Our Gift

It's time to wrap this up. I tried in the Summer to do so. And, I tried once since then. I still think about doing so every morning I'm out exercising Chance, but I seem to forget, convenient or not, by the time I'm home. But, now, it's time.

We lost our sweet Elly in June.

Besides the running, Elly was hands-down the sweetest creature ever. She embodied peace in our household. She was loyal. She loved, and she loved to be loved. She gave everything she had to all of us. Always.

Perhaps I've not finished this until now because there aren't even enough good words to capture everything she was to us. My heart knows how it still feels, but my brain has difficulty producing worthy words.

As a tribute to our girl, Pit Crew #2 created this blanket for me:

It tells such a wonderful story of a beautiful life.

Adopting Chance at the time we did was really a testament to how much Elly gave to us. The very idea of losing that was more than I cared to bear. And, continuing to learn about who he is sparks a number thoughts about Elly I'd either forgotten or not really realized. For instance, because of his seemingly ridiculous fear of bicycles when we first got him made me remember how afraid Elly was of dried leaves as they blew or crunched on the street. And, his anxious nature made me realize how assertive she was -- a characteristic not ever really noted as she was nothing but sweet and submissive to the four of us.

Remembering is good.

Elly was love. I treasure every memory. What a gift to have had her.

Chance

Meet Chance.

He's happy to be home.

* * *

I have a theory about the creatures around us. I developed it when the kids were really little, and I'd watch them "experiment" with bugs. They were so, very intrigued by them that those little bugs would get poked and prodded and manhandled beyond their little bug capabilities to survive sometimes. It was through these interactions that I taught the kids life things. None was necessarily profound, but those moments served as a way for the kids to learn something about other living things without actually hurting someone. It was then I thanked God for those very creatures that often annoy. This certainly isn't the reason for the existence of bugs we learn in our science classes, but I don't find their purposes to be mutually exclusive. So, I embrace both.

Since then, I started to look at all creatures in new ways. And, when we got Elly, there was no doubt in my mind that she was with us for big reasons. Like I stated yesterday, she literally changed the trajectory of my health and well being. She also is the one whose pace I followed to train to run beyond 5 miles. I even remember the run where I realized her role. I'd just been talking to God saying (whining), "I don't get why I don't know what to do to get better!" which is the same moment when I looked down and saw Elly plodding along happy as a clam to just be going. She'd go for as long as I let her, and she was perfectly pleased to do so no matter how long it took. In that moment, I realized I'd been given the very trainer I needed.

I'm in a slice of my life right now where I'm investing a lot of my time and energy into things I cannot change for the better. And, some of those things involve considerable, impending loss. It's a very difficult emotional place to be. I have been praying about it a lot, though, and I recently came to the peaceful conclusion that it would be okay to start investing in something that has wonderful potential to change for the better. I realized my heart has the capacity to welcome it, and I have it in me to handle it. I talked to Aaron about it, and he, too, was on board. 

We found him last night, and he won my heart immediately.

And, we named him Chance.

Aaron and I found him at the Humane Society yesterday evening, and I immediately fell in love with him. He's 13 months old possessing a wonderful case of being an unspecified Pound Hound. He's chock full of energy, and he exhausted me today introducing him to Elly and the kitties and to his new surroundings. This is a transition that could have been terrible, and it went pretty okay! We have a long way to go, but it was a good start! He is lightening fast when running around the backyard, and we're working on walking on the leash. Currently, he's exhausting in that regard, but he has already shown promise. Seeing the investment build, for as completely whipped as I am here at the end of the day, is worth the work!

He'll be worth it. He already is.

Welcome to the family, Chance!❤

Changes

I know. It's been quite some time ...

It's been almost a year since my last entry, and, even then, I knew I was running out of steam. I'd been with this running gig for about 8 years, and I was tired. Of course, that wasn't really about running at all.

Without recalling the details, I remember it being readily apparent that something had to give. I was perpetually just stretched razor thin mentally and physically, and, I knew I needed a break from something. The only option of what to cut out of my day at that time was running. My loss from running was my gain for a little more sleeping.

And, I took it. I took it hard core.

I meant to just take about a month to recoup figuring I'd get back in the swing when school rolled around. Long story short: Between July and December, I dabbled in a few jogs, and I walked a bit, but, really, I sat out while getting the other details in my life under better control. I'm not going to lie: I totally enjoyed the sleep.

