Progress Report!

Once I started stashing the money found running to donate to the Food Bank during their Thanksgiving drive, Aaron and I caught the bug to stash away all money we find to donate! We're a little more than half way 'til the next donation, so I thought it would be fun to see how much is in that jar!

Drum roll, please ... rat-a-tat-taaaaat ...

$12.05!!

As this idea was born from this crazy thing called running many miles, I wanted to share the progress!

And, today's specific-to-running note is that I finally decided to call tomorrow a Rest Day (two in a row ... wahoo!!) saving my long run for Sunday! There's no chance of rain in the forecast for Sunday morning, so I'm counting on that and going with it! I'll see you tomorrow from Rest Day, the sequel!

Plan A Pans Out

Before going to sleep last night, I made Plan A and Plan B with my alarm clock. And, by 'alarm clock,' I mean Aaron. Plan A: Up early to run outside if there's a break in the rain. Plan B: Up later to treadmill. And, while I wasn't excited about the treadmill, I was looking forward to the prospect to sleep a little later.

At 5 a.m., it was pouring. Ahhh ... sleeping later was on the horizon!

And, then. I don't even know what time it was (clearly, our agreed-upon time to wake me up, but I was really out of it) when Aaron came in with the excitable news that I could get up and get my run in outside just the way I like it because there was, indeed, a break in the rain! Aaron was very happy to report this good news!

I should have been more excited. Truthfully, I was just too tired to show it. Or, feel it. But, again, I drew on what I knew instead of how I felt, and I got on out there but not without announcing on my way out the door that I love Thursdays because they're the shortest runs of the week!

The enthusiasm just exudes, doesn't it?

Even Elly was dragging a bit this morning, so we were probably very good for each other! (She has to hate when she's in a morning kind of mood and I'm all ready to go, and I know I hate when she's all puppy peppy and I'm not yet awake!) It was humid out -- very humid -- but there was a random cool breeze cutting through it. So, really, I can't complain. I was also thankful that when I noticed the storm clouds regrouping that I had only a mile left to go which is a very different feeling from noticing such a thing on Saturday when I had 8 to go. There's a very different vibe to those two situations, just sayin'.

In an uneventful but one-penny prosperous run, we finished up! Elly ended her run with a rub down because that girl's belly was wet!

You'd think she'd like getting dried off.
She always acts like it's some big
imposition, though. Diva.

"It's cutting into my nap time. Duh."

That's that for the short runs this week!! Our way, our pace, our standards. That's how we roll!

Tomorrow is a Rest Day, and the long run will happen on the first weekend morning it's not raining! Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, and we'll see you tomorrow!!

The Way To Win

Before getting to today's run, I have to share with you this little snippet from my day. I think it's a perfect example of how crazy-stupid-hard we can all be on ourselves when there was no reason to do so at all. Check it out: I was at the pool with the kiddos (Yeah!!!! Pool with my pals!!!) when an acquaintance of mine, who is a runner, and I engaged in the following:

She: Hey, Nancy, did you do the Go Girl Run?
Me (I know it's "I", but this rhymes with She): Yes, I did. You?
She: Yeah. I was watching for you, then I got cold and had to go.
Me: I suspect you were in well before I was!
She: I had a friend who wanted to break 1:40, so I was helping her.
(This acquaintance was actually working, so that the conversation ended here is totally normal.)

Years ago (like ... two years ago? Last year?), the way this exchange went would have leveled my confidence because I would have been foolish enough to compare the two of us. I still would have run, but I would have had a mental barrier to conquer. And, tears to dry. And, some self pity in which to wallow. And, whining to do to Aaron. It's like I've actually experienced this ...

I also know I'm not alone. We hear others' tales, and we wipe ourselves out. Where we all go wrong is in The Comparison (duuh ... duuh ... duuuuuuuuuuh ). Doesn't someone usually lose when there's a comparison? Is that really necessary here? I think not. I'd rather win, so here's what I realize about me in relation to pretty much everyone else: We are all unique. We are all not designed the same. We do not have the same life styles. We do not have the same goals. We do not have the same stories. Per.i.od.

Take it from the owl ... care more about your goals and story than someone else's. That's how you win. At least, that's my translation of this super-cool owl.

Instead of taking something personal that had absolutely nothing to do with me, I cheered her victory, I continue to embrace mine, and I look forward to my next goal as optimistically as I did before talking with my lightening-fast friend! (1:40 translates into the 7-minute mile zone ... 7 minutes per mile for 13 miles. That makes me tired thinking about it ...)

