Off My Own Hook

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 362 (running: 297.9 walking: 27.9; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 167.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $51.89

I headed out for our run yesterday with every intention of knocking out a quick three miles and moving on with my day.

Not thinking about the route, I got us going and, from the direction I started, I had absolutely no idea how a 3-mile route worked out. So, I immediately bailed on 3, decided on 2 and basked in the extra minutes that bought me for the really busy morning and day ahead of me!

Lemonade, baby. Lemonade from those lemons!

We had a solid outing, though. I can't complain about that. I can complain about the degree to which Elly was super-contrary by the time we got home. I'd forgotten my camera on the run, so we headed out to the deck for the post-run commemorative photo. She was all kinds of eager to do this, and she's totally used to it. And, then, she was rather uncooperative for the pic, and this is what I captured. Check out that face:

She's such a stinker.

Don't feel too bad for her. She had her moment in the sun later in the day. Literally.

So, yeah. I didn't quite have it all together yesterday enough to jot a few words about the continued running endeavor. It looks like when I gave myself permission to let myself off the self-imposed to-do list, I took it very seriously! It's all still working out even if not in the order or in the time I might think it could or should. But, that's okay. It's nice to just let things go in a controlled flow ...! To that end, let's see how tomorrow and the weekend play out! Ready? Let it flow ...

The Most Primal of Muscle Memory

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 360 (running: 295.9 walking: 27.9; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 165.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $51.89

On today's run, I received a lesson in muscle memory. But, I'm not talking about the muscle memory that, for instance, kicks in when running the same route over and over to the point the body starts to adjust to hills with relative ease simply because it knows they're coming. Now, I'm totally on board with that muscle memory because it often makes me feel studly, but that wasn't today's message.

Rather, today, before I even hit my first mile, my body was saying, "Ohhh ... yeahhhh!! THIS is what it is to keep moving!" While Saturday's run was better than expected after the unfortunate two-week break, I knew I'd have a few runs that felt less than stellar while getting back in the swing! Today perfectly exemplified what I knew to be coming!

I can't complain, though, as it was a beautiful morning and the perfect pace to bring Elly. She even got to lead a few times today, so you know she was feeling like a super star! She stopped to bask in the carpet of rose petals she decided were placed just for her and her greatness:

She was feeling her oats when we came near a slew of squirrels, too:

It's there in the upper-right corner. It looks
super intimidated, too, doesn't it? hahaha ...

Elly acted all kinds of ready to chase and pounce. She had her best perky ears on letting me know she was anxious to take off:

It's my fault she lost her cool-hound points today. I'd worry about it if she had a pack of friends making fun of her, but, she just doesn't. And, like I want her to catch a squirrel? First of all, Eww. Second of all, let's flash back to exactly two weeks ago when we got her pearly whites all polished! We'll pass on the squirrel ...

For as well-or-not as this run went, at least it went! I was pleased about that even if I could only really consider this a run-ish!

It's a break tomorrow as the tooth-polishing theme continues! It's my turn! The forecast for the week is iffy, so I'm playing Wednesday by ear! I'll check in with the verdict! I hope your week started off just the way you wanted!! Mine sure did even if there is an -ish on the end of that run!

We're Back!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 355.2 (running: 290.1 walking: 24.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 161.6  Money Found For Food Bank: $51.43

I looked at Pit Crew #2 last night and said, "Do you want to run with me in the morning?" And, I put "run" in air quotes. I couldn't even imagine how it was going to feel after an almost full two-week break, but I knew I was ready to get back out there.

PC#2 immediately accepted the invite. I was glad she did. I have missed running with her even though I will fully admit I had yet to miss running until, literally, yesterday. I can't count any part of the week I was sick as missing much of anything except being among the land of the living. And, this past week, I ended up using exactly the way I knew I needed -- getting caught up and finding a new daily groove that actually works instead of living on a wing and a prayer that all things I'm cramming in to a day actually pan out. Dropping running off the schedule for a week was the right thing to do to free up some time, but, as of last night, I was ready to put it back in the list of priorities!

And, so, this morning, we headed out. Me, my girl and my dog. We ran, we walk-breaked, we talkedandtalkedandtalked ... We were slow but kept going, and it felt good to be out in the sunshine with nothing on the immediate agenda except putting one foot in front of the other. Physically, the run went better than I expected, and, mentally, well, it's always good mentally.

I'm happy to report: We're back!

The next run is Monday. Yes, Monday. We're back, but, let's not get too crazy!

Total Overhaul

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 350.9 (running: 290.1 walking: 24.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 157.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $50.93

So, that was a week.