Somewhere around the same time the calendar turned, I got back into it. But, I signed up for a Half Marathon to make sure I'd stick with it.

To say that my first few runs felt like I'd never before run is an understatement. I didn't use it, so I most certainly did lose it. *sigh* The only difference between starting up running this time and back in 2008 was that, this time, I already knew I could do it and just had to get there again. 

During training, I capitalized on my 6-mile training run to earn a 10K medal with Elly.

It was tough, but we did it. Together. Like it's been for a long time. She's been running with me for 9 years ... hell, she's the very reason I started running in the first place ... and, I knew, with her turning 10 just around the corner from this run in April that her long distance days were likely retired. And, I was okay with that.

I was not okay with what we recently learned.

About a month ago, we noticed a significant, sudden drop in Elly's weight. She'd dropped weight last year, but she maintained the drop. This was different. A check and testing showed that she has chronic kidney disease. The original suspicion before blood work but after an xray was that she had late-stage liver cancer. But, that wasn't the diagnosis. Chronic kidney disease, liver cancer, tuh-may-toe, toe-mah-toe. Seriously. The difference is somewhat moot.

*sigh* and *dammit to hell*

Very suddenly, as in, that very day, Elly's normal walking-for-fun days ended. Just like that. Never mind running, we were directed to take her no more than a mile, if she can walk that far, at her pace in the most ideal weather. The problem is the kidney disease makes it very difficult for her to eat which means she has no reserves to burn while exercising. So, she has shifted to relaxing inside and eating whatever will go down and stay down. Her diet is to consist of low protein, high carbs. And, wouldn't you know, it's almost impossible to get carbs in her. Proof she's no human.

After a few weeks, multiple trials, more errors than successes and a lot of tears, we seem to have found things she likes and will stay down. And, just last week, we started adding Pedialyte to her water which has definitely helped with her alertness. It's one of the most heartbreaking experiences I have ever had not being able to do anything to make it better.

What has helped her is her overall health, and that is in large part due to her lifetime of running. The vet who diagnosed her noted that she's in excellent health but for the genetic problem that can't be cured. So, there you go. It's one of those things where we did everything right, and it doesn't ultimately matter in terms of keeping her forever like we would if we could. (insert multiple naughty words here)

Our girl after an overnight receiving IV
fluids to help what she'd lost. The nerve
of not giving her a purple wrap. Just sayin'.

Elly has not just been my every day companion, but she most literally changed the trajectory of my own health and well being. She is the reason I ran in the first place, and she is the reason I continued in the beginning when I didn't want to. Running has been our thing. I didn't really even get to ease her out of it like I thought I would. I thought we'd earn that last, longer-distance medal and giggle a little while running two or three miles for the next couple of years. I'd be all, "Hey, Elly, remember when ..." and she'd glance sideways at me with her tongue out having no idea what I said but smiling in agreement just because she heard my voice. I pictured that we'd walk together. I pictured time to wind it backward from how far up we'd gone. 

Instead, it just -- ended. 

Going out to run anymore has, quite literally, lost a very big meaning for me. My heart aches when I step out the door, and it's something I work to get past while I'm out there.

I did manage to finish the recent Half Marathon ...

... and, I am as tired as I look. It was pretty rough. Training wasn't awesome as I missed a number of short runs, the humidity sucked, and I was emotionally spent. That saying about making sure you "leave it all on the route" crossed my mind en route which is the same time I said to myself, "Bullshit, I left it all on this past semester." The four weeks leading up to this run included Elly's diagnosis to punctuate a helluva few months. I was proud of the finish because, if predicting a finish by how January through May went, that finish should not have happened. 

So, here we are. The Half was a week ago (just a week ago?), and I took the week to recoup, start summer schedules with everyone and reset my own brain in terms of what I want to make of this running thing. It's hard to come up with a plan, though, as even thinking about it without a four-legged running pal just makes me ache.

Elly is to the point that she doesn't expect to leave the house with me. It's really sad for me even though I should probably feel comforted that it's not a priority for her anymore. She seems just fine about it. What do I know, but I think she's fine. I know she's happy to see me when I return. That's probably more important anyway. I try not to impose on her my own thoughts. I keep trying to remind myself she is a dog and doesn't process like humans.