I leave my message as simple as this because it is that simple. Focus on yourself, and you'll be just fine! Actually, you'll be better than fine -- you'll be great!!

Speaking of great, I have three little topics to cover! Let's go!

Topic 1: This morning's run. Okay, I admit that when I was dragging myself out of bed, I was recalling my enthusiasm from yesterday's blog and trying to remember what was so great about getting up early to run. But, I seemed pretty excited yesterday, so I trusted that, and got myself ready!

It was a great run, indeed! My muscles didn't groan at me like they did on my first run after April's Half, I passed weeds taller than I (no picture -- in a bit of a hurry), and Elly had herself a good ol' time! She almost wiped me out (for real) when a truck came up behind us scaring the crap out of her. (The simple dog doesn't understand the concepts of curbs and sidewalks.) She gave me a very solid hip check, but I kept my balance! Whew! There was no money, but we banked our three miles on a very humid morning! Let the Half Marathon training commence!

One of these was in my left shoe and the other in my right the
entire way!! They kept floating around my feet, but since they
didn't hurt, I let it go so I could finish up! Oh, and, yes, Lizzy
is right there inspecting my feet. They smelled fabulous.

Topic 2: Virtual Firework Race Preparations continue. Look what PC#2 and I got at the store today for our Firework shirts!

Whee!! Colorful bling for the cupcakes!! I'm pretty sure one
of those lines translates as 'fake diamonds' ... you know, in case
you were confused ...

Topic 3: Running Residuals. In case you were wondering, which you most certainly were not, I am finally doing laundry today from the weekend. Isn't it cool how your socks can sometimes hold a contorted shape?

There's something just funny to me about
that. It helps that they're mine and not
anyone else's funk ... Yay, Go Girl funk!

By the way, having nothing to do with any of the day's topics -- want an idea of what Elly would look like with upright ears?

"Excuse me, mommy, but I just ran my little heart out and
almost died of a heart attack from the scary truck. No pictures
while I rest my wearies away ..."

Tomorrow's another short run! (I seriously must get to bed earlier for these early weekday mornings!!) Here's to hoping the rain holds off long enough to eek the run out!! I'll see you after no matter how it's accomplished!!

Plans Abound!

I woke up this morning feeling all kinds of back to normal which included -- waaaaait forrrr iiiiit -- wanting to figure out when to get back out there and run! This is weird, I tell you, very weird. Where are the days of craving a week off after a Half? Shoot, where are the days of needing a day off after a 5K?? I'm sure those days will return. In fact, I'm sure those days should be strongly considered right now because the body does, indeed, need to rest!! But, that's what slower-than-the-Puppy-Pace is for, so I'm all about restarting tomorrow!

Besides. I have goals. In the past 24 hours, a whole lot of running-related things happened and/or were decided!

First: I'm committing to the September Half Marathon. I've been eyeballing it, apprehensive really only because it was so poorly run two years ago (ran out of medals and had 2 water stations along the 13-mile route, anyone?). But, what it comes down to is that I just want to run. I want to run that distance. And, I want it to be an event of some sort. There's a schedule conflict with the October Rock 'n' Roll run, and I can't participate, so I looked again at this option and decided to embrace it. I've also lowered my expectations of the event (which tends to result in a happy outcome!) and choose to commit. Ta. Da.

Second: Plans abound for the upcoming virtual Sparkle runs!! With the timed event behind me, I'm totally looking forward to releasing myself of all race expectations and focusing on running consistently with my partner, PC#2!! I'm totally stoked above all else about doing these with her because she's going for it with the outlook I like: Let's have a great time!!

It's important we start planning because something awesome arrived in the mail:

I spy with my little eye some pink ribbons featuring our
virtual Sparkle Cupcake Run medals!! You get to see it
after we actually earn them! They're hidden 'til then!

To start our preparations, we went to the craft store yesterday to get some needed supplies:

Yes they do have everything to do with running!!

The virtual runs do not have race shirts like in-person events, so we're taking matters into our own hands!! We have a few more items -- iron-on sparkly cupcakes! -- to pick up before diving in to make our shirts! The above colors are for the big run at the end of July; we're going to get different ones for the Firework run. WooHoo!!!

While in the store, I went to the fabric and said to PC#2, "I really wish they had a Fourth of July cupcake fabric." Ask, and ye shall receive!