It all started last Monday morning with my planned, and lovely, morning run. The temperature was perfect. I saw lots of Spring ...

... and evidence from those ready for Summer:

It wasn't my strongest outing, but it was good.

Elly was at the vet getting her teeth cleaned. Or, so I thought. I came home to a message from the vet in charge of her procedure letting me know they still hadn't taken care of it because they were concerned about her weight loss in the past year. Annoyed she'd been there more than two hours with nothing yet done, I called back to investigate. The vet explained her concerns are over the percentage of weight she's lost and didn't seem satisfied with my explanation that she has spent the last year using her meal time to stare down Lizzy rather than go about her eating business which has resulted in her not eating as much as usual. That she still jumps for her leash, has maintained her hound energy and otherwise acts normal was not enough, and the vet went on to explain how putting Elly under for the cleaning could aggravate any unknown, underlying health problems. The vet's words told me it was my choice (proceed with the cleaning or do tests), but her tone most assuredly let me know there was a right and a wrong decision. She went on to use her fancy, 5-syllable veterinary words that I didn't ask for to make her case. So, I told her that her words meant nothing to me, and that she could call my husband.

Sometimes, I do reach my fill. Elly's more than fine, by the way, and her teeth sparkle!

While Elly sparkled by Monday evening, I went dull. Very dull. By 10 p.m., I was best friends with the bathroom for the duration of the night, all night. The short of the story is I was down for the count for the next two days straight. I had a reprieve on Thursday that I thought meant I was on the mend. I even took Elly for a very short stroll ...

"Uh, mommy. You're not quite right."

Jeez, had I just looked in the mirror, I would have realized the storm had not yet passed. And, there it was. It seems Thursday was just getting me strong enough to handle Friday and the last hurrah of what Aaron and I are positive was salmonella poisoning. I am completely certain it was from my Monday morning egg white breakfast that I made myself. I can see in my mind's eye that one, little section that wasn't quite done. It was merely a couple of hours after breakfast that everything inside felt unsettled getting me ready for an evening upheaval like I've never experienced. DAMN THE HEALTHY FOOD!! Okay, I'm kidding about that part. Perhaps, I need to pay more attention to my culinary skills, though ...

Even on Thursday, when I'd finally had a little water and an entire orange, I felt weak. Two days of no food, little water and internal evacuation will do that to someone. Up until this morning ... this very morning ... I was walking rather timidly given the assault my core had been through. I felt very much like I'd just had a baby. I felt worse than any time I've ever finished a Half Marathon. I need to tuck this away for my next Half to realize during the run, "Yes, yes I have experienced worse than this."

And, that is where the week went.

What that did is throw my entire outlook out the window for the upcoming week. And, actually, that's not so bad. I'm moving forward with the only expectation that I do the best I can, and that will be 100% better than anything I accomplished last week! (There was a 'last week'?)

I'm not yet ready to run, but I will take a walk tomorrow if weather permits. As during many times in life for many reasons, it's time to just start all over and build rather than try to jump into the middle and expect to have traction!

Here's to a solid, fresh start!

The Favorite Furry Kid

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 346.2 (running: 286 walking: 23.5; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 152.9  Money Found For Food Bank: $49.32

I love this day. I love being a mom and everything that comes with that. And, I love that this one counts as a kid:

My life. It's good!

Catching Up!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 342.9 (running: 286 walking: 20.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 149.6  Money Found For Food Bank: $49.32

HELLO, SATURDAY!! I didn't run today. I garage saled. Yahoo! It's a neighborhood garage sale situation, and, believe when I say I would have been taking my life into my own hands had I tried to run. As I said to Aaron while we were out and about, "I'm not sure why this garage sale is also license to drive like an idiot." Just sayin'. We scored some fun prizes including this:

Cute, right?

Aaron spied it. He saw it was a dollar and said I had to have it!

It's seriously delightful. Until it is used for its intended purpose:

That's when it becomes hideous! Snoopy is super scary. The kind of thing nightmares are made of. (Great way to scare the hell out of your cat, though. Ask me how I know.) I told Aaron I wouldn't pay full price for scary Snoopy. He (easily) got it for 50 cents.

So, I had to share that. I also want to share that Elly and I had a great run yesterday morning!

Yay for our morning outings!!

I never got around to jotting anything down about it. Writing the same day as it actually happened is not exactly reflective of my current life patterns! And, I've grown to embrace that fact. Well, embrace is probably too strong of a word, but, it's close. At least I'm not fighting it as though I have total control over the happenings in my day! (Remember when I said I had a great plan to tackle the week and get things under better control? When I count to three, join me in a big BWA-HA-HAAAA!!)