It's not comforting, though. That's how it is when the human brain is more complex than the dog's ...

Elly's shift into what are clearly her twilight days has left an incredible hole in me. In no way is she ever, ever going to be replaced. That's not even possible. So, there's no reason to think that that's the idea when I introduce somebody tomorrow ...

Dressed For Success

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 433.5 (running: 360.1 walking: 34.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 182.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $55.69

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 22 Pit Crew #2: 13

The weather is making advancement of the volleyball championship very, very difficult. However, it is making for pretty sweet running weather. I wouldn't complain at all if the pool were available year-round!

 

Regardless of the weather, here's a Happy Fourth of July to you!! I think this is the year that some of our traditions will go to the wayside while others remain in tact such as this one ...

Mmm ... rainbow jello ...

Pit Crew #2 and I also carried on with our plans to run. I'm pretty sure we would have run even if it hadn't been on the calendar to do so because it's important to don the festive headwear when the opportunity presents itself:

More miles and more found money started the day. BOOM. No holiday pun intended.

Dare To Dream Virtual 10K Day!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 429.2 (running: 355.8 walking: 34.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 182.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $55.09

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 22 Pit Crew #2: 13

In unheard of news, the forecast of rain did not make me waiver one, itty bitty little bit as to whether or not Pit Crew #2 and I would run our virtual 10K today! With showers predicted sans thunder and lightening, it just didn't matter. I wanted to go!

 

My decision was based on a few factors. First, scheduling a new calendar item right now makes me want to pull my hair out. So, if it's on the calendar and can stay, it stays! Second, it's not like our training has been super stellar given the heat wave. Putting the run off for better conditions not only likely wouldn't matter in terms of performance, but, let's face it, we could find ourselves in something much worse. I have definitely grown to take rain over heat + humidity!

 

So, this morning with rain coming down a half hour before predicted (yeah, I know ...), we were up and at it!

Fortunately, we both have fab hats to keep the water from continually running over our eyes! The hat is the key to rain running success!

This is a good time to mention it was also 66 degrees out. Being wet in 66 degrees would normally be quite chilly, but the running took care of that.

We did well, too, especially for really crappy training. PC#2 had to tie her shoes a couple of times at Mile 2. I reminded her she is to choose more optimal stopping spots -- like when we're in the middle of a hill looking for just the right excuse to blow the rest of it off. But, she chose the flat stretches, whatever, and we ran up every hill. I was quite pleased we could given past and current conditions.

I realized a little more than half way through the run that PC#2 wasn't even attempting to avoid puddles and gutter rivers.

That puddle is nothing of what our feet found along the way!

Now, it's not like our feet were dry, but it didn't occur to me to not avoid what I could. I found enough puddled that I didn't see coming ... She said she liked running through them, so that worked really well in terms of the sides of the shoulder on which we preferred to run. It's the little things that add up to being a great team!

Only about 5 minutes later than we would have finished with better prep, we arrived at our finish! It was time for some bling ...

Check out the glitter! WooHoo, GLITTER on the BLING!

I'm so glad we just committed and did it! It was a good experience together! I'd never shared a run in the rain except with Elly. And, Elly doesn't really like it so much. And, she smells way worse after!

It's time to relax a bit! We rest tomorrow! Have a great rest of the long weekend, and we'll check in!

Catching Up

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 423 (running: 349.6 walking: 34.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 182.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $55.07

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 20 Pit Crew #2: 13

Hey, so, it's pretty cool that not only have I not managed to catch myself up in my own journaling this week, but I also just logged in to find I drafted my last entry instead of publishing it. Nice!! Oh well. I will look back on these entries one day and think, "Yeah, that looks about right. That was a pretty messy time!"

 

While I never have total control over my Summer schedule (ha!! That's an understatement!), I'm managing to keep my head well above water. So, I call that a victory. This week in particular, I even navigated situations where those in customer service weren't so serviceable to the customer because they couldn't think outside of their teeny, tiny thought boxes to solve a problem. And, I've done so without any sort of combustion, external or spontaneous. Let's thank the power of prayer and pool therapy for coming through those ordeals! Speaking of the pool, check out the tournament status! I'm not quite sure how I'm pulling that off, but I like it!

 

So, through it all, Pit Crew #2 and I have kept our running schedule going to get ready for tomorrow's virtual 10K! This week's weather finally afforded us some breathability, so we again feel able to run the distance. Last week, that idea was in question for both of us!