It was right in front of me!! And! The sparklers sparkle !!

Elly is the biggest fashionista of the family, so she of course needed the right outfit!

And, yes, all  of this is necessary  for our running pleasure! Wheeeeee!! (Wait 'til you see the not-yet-made mile markers Aaron decided we needed for these runs!)

I remember when I didn't participate in running, and I thought it had to be the most boring activity ever. Then, I remember when I started, and I wanted to be as incognito as possible. Now? This thing is (usually!) a blast!! Medals! Awesome shirts! Pizza celebratory lunches! Jazzy hair goods! Super-awesome shoe strings! Aaaaaaaaaand, some running! I've learned along the way that running is exactly what you make it!

With that, I need to make friends with the calendar and pen because I have some mapping out to do ... for two!! Our weather's being wacky, so my plan is to restart tomorrow! If it's raining, I'm blowing it off and starting Thursday! Either way, I'll see you tomorrow!

Celebration!

Oh my gosh, is this not fabulous?!

(source)

NOW I know what was happening yesterday!!! At least, this is way funnier than what was happening yesterday!

In the final wrap up of this weekend's Go Girl adventure, I thought I'd feature the end game because what's a race without a celebration?!

When I originally registered for this run, I promised the family a much desired and almost-always declined Imo's pizza lunch! They. Were. Stoked.!! You might have noticed PC#3's sign from the race, but in case you didn't ...

Check out that exclamation point mouth!
I think I'd better feed someone -- quick!

PC#3 was all about reminding me that the faster I ran, the faster we'd get to lunch ... forgetting that lunch starts at a certain time at the restaurant no matter how fast or slow I go! Nice idea, PC#3! I like the way you think! As it turned out, there was a perfect amount of time from my finish to allow for a lingering, warm shower before heading over.

 

And, at long last (let's remember, they waited 5 months for this plan to come to fruition!), we arrived!

That these two are walking instead of bolting in is something
of a miracle!

So ready for some lunch!!!

After a couple of pieces, I felt my insides start to come alive which is when I realized I was pretty depleted of some carbs! Ahhh ... pineapple pizza ... mmmm ...

I also realized this was the first long run in almost five months
where I knew I was about to eat back the calories I just burned
on the route! And, it was delicious! (I totally used to use how
far I ran to justify how much I ate. Funny how that math does
not ever add up in your favor! Today however? I was chowing!)

PC#2 loves hers with some extra parm!

Do you think PC#3 got his fill?

As full as he was, it didn't keep him from
eyeballing the bacon on Aaron's pizza!

That was a super-fun way to cap off the whole event! It was a treat for everyone! And, now, the running resumes ... this week ... some time ...!

I leave you with this ...

(source)

... and will see you on tomorrow's official Rest Day!

The Unexpected Run

Wow, I woke up this morning feeling every muscle in my body!! Getting up and getting on with the day has loosened everything up, but even if I still felt achy, I wouldn't have changed anything from yesterday's run! (Well, except for the weather!) Come along, and I'll show you why!

So, as you know, it all began last year -- as in 2012 -- when I ran a Half Marathon in early April and wanted to try the Go Girl Half at the end of May. Alas, I wasn't ready to do so. Physically, I pooped out. Mentally, I didn't strategize very well. Turn the calendar page, and I faced the same possibility. New strategy + better physically = winning combination. The only thing keeping me from upgrading my registration would be a bad weather forecast.

Evidently, ignorance was bliss because I happily upgraded my registration Friday afternoon and went on with my day ready for Saturday's event! The only kink that evening (perfectly timed right before heading to bed, right?) was the realization that I forgot to buy bananas so as to have one in the morning. The kid needs something in tank in the double-digit miles, so this realization required action. Aaron to the rescue!

Bananas for me, Diet Coke for him.
Everyone wins!

Aaron, Pit Crew driver, was also the Saturday morning man of the hour as we were a half mile from home when I realized I had no water with me (if you're going to eat a banana, having some water for rinsing is key. To me.). He promptly changed course to swing by a gas station for the water and what became a last-minute bathroom break for me. That was outstanding timing because who wants to use an event porta potty if they don't have to? I'm just sayin'.

So, we get there in plenty of time to park, stretch (yeah, I said it!) and mosey to our respective starting line/cheering spots!

There they go to stake out a spot!