It's all good. It's all necessary at this time in my life to shift and transition and grow and all of that other stuff that's required for long-term happiness but is a big pain in the ass along the way.

Speaking of good stuff, Elly and I came across these on our run:

I'm thankful for the time to run. It's good for me physically as well as a way to maintain sanity! It's peaceful. It's a good way to start the day! I need to write down a schedule for the next few weeks, though, so I keep myself ready to drop into any of my upcoming virtual 10Ks at any point. Mary Kate is joining us for the Suck It Up, Buttercup run, and that's awesome motivation to keep on keepin' on!

Yeah, I'm a bit all over the place right now. But, so is my life, so, why not let that bleed into running, too? As long as I can keep it going during the week, I'm not too worried about what it looks like!

Here's to doing the best you can do and being proud of it! Now, let's take a deep breath and keep going ...!

Ah, NOW I See It!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 336.6 (running: 283 walking: 18.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 145.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $48.94

This is Elly.

Elly is supposed to be running, walking or sniffing. But, she stops. She thinks she sees Aaron's car. Therefore, she thinks Aaron is here.

To make matters worse, the car pulls up alongside us. The car is parallel parking. Its owner wants nothing to do with us. But, Elly is certain it is Aaron. She has no plans to move. None. So, we wait.

The owner of the car gets out. It's not Aaron. Elly is disappointed. The car owner sees us and appears weirded out being stared at.

Welcome to what I gotta do in my world!

But for this particular incident this morning, we cruised along on our morning run! It started off mighty foggy, but I enjoyed the cool, damp air! It was refreshing while I thought about how, for the past couple of months, my days feel like I'm pushing through molasses while tending to what needs tending. The molasses doesn't mean anything has slowed down. It merely represents the difficulty of moving forward with any kind of ease! I think I finally figured out that it's that kind of resistance training that makes a person stronger!

It was actually kind of nice to have a visual of why life feels a little trickier than normal right now! I know what I accomplish, but I also know how it has been feeling. While I can't complain (nor do I want to), it doesn't always feel awesome. My molasses visual helped! I continued to ponder this while taking note of more fabulous Spring scenes ...

Tomorrow is a take-charge kind of day in terms of my schedule, and I'm feeling optimistic!! We'll see how it actually plays out, but I'm going in with the right attitude! Do what you gotta do during your hump day, and I'll be checking in!

It All Run-eth Over

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 328.5 (running: 278.9; walking: 14.2; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 137.2  Money Found For Food Bank: $48.27

I remember when I used to think of "Rest Days" as the those where I avoided as much physical activity as possible so as to rest up for the next run. It's true, that's exactly how I thought of it. I needed it both physically and mentally in those days, too, so it's all good. Fast forward to this past weekend where I didn't run, but I'm trying to remember a part of it that was restful! My favorite anecdote: My schedule has been busier than usual to the point I had yet to tend to/start to prep the gardens. It was almost embarrassing. A friend came by on Saturday, and I noted things are a little out of control as I motioned toward my super-gross gardens. She didn't miss a beat when she said, "You know, I just love how easily the native plants grow around here."

That is a stellar attitude! I laughed as I later started digging us out from under the native plant mess. I couldn't even bring myself to take a "before" picture to show just how ridiculous it got because I was poised and ready to start the work, and I didn't want to tempt myself to avoid it by stepping inside for the camera ...

It's time to get back at it!! And, by that, I mean all of it!! It's Monday, after all, which brings with it a slew of activity to dive into!

Starting our day off with a run was most excellent for myself as well as Elly. She was more eager to go than I, but, that's because she snoozes most of her days away when I stay up too late instead of arming my morning with plenty of sleep! Fortunately, good sleep is not normally a required factor in the running department for our morning outings.

I wasn't so tired that I didn't notice these ...

... nor to run the day's (month's) plans through my head in an effort to retain the little control I tend to have over the family schedule! I again rejoiced in my decision to leave running for the sake of running right now rather than to put another Half Marathon on the calendar this month (insert a shred of sanity here.). Our run this morning was pressure free and joyful. As it should be.

A semblance of a training schedule is in order for the upcoming Summer months to keep myself going as well as to earn a handful of virtual medals. Aspiring for a series of 10K runs is enough of a challenge for me right now!

And, that's what it's all about -- what's good enough for me and not what I'm doing compared to anyone else. Right, Elly?

"I cheer you no matter what, mommy.
It's even better when I get to go."

For real, my schedule cup has run-eth over. The cool part of that is it runs over with those who fill my heart. What more could I want than that.