 

We went out on Wednesday afternoon when it seemed rather mild all things considered. By the time we hit the mile and a half point, BAM. We were HOT.

There's PC#2 taking advantage of my new water bottle! I just bought it the day before, and it needed a test run. One of my current ones sucks because the stopper doesn't want to open to, you know, let us drink. I've tolerated it for years and finally decided on Tuesday to just get a new one. I thought I'd just walk in and replace what I already have. Um, not so much. Now, what I used to buy for $20 has a new fangled cell phone holder that added $15 to the price. Gulp! I got a Camelback variety this time, and I dig it.

So, that was Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday, we headed out early for a quick one with the pooch. It was unremarkable except for how pleasant the temperature felt for the end of June immediately following that heat wave! It was nice to take Elly. She does so like to run. She likes post-run love even more than that:

She'll live with her disappointment tomorrow, though, as we head out without her. I have a virtual medal to earn with her when Fall settles in and the temperatures are predictably cool. Until then, she just needs to cheer us at the finish!

So, it's a 6.2 morning ahead of us after today's rest-and-volleyball! Have a great start to your weekend, and we'll pop in after the morning run!

The Other Side

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 418 (running: 344.6 walking: 34.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 180.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $55.03

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 19 Pit Crew #2: 12

Pit Crew #2 and I ran yesterday thrilled to discover we are, indeed, still able to actually run. The weather was a smidge cooler than it has been, and the humidity wasn't thick enough to choke us. It was a relief! And, our bodies appreciated the cooperation from Mother Nature!

 

We made it up our first hill, and the breathless exchange went like this:

 

Me: "That was good. We needed that win."

PC#2: "Oh. I didn't feel it at all."

Me: (pause) "I said win. Not wind."

 

To that, she totally agreed!

 

It's not a bad thing to be in partnership where both struggle a bit. Even if we struggle in different ways, we still share the experience. The past couple of weeks have been trying at best in terms of accomplishing these runs, so, to come out on the other side together is a pretty awesome feeling!

 

Win, wind, tuh-may-toe, toe-mah-toe ... "Together" sounds the same no matter how you say it!

Rest today. Run tomorrow. Ba-da-bing! That's how we're rolling this week! We'll see you after we get it done!

The A Word

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 415 (running: 341.6 walking: 34.8; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 180.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $55.03

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 17 Pit Crew #2: 11

I remember learning the word 'acquiesce' because I remember loving how it sounds. Say it with me: acquiesce ... I hate the word, though. Put into practice, it's hardly ever a good thing.

 

That word popped into my mind on yesterday morning's run. Pit Crew #2 headed out in 73-degree weather, but it felt much, much worse. We were stocked with water, and I already put the kibosh on any form of speed particularly during the first mile while we gaged what we were dealing with. It didn't take me long to realize this wasn't going to be a strong one. It was just going to be a complete one.

 

Just after the first mile, I called for the first walk break. With just over four miles (and the rest of the day) to go, I knew the extent to which I needed to pace myself. The air was thick, and, honestly, the run was already pretty miserable.

 

Once we resumed, I looked ahead on our long stretch and stated where I knew I'd run before wanting to again walk. I wanted to warn PC#2 because I wasn't really sure she'd be thrilled with stopping again so soon. At least she'd have a heads up. The short of the story is that almost immediately after we stopped at my target, she didn't want to just take a walk break. She wanted to step to the side of the road and just stop for a minute. By my visual, she needed a minute to recover.

 

I couldn't help but ask her if she actually wanted to stop earlier than we did. Fortunately, she confirmed that she really wanted to stop just short of where I said we would. I say it is fortunate she told me so we could have an honest conversation about what it means to be a running partner rather. And, a good partnership is not one where the other acquiesces.

 

Given the extremity of the weather and how very badly these conditions can catch up and bite a person, I jumped right on the platform of raw honesty about how she feels. I reminded her that I never ask her permission to walk; I just state it. I also reminded her that she has the safest running partner in the world to just claim what she wants or needs. My response is going to be, and has always been, "Okay. Cool." That's a partnership.