Of course, there are shoe shots to share:

LOVE those multi-colored Asics!! Pardon while I wipe the
slobber from the camera lens ...

Pretty colors abound! AND, see the purple? Then the pink?
The pink beyond that one is the screamin' hot pink Saucony I
had!! You didn't work for me, but I remember you fondly!
I'm like a shoe stalker ...

There are the Half Marathoners at the start!

I'm right in the middle in the purple!

By the way, you might notice there are a bunch of running pants and jackets in the crowd. That's because it was, like, 50 degrees!! That's fabulous for running, but, really? At the end of May? Last year, it was stifling hot at this run, and I was thankful to be running the 5K. 'Looks like the weather was on my side, right? Yeah ... hold that thought.

My view from somewhere in the middle of the pack ...

... and, the Crew's view of my start!

I got my camera up and firing just in time to catch thos cute Crewers cheering me on!

I missed getting Aaron and his "Only 13.09 Miles 2 Go" sign, but I heard a number of laughs as we ran by. It's a very fabulous sign! Soon after his, I saw a guy holding one that read: It's out first anniversary, and she's already running away! HA! Darned camera didn't fire in time, but at least I remembered it!

Okay, so the front of the run was intriguing. There was no directive given in terms of placing ourselves in an approximate speed spot (if you're blowing through the run, get to the front, if you're walking, get to the back, figure it out in between), so I'm pretty certain not many people gave this concept very much thought. When I say we crossed the timing strip and no one seemed to care (no one took off like their time just started), I'm totally not kidding. You also know I'm not one for taking this so seriously that one must have a certain time to have fun, but I will say the completely blasé tone was a mixture of refreshing and frustrating, frustrating because there was little room to move, and you really don't have any desire to flat-tire (am I in third grade?) nor trip over someone ahead of you. There's a fine line between not being in a hurry and getting the show on the road. There was a significant incline right at the beginning of the run (nice!) which did help thin the pack.

Just a note: I think the mass congregation at the beginning had a lot to do with the fact that almost every runner was a woman. And, almost every one of those women was talking. It was like the biggest social run ever, and it was fabulous. There was so much chatter going on I hardly knew which story to tune in to! By the time we were in our second mile, though, most talking had to do with pace, time, etc., and I tune that stuff out as much as possible.

Speaking of the early miles, it was almost exclusively trail running for the first 4 miles:

I enjoyed this stretch. But, it did make me think of this:

These miles were mostly flat, shaded and had two water stations. The Crew was even at one of them!

I didn't expect to see them here! It was great! Also great was
that I didn't have to use the bathroom at either station on this
stretch ... the second was at least 10 people deep at both doors!

The event staff totally treated us right!! To have two stations in the first four miles? This was going to be a great race!

The weather, however, had other plans on how to treat us. I just rounded the fourth mile and gotten myself up a hill when I looked to the West:

Ohhhh ... crap ...

My brain went from singing songs to myself (a little "Pour Some Sugar On Me" anyone?) to overdrive thinking. My first thought was trying to figure out just how far away that storm looked (not very) compared to how far I had to go (pretty far). I needed no numbers in my calculation that it was unlikely I would outrun this storm. I've always avoided running in the rain; I was about to get a taste of it. And, then I heard the distant rumble of thunder. For crying out loud. It was very distant (and, actually, unexpectedly, rather soothing). All I could do at that point was hope.

Rounding the corner near Mile 5.5, I saw the Crew and my trainer, too!!

I was thankful they were there so I could give them my camera. There was no doubt in my mind the rain was on its way!! So, this is the last pic I took along the route. It's kind of a mess as I was taking it fast while signaling to someone to come get it, and they were deciphering why I was calling someone over not only in the middle of a run but also in the middle of the street (which was still open to through traffic, just sayin'), but we got it all figured out:

Elly never noticed I was there -- probably
in tune to the fact that there was thunder
we probably couldn't yet hear ... and
wondering why we were being so stupid
because she thinks thunder is scary.

Within minutes of this moment, the rain began. Whew!! The camera was safe! Yes, yes, I'm the fool who didn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain ... or the thunder ... never mind the lightening, but the camera was safe!

