicated a 65% chance of rain by 9 a.m. Pit Crew #2 gave me the news which is when I said to the family, "Well. I guess I'd better plan on getting wet." We stepped outside to dark clouds, wind and sprinkling, so, naturally, I stopped everyone for some pictures. Duh.
Sleepy me sporting my new hat from Friday's Expo! I bought
it when I heard someone say something about the possibility of
rain during our race. Mama's not running in the rain without a
hat, people!
Seriously, check out the sky ...
Near the starting line, I spied with my little eye the race scene that always, always makes me laugh:
It's really not that it's so funny that there are such long lines for the porta potties. I've been there myself! But, something about it still makes me giggle. My body totally cooperated this race morning by getting me out of bed before 6 a.m. to start the system cleaning-out process. Thank you, body!

Soon came the send-off hugs and kisses, and I joined the ranks. As usual, I put myself a corral behind where I think I'll end up just in case I (or my body) decide that today is not the day to expend that much effort! For once, though, even those of us farther back could hear the announcer and the National Anthem! That hardly ever happens which is exactly why I started taking pictures in the corrals. You know. The usual ...
There weren't a lot of good clusters of shoes, so I went for my
favorite ones. I think I might like to find these for myself ...
And, there's always someone interesting in the crowd ...
... They're just not always looking at me when I take the picture! There were two sets of firemen in the corral. Seeing them run in full gear is something. As if they're not impressive enough with what they do? Sheesh!

Go time came upon us pretty quick. I really didn't stretch as well as I usually do in the corrals, but that was neither here nor there when they were ready to send us off. So, I saw this ...
... while the fam saw this!
OF COURSE there's a tiger running the race.
Ready or not, I crossed the timing strip, and we were off!
I wasn't so good with the focus on this one!
As we started, I prayed again for God to just take it, and take it He did. By far, this was the most chill Half I have ever done. I never, ever saw a pacer which was kind of nice. I didn't know until much later in the run how I was doing in terms of time, and it was nice not to hear the normal chatter about it around me. I just ran my own race listening to only what I wanted to do without challenging it against a clock.

The route goes over a bridge into Illinois. There's always such a deal made about a course having a bridge, but I'm not usually impressed. The scenery is often obstructed by rails and/or retaining walls, but I have to admit this bridge wasn't that bad:
Hi, me!
Almost immediately after crossing the bridge (that hundreds are runners were shaking to the point the light posts rocked. True story.), we went under this one and into one of the worst sewer smells ever:
There's nothing quite like taking those deep, running breaths when you can taste the nasty air. Just sayin'.

Out and around we went finding ourselves back on the bridge heading into Missouri:
Sometimes, my pictures in motion rule.
I was glad for the bridge challenge to end simply because of the more sustained inclines it provides from the on-ramps. They're not big, they're just annoying. Fortunately, they are child's play as compared to my training routes, so I just visualized where I'd already been-there-done-that, and they were nothing. Things were definitely going my way!

I missed the majority of mile markers along the route. That's always a fun thing for me because when I do finally see one, it's usually well past where I thought I was! While I missed those, I did see some fun things along the way:
I am at the back side of the overpass turn
here. So, I was just where the people up
top are. I love when these loops are that
short (as opposed to being up top and seeing
people below who are -- unbeknownst to
me -- at least a mile away!)!
Every race needs a couple of super heroes.
I enjoyed a few signs I'd never before seen ...
... and, I loved the guy giving the thumbs up!

The last five miles of this route can be a grind because of the very, long stretches of nothingness. But, this time, I didn't have an issue. I just ... went. I did hear someone check in on his time right at Mile 8, and we were on a pace that both surprised me (in a good way) and inspired me. I figured it was a good idea to use that guy as a pacer just in case I started to mentally wane. I didn't feel tethered to it, it was just a good time to dig into the tool box and use what I could to keep going in a way I would later be proud of.

None of my mental coaching prevented me from seeing the ever-loyal crowd in Soulard:
I not only saw this guy, but his offerings made me a little queasy to look at:
They offered beer, too. Um, ewww.
This was at Mile 10 or so. Hey, do you
know what sounds awful after running
10 miles with 3 to go? Guess ...
Before I knew it, I was at Mile 12 and feeling really good! The last one is the hardest, though, and I'm often surprised in either direction as to how I'm going to feel. Last year on this course, I made a huge mistake second-guessing where the turn to 13 was, so the last mile was painfully long in my brain. This year, I kept telling myself to just keep going until otherwise directed. No guessing. No looking for the turn. Just. Keep. Going.

And, it totally worked. In fact, it came upon me before I knew it because I wouldn't allow myself to assume where it was. The next thing I knew, I was flashing a 1 and a 4 to the Crew signifying my 14th Half finish, and I crossed the line in a great time for me, only 5 minutes longer than last year's PR! BOOM.
I was stoked with my finish because of how I felt (awesome), happy to see my fam (always) and thrilled that my hat seemed to repel the rain from even falling until about an hour after I finished! Good for me; sucked for the marathoners!

So, glory to God on this one. I wasn't sure I was mentally ready to do this, but I did know I was physically prepared. I was peaceful, I was strong, and I finished in a way that was good for me. It proved I could let go and trust. It's a great way to feel!

Stay tuned as the big weekend recap continues!