 

As we went onward, jogging and walking as needed, she ended up thanking me a number of times for my willingness to stop. Given my own perspective on this gig, thanks was far from necessary. I want honesty in her assessment of herself. I want both of us to be safe. And, I want this as enjoyable as possible. I do not want to go along one way only to find out my partner needed something else entirely. That just sucks.

 

I told her to never acquiesce. Certainly not to me. Following one of her many statements of thanks, I told her, "I'll make you a deal. When I'm working toward the Olympic trials, I won't invite you along. Until then, we're in this together."

 

Suffice it to say we'll be in this together for the duration!

 

Oh, and with about a mile to go, we found a sprinkler!!!

It all ended up as it should be. In it together.

Just Melting

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 409.3 (running: 336.2 walking: 34.1; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 180.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $55.01

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 17 Pit Crew #2: 9

It was already 82 degrees when we set sail on our run this morning. It wasn't even 8 a.m. Say it with me: GROSS.

I was proud of the outing, though. We kept at it, and it was stronger than I would have guessed even though the air was thick and sucking every bit of moisture out of our bodies. When we came home, we stretched out on the floor, and the carpet under my elbow was soaked in a matter of a minute. And, if the elbow's sweating that much, well, that just speaks volumes.

We have tomorrow off before a 5-mile Saturday. We're 10K-ing it the following Saturday, so heat or not, we keep going! Here's to hoping we get even a wee break in this weather!! Stay safe, and stay cool! (Pit Crew #2 and I did just that in the pool tonight with our new papasan floatie things!! Ahhh ...) We'll be back after hitting the road early Saturday morning!

Who Ordered the Heat?

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 407.3 (running: 334.2 walking: 34.1; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 180.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $54.85

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 15 Pit Crew #2: 9

In a quick review of the Summer Stats, I want to point out that Pit Crew #2 and I stalked someone at the pool because they had super-cool mesh floatie things that we decided we had to have. No, we didn't take theirs, but Aaron did find them for us at the store. We might just say volleyball-schmolleyball ... Just kidding, that is NOT happening. We have a dollar bet riding on this thing that I'll go into another time!

 

And, in a quick update from yesterday's National Selfie Day Bonanza ... I had one ... I repeat, ONE, selfie go through my Facebook feed!! That made me laugh!! Don't you just know whoever came up with that was like, "Oh, um, FAIL!" And, yes, I know I gave a nod to it here, but that's pretty much what comprises the pages anyway. So, it just made common sense.

 

So, PC#2 and I got up early to get our run in before the water on our street was shut off for a main break repair. We did accomplish that even though an extra walk break or two was required given the heat! When the temperature is pushing 80 degrees well before 8 a.m., the run kind of sucks. We did it, though ...

... and, just think of what rock stars we will feel like when we can run in fresh, breathable air!!

Until then, we keep on going!! We'll check in after the morning trudge ...

 

It's National Selfie Day, Of Course!!

While we didn't run today (we didn't even get to the pool today ...!!), do you really think I'm not going to make a notation about it being National Selfie Day?! AS IF!!!

We just had to. See you after the morning run!

Its Own Comeback

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 404.3 (running: 331.2 walking: 34.1; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 180.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $54.84

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 14 Pit Crew #2: 8

The first order of business is to say Happy Father's Day yesterday to my Dad!! Yahoo!!!

We had a lovely visit with him yesterday complete with sugar-free brownies (a la Dough Boy mix), a gift and lots and lots of hugs and giggles! So thankful for another year celebrating my fabulous Dad!! We celebrated Aaron the rest of the day complete with a trip to the movies. We contributed to the record-breaking weekend for animated movies (previously held by Shrek 3) by attending Finding Dory. It was fabulous!

Fast-forward to today, and the girl trio headed out for a run. It was 72 degrees, but that sounds a lot nicer than it was. It was pretty gross. Tolerable, but gross. All of us had a strong run, so we treated ourselves to a walk up a big hill. Something about that seemed like the right thing to do!

Getting up and getting out wasn't really that much fun, but it was good and worth it once we got into the groove ...

Not to be left out, Elly made sure her image was captured at the end:

The routine is back, and I'm almost feeling like running is a normal part of my life again! I know. Weird. It's weird it went to the wayside in any way, but it needed to both in brain and body. I remember when the kids were in kindergarten, and their teacher said that when they're in the middle of learning a new concept, former information often seems to "go away" until the new info is more ingrained. Then, it returns. That seems to be the case for the run over here! I'm just glad to have it making its way back! Just keep swimming ... just keep swimming ... just keep swimming, swimming, swimming ...