Anyway ... The next seven miles brought about everything from nice showers to raining so hard it was difficult to see. A pop of lightening brought out quite the expletive in me, but I'm certain it didn't offend anyone around me because they probably didn't hear it for the thunder that followed ! I kept thinking, "Had this begun before we started, this probably would've been cancelled." Then I thought, "I'm sure there's some form I signed about not holding anyone responsible for my being an idiot and staying out here." I also thought, "By now, the 5Kers are finished, and they're thinking about the poor and/or stupid Half Marathoners still on the route." Did you know "poor" and "stupid" are sometimes synonymous? No more singing to myself: It was time to pray for safety!

You might be amazed to know how many people were still along the route cheering for the runners. Many managed to bring umbrellas (I guess they saw a forecast I missed), but there were also those just out in it, getting soaked but still cheering their runner. The event staff at the water stations made the best of it all, too, and every, single one of them was cheery as we went through. Who would have expected that?!

One of those stations was at the top of the hill most of us dreaded right after Mile 8. I was all about running it until I was soaked. That was a game changer as it wasn't that warm out, and the rain was quite cold. That made my legs feel stiff, so I followed suit with every, other person on that hill, and I walked it. I had a fabulous chat where we exchanged basic running background with each other -- this was her first Half, but she has run a Marathon ... a Disney Marathon! She said she ran that one with 17-minute miles because of how many times she stopped for pictures with characters! She went on to articulate disappointment that she figured she wasn't going to hit her goal time on this run as the rain was definitely going to slow her down. In that moment on that hill with the rain coming down in buckets, I bagged any thought of coming in close to my GO! PR time (which I figured was out the window from the get-go anyway), and I embraced the finish for exactly what it was: A Finish.

Getting up and over that hill was the end of the most difficult parts of the course. Even though there were rolling hills, all elevation was still going down (I know that by my continued eavesdropping). I was thankful for the hills being behind me because my thighs were contracting big time. That continual cold water was totally making them constrict, so I made sure my pace was in check so as to not hurt myself. (Always my number one goal. That and not getting hit by lightening.)

Running down hill is always awesome. I even told someone at a water station that doing such a thing makes me feel like a total stud. And, soon after, I saw my favorite Crewers again (before heading back up hill!)!

PC#2 called out, "Only a 5K to go!!" as I passed ...

... and, that's how I felt about that!

The last three miles were smooth under the feet as we got back on the trail. You'd think that would make for an easy finish, but, while the rain had subsided for about a mile, it came back. It came back big. Hey, are you wondering what you do when it starts storming and you're running on a trail and there are tons of unavoidable puddles? I don't know what you do, but I pray. A lot! My prayers for safety began back at Mile 6 and dominated my head for the duration of the run. Step aside, Def Leppard, the brain has more important things to do!

Right at Mile 11, a runner with whom I'd been yo-yoing for the duration of the course, came up behind me and said she'd been following me the whole run and had been using me as her marker to keep up. What ?! I mean ... what ?! I understood the words, but the concept of me being a marker for someone was seriously cool. She also said, "I remember your shirt from the starting line! I loved the sparkle, I loved the purple, I loved the puppy, and I was in!" Now, that I totally understood. I mean, that really is a trifecta of goodness!

Because of the continued rain, it felt like forever to get to Mile 12. For.Ev.Er. Everyone was struggling at that point just from being weighed down. I felt pretty good, but being super soaked kind of blows. I was to the point where I could walk as fast as I could run, so you bet I ran-walked for about a half mile of that last one. I wasn't alone, but I wouldn't have cared if I was. It just needed to be done, and my very cold legs thanked me! It was along this stretch that I was so thankful to be safe and so happy I was, indeed, going to finish this thing! That I walked a little? So what!

And, finally:

This is where I yelled, "I. Totally. Did. It!!"

So wet, and so happy!



I love my Crewers!! Total troopers!!!

You might remember I was all twisted up hoping they would have a medal for me?!

There were plenty!!! Bling!

Oh, yes ... there's the wine glass, too!

AND, notice the purple sparkly nails!
Head to toe sparkle ... yeah!!!

They fill those glasses with smoothies for you ... and, then you and your youngest Crewer act all, "We're so going to parrrrrrrtyyyyyy " with it:

That peach smoothie rocked!!! The volunteers pouring them
were totally over being out in the rain, though!