Use Your Wings

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 401.3 (running: 328.2 walking: 34.1; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 177.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $54.83

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 13 Pit Crew #2: 7

The heat broke just enough for our morning run to not feel like we were dying a slow death. Sound dramatic? Then, you weren't outside earlier this week ... Anyway, Pit Crew #2 and I got ourselves up early to get out there this lovely Saturday morning. It was nice to start the day with my girl, a solid run and a little quiet time to ourselves!

 

We were chatting it up between ourselves when we came upon a creature on the sidewalk:

I love his bed head!

He just stood there on the sidewalk while his mama stayed in the tree above squawking her head off like a fool:

You can't see her in this pic, but you do see
Junior there. Just looking up.

At first, PC#2 and I noted that she really must want us to get away from her baby. Then I suggested that she might simply be yelling at him, "Don't just sit there! USE YOUR WINGS!"

We all need such a reminder sometimes, don't we? I remember listening to Steve Harvey talk about parenting when he said his wife uses the following phrase when one of the kids acts unable: "Honey, your wings work." Since hearing it, I've used it on my kids a couple of times. PC#2 had that 'knowing' look on her face when I observed that that might be exactly what mama bird was squawking to her sidewalk baby.

I love my little birds. I'm so glad this one keeps on going with me:

And, tomorrow? There's no running as we celebrate the big man!

Still Going!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 397.1 (running: 324 walking: 34.1; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 177.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $54.55

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 12 Pit Crew #2: 7

The running schedule has continued, but most of the rest of my world is not in any kind of order! That's okay. That's what Summer does.

And, holy moly, has the heat HIT!! I did sneak in an early and short run with Elly Tuesday morning ...

... but, I knew within that first mile that this is the last run for her until this heat breaks. We cut it at two miles and weren't sad to do so!

Yesterday, Pit Crew #2 planned to run while I got up early to work and take a Rest Day as we planned to run together today. So, I was up early and hugely productive while PC#2 fully immersed herself in the Summer schedule and ... skipped the run! Some days, it's really okay to just blow it off and indulge in a little extra shut-eye! We were accountable to each other this morning, though ...

Misery loved company. I have no idea what the temperature was besides Holy Crap This Sucks. The air was thick making it difficult to take a deep breath. It was that kind of morning! For a three-mile run, we still took water and sported our cooling towels. Three-milers don't tend to require special equipment, so, that tells you something!

I've never run with PC#2 when it was this hot, so she got a lesson in just covering the distance however that happens safely. That meant a couple of walk breaks she didn't expect and a pace that would otherwise annoy even me. Before my first Half Marathon, I was taught by a very seasoned runner that, in this kind of weather, your only goal is to cover the distance. Period. No speed, no pushing it, check your ego at the door, just be safe. I'm a big fan of pacing my run in a way that supports the rest of my day, too, so there was no way I was going to let the heat drain me only to zap the rest of my day. (I saved that for when we went to the pool ... even that was barely refreshing!!)

So, we trotted the neighborhood and got 'er done. That was more than good enough for me!!

This heat is supposed to break to the tune of dropping about 10 degrees in the next few days. Given the temperature is sitting at 100, that's not really inspiring! But! We will go forth! We're resting up tomorrow for Saturday's long run! I might not have it all together, but I have at least figured this out! We'll check in after our outing!

Still Getting It All Straight

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 391.4 (running: 321 walking: 33.4; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 174.6  Money Found For Food Bank: $54.53

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 10 Pit Crew #2: 6

So, I've gotten my own schedule almost under control, but that doesn't mean I've figure out everyone else's! One of the Crew's plans for tomorrow morning thwarted the idea of running, so, Pit Crew #2 and I headed out this morning instead!

It was disgusting. By 9 a.m. when we finished, it was already 87 degrees. Bleh. I knew it would be hot, which is why we didn't take Elly, but I didn't expect that. We looked the part at the end, too ...

... myself more than she although she complained about it more than I. So, together, we were a good team!

It was a good outing, too, especially on the heels of yesterday's run full of hot topics. We revisited some in the spirit of closure, but we were also able to just jib-jab about nothing. That is, when we weren't gasping for breathable air! Really? This much complaint already? And, Summer hasn't even officially begun ...

Whether we are fast or slow, make stops or don't, it all adds up to good. The Food Bank fund continues to grow, too. If for no other reason -- even though there are plenty -- that's a great motivator to lace up and get out there!

So, we'll rest tomorrow, unplanned but very welcomed! We should be back on track in every way by the time the next run is on the books! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, stay cool, and we'll be checking in!

Teens and Running. It's All the Same. No, Really.

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 387.2 (running: 316.6 walking: 33.4; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 174.6  Money Found For Food Bank: $54.38

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 9 Pit Crew #2: 5

Pit Crew #2 is currently texting with a friend who went to State for her 2-mile run. She's getting the rundown of the event, no pun intended. I told her to respond with the following: "And, in other news, I went running with my mom this morning. It was super slow and not just because of my mom but also because of my dog. Oh, and we rescued a turtle and found money. Do you see turtles and/or money on your runs? Then, I guess your runs aren't very philanthropic, are they."

I can validate myself in any circumstance. Just sayin'. Oh, and I don't need to put someone else down to do it like I did in the above scenario. That was just fun in the no-way-I'd-ever-mean-that sense!

Oh, here's the turtle. From the sidewalk, I barely saw its shell going up and down on the mosey:

Elly had to check it out before everyone parted ways:

So, with another turtle save this year, PC#2 and I carried on both with running and with our conversation. Sometimes, our runs involved general merriment. Other times, there's life stuff to sort out. Today was the latter. It kind of sucked, too, because the topic was heavy as was the air thanks to the heat and incoming humidity. It was like, "Okay, wait. This is hard stuff to talk about and sort through and I feel gross because of the heat and it's harder to breathe because the air is getting thick. Waaaaaaah!!" *sigh* But, the weather is to running as learning life is to teenagers. You take what comes, and you make the very best of what is in front of you. And, you keep an eye on an even better for-you-for-them future.

None of this is a complaint, by the way. It's hard as hell some days, but that's just a fact. It's not a complaint. I remember a very long time ago, even before I met Aaron, I told people that I looked forward to the opportunity to love kids through their teen years. There's a lot of dismissiveness when it comes to teen angst, drama, growing pains, drama (wait, did I say that twice?), and I never, ever wanted to get on board with that. I didn't like it happening to me. I was never going to do that to someone else.

As difficult as some things are, you hunker down, and you get down to business working toward productive strategies and forward motion. Running. Teens. Work. Marriage. Friends. Teens. (There they are again!) The method to success is the same. You commit. You work. You figure it out.

And, by doing so, you get to love.

Two and Done

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 383 (running: 312.4 walking: 33.4; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 170.4  Money Found For Food Bank: $53.01

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 7 Pit Crew #2: 5

In an unfortunate turn of events for Pit Crew #2, I took a strong lead in our Volleyball rumble today ...

That turn of events came long after our morning run together! At least she started her day off right, amiright? As the meteorologists of the world promised, the morning was warm. Very warm. From the moment we stepped outside, we let out our first-of-the-season, "Eww." It was clear that we were going to be mighty hot every step of the run. Elly wasn't invited for this very reason. She did not really understand, but she got over it.

Today's was a short run, just two miles, and that was perfect. Knowing it was that short, and knowing we rest tomorrow, it was a faster and stronger run than most. That's what that short one is supposed to be for, so it was nice to successfully kick it into gear.

Summer is often a higgly-piggly mess for me as I scramble through my days trying to do what I normally do while fitting Summer in there somewhere. This running routine has brought back some of my sanity. If I ever thought I loved a schedule ...

The schedule is, indeed, key. When possible, it's nice to have some semblance of control! At least it starts the day off right. I cannot always be held responsible for how it plays out, but the start is good!

PC#2 was wise in her thinking when she planned the schedule to include Fridays OFF. Smart girl ... we'll be checking in ...

Toward a Goal Out Of the Gates

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 381 (running: 310.4 walking: 33.4; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 170.4  Money Found For Food Bank: $52.22

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 4 Pit Crew #2: 5

In a very important housekeeping note, I must amend the Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship "Best of" status. It's best of 101, not 51. It takes 51 wins to be the ultimate champion. I was momentarily confused when I first announced. My issue was probably being a little surprised that I started off in the hole. It looks like the girl is going to be a competitor this year!