Let's see that bling again:

And, let's see my biggest fan:

I'm pretty certain Aaron believed in my ability to turn everything around from April's run to now more than I did. I'm still in a wee bit of ... disbelief? Is that the right word? I think I've still not fully accepted that I'm a runner on any level. I don't even feel like it's a put-down, I just am having a hard time wrapping my brain around it. I didn't believe Aaron when he told me the time frame in which he was sure I finished; I thought he must not have looked at his watch correctly. I further didn't quite believe the computerized print out (you know, the computer print out that has no capability to make crap up just to make you feel good about yourself) that reported my time as only 2 minutes more than my April Half time which translates into my second best Half time of overall. I had to look at it a few times, and it's still hard to believe.

I suppose it doesn't help that I spent 3/4 of my life declaring my hatred for running. I think I have a lot of mental deprogramming left to do! I will work on the mental part of this game while training for my next run ... the Virtual Firework Cupcake Run with my girl!!! I'm looking forward to you joining me on that journey! But, for the next few days, we rest!! I'm definitely taking tomorrow off, and we'll see how the rest of the week shakes out!

Thank you for coming along on these many words recapping the many miles! 'Til tomorrow:

DONE!

Oh, wait a race that was! It was a race chock full of unexpecteds, and I can't wait to break it down! The breakdown is always better the day after when the perspective picture sets in. Today, it's a celebration where my head is still all swirly from the goodness! For now, I report an outstanding experience! Tomorrow, the details!

Go Girl!

A Little Bit Surreal

I am sitting here in a wee bit of disbelief. Regardless of the fact that I set this goal and worked toward it, I'm having a difficult time digesting having just picked up my stuff for a Half Marathon for tomorrow ... but, I did!! It's almost time to ...

We went to the packet pick up/Expo, and I got in the "has access to the online registration" line. Apparently, only one person knew how to do an upgrade, but, that was just fine. Not only is their process efficient (it was last year, too), but I'd rather deal with the one person in the know rather than three who might or might not know what is going on no matter how well they mean. Am I right?

So, there I was waiting behind one other person who was registering for the first time, and I noticed my heart was pounding. Um ...? On the way over, I told Aaron I had the butterflies going. But, these were some big ol' butterflies! I put Aaron's hand on my neck, and his eyes bugged. I really can't even explain it. Nerves? Not really ... I mean, kind of, but not really. Excitement? Yes, definitely. Spontaneous freak out by my body for no apparent reason? Sounds accurate. We'll throw that in, too.

While Aaron was checking my pulse, which he probably could have done from across the room, the woman doing my upgrade gave me great news! Check it out: I registered back in January for the 5K when both distances were cheaper than they are the day before the event. I assumed I'd pay the difference in price based on today's rate ... NOPE! She looked to see what the cost was on the day I registered and only charged that rate for the Half!! WHAT? WHEN does THAT happen??

I was stoked! The woman helping me was tickled. The dude
wasn't sure what to think. I think: Thank you for being so
fabulous, Ultramax!!!

The upgrade was sneezy-easy, and into the Expo we went! Another great surprise is that the shirts are WHITE!!! While not super-exciting, it's WAY better than black!! YAHOO!!

I picked up this très chic sticker that I will turn into a magnet:

Both young Crewers received free beef jerky sticks (a fav for them at the Expos!), and I bought PC#2 a headband as sparkly as the one I have! (You have to have a sparkly headband if you're going to run the virtual Sparkle runs!! It's right there in the name !!) It's a very small Expo, but always we make the most of it!

My pulse returned to normal by the time I picked up my stuff (at least it wasn't jumping out of my neck), and the only thing left to do is be excited!! ...

Totally excited!! (See? There's my
WHITE shirt!!)

... and, do my nails ...

Alone or in combination ... either way,
perfect!

... and, put together some surprise yummies for the Pit Crew in the morning including ...

GoGurt ... Go Girl ... get it? HA!

There is a sign-making party scheduled for this evening, too, so I'll show you some of the results tomorrow as the Crew follows the route!

Oh, one more thing ... check this out from the Run Find Your Happy Pace Facebook page!

There I am!!

That's the same page/person creating and organizing the virtual runs!! I love this page because it's SO encouraging! Every week, she solicits those who want to be included on the weekend SHOUT OUT sign, so, this week, I had to submit! (Her blog: runfindyourhappypace.com )

Like I said yesterday, I'm as ready as I'm going to be!! It's time to get this show on the road!! I can't wait to show you how it all went!! I'll see you after the event (and after the pizza lunch the Crew is SO LOOKING FORWARD TO!! We don't have those, "Cheer Now, Pizza Later" shirts for nothing!)

Here we go ...!!!!!!!