Speaking of the girl, she and I have definitely found a good Summer swing. Between the many other things we need and want to do, the running schedule feels normal again. Neither of us was thrilled getting up this morning. In fact, I said there aren't going to be too many days starting this early, and she agreed. Of course, I'd just gotten out of bed, and she was still in hers. By the time we got going outside, those unmotivated morning feelings had passed.

It's supposed to start being hot in the mornings after today, so we took Elly while we knew we could. I won't lie, the girl of the four-legged variety was annoying. How many potty stops did she make? I don't know, I can't count that high! Pit Crew #2 and I decided to make a selfie our business ...

... while Elly took care of her own. At least this one was in the shade ...

We're heading for a virtual 10K in a few short weeks. There are two to pick from, so soon is the time to coordinate with Virtual Running Partner Extraordinaire Mary Kate to see if it's the duo or trio 10K that is first on the calendar!

Tomorrow's another running morning! The motivation continues, and it feels good to be back! We'll check in after!

Scheduled

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 374 (running: 307.4 walking: 29.4; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 170.4  Money Found For Food Bank: $52.15

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 51:

Me: 2 Pit Crew #2: 3

Ahh ... what a difference a schedule makes!!

Pit Crew #2 and I talked last night about making a schedule. Given all of the Summer duties and wanna-dos, I knew there was just no way to make the most out of our days without some self-imposed guidelines! The boys are managing their sides of life* while we girls took charge of ours! First on the list? A running schedule, of course!

* The boys are biking together this Summer. After their first ride last night, PC#3 came in to report: "Biking is like running if running were fun." Seriously, I love that kid!

So, in our discussion, PC#2 let me know she'd already decided she wanted to run Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I asked if I could just jump on her train, and that was that! For now, I'll give the guidelines for how many miles which will ultimately be negotiated. I want to work us back into six miles as comfortable, and then we'll reconfigure from there. The most important piece -- the schedule -- is in place. The rest is gravy.

Never mind that I think gravy is gross. It's still a good saying.

So, as scheduled (yay! I like saying that again!), we headed out with the pound hound this morning. It was rather warm, so Elly took advantage of any shade she found. That, of course, translates into interval running, but it still works! During one of her sidelines, she investigated a bit of nature:

We dubbed that moment Elly's Nature Preserve Field Trip. And, then, I had flashbacks to accompanying such field trips with the young Crewers. I hated those field trips. They did absolutely nothing for me. I was more of the room mom kind of gal complete with designing games and bringing treats. Chaperoning the nature preserve places sucked. But, I tried. Ohhh how I tried ...

So, tomorrow, we REST! That works well for me because I have to admit I'm still getting used to running and pool volleyballing! Sunday's six rounds of the volleyball -- where it was mighty evident I have become the weak link of the teams! -- did nothing for that first mile of running this morning. All was forgiven by Mile 2 ...

Enjoy your Tuesday as Summer weather starts to really knock on the door! I'll be checking in ...!

Back In the Swing

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 370.9 (running: 304.3 walking: 29.4; biking: 36.2) Elly's miles: 167.3  Money Found For Food Bank: $52.15

Summer 2016 Ultimate Pool Volleyball Championship - Best of 101:

Me: 1 Pit Crew #2: 3

There's nothing like using a little external motivation to get me going some mornings! This morning's running inspiration came to me last night in the form of seeing a penny outside our car window. It was at the very moment that I told Pit Crew #2, "Well, now we know what street we're putting on tomorrow's route."

And, so it was:

Running two days in a row isn't always cause for celebration. But, today, I decided it was. After all, I had back-to-back hiatuses and am completely out of the groove. And, I didn't feel like getting up early this morning. But, I did, as did PC#2. And, together, we ran this town ...

I told PC#2 to not be too jeals about my hair ...

... or, at least, part of it!
So, the running has returned as well as the annual rounds of pool volleyball! PC#2 and I started our big tournament (Best of 51) MUCH earlier than when I had the grand idea last year (August, wasn't it? Yeah, like we'd have a chance to finish ...). I'll post the ongoing status of this at the top, but I have to start off by saying I'm down 1-3 games so far ... I must be getting old.

Well, if this is old, I'm doing well!! While pool time is on tomorrow's docket, running is not! Fill your Sunday with whatever pleases you most, and I'll be checking in ...