-- ZERO miles remain in our 2,015 in 2015 Challenge --
And, this morning ...
We finished!!
2,105 combined miles in 2015!
Buh-BAM!
Showing posts with label 2015 In 2015 Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015 In 2015 Challenge. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Mission Complete
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 995.4 (running: 809.4; walking: 41.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $10.78
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 995.4 Aaron: 725.2 (b: 639.6; w: 79.6) Elly: 297.6 Total: 2018.2
And, this morning ...
And, this morning ...
Sunday, December 6, 2015
The Quiet Before
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 960.8 (running: 776.8; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $2.89
And, it's Sunday!! I'd ask where Saturday went, but I totally know. I am positive I lived in every, single minute of Saturday. In fact, there is not one part of the day where I didn't absorb every, little part of what was happening. It was wonderful and exhausting. And, by the time it was over, I was way too tired to recap the blip on the day's radar that was the morning run!
I think it's a good thing both Aaron and I started the day with such an outing. We had the perfect pocket of understated time before the storm of the day (even good storms are exhausting). We had Elly with us who had quite the unexpected spring in her step that was completely absent on Friday's run. So, we three created a quiet buzz to get the day rolling in the right direction.
And, tell me this didn't add to the positivity of the outing!
Positively perfect!!
The running continues as the Food Bank stash goes up and the miles to go on our year-end goal go down! Only 85.8 miles to go, and tomorrow's another day I'll be adding to it! Together, we totally got this! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and I'll see you after the morning run!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 960.8 Aaron: 699.2 (b: 619.6; w: 79.6) Elly: 269.2 Total: 1929.2
And, it's Sunday!! I'd ask where Saturday went, but I totally know. I am positive I lived in every, single minute of Saturday. In fact, there is not one part of the day where I didn't absorb every, little part of what was happening. It was wonderful and exhausting. And, by the time it was over, I was way too tired to recap the blip on the day's radar that was the morning run!
I think it's a good thing both Aaron and I started the day with such an outing. We had the perfect pocket of understated time before the storm of the day (even good storms are exhausting). We had Elly with us who had quite the unexpected spring in her step that was completely absent on Friday's run. So, we three created a quiet buzz to get the day rolling in the right direction.
And, tell me this didn't add to the positivity of the outing!
The running continues as the Food Bank stash goes up and the miles to go on our year-end goal go down! Only 85.8 miles to go, and tomorrow's another day I'll be adding to it! Together, we totally got this! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and I'll see you after the morning run!
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
My Rest Master
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 947.7 (running: 767.6; walking: 39.2; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $2.89
Wooooo-wheeeee!! It was a chilly one out there today!! The beginning of the run was pretty okay, but, soon after hitting the first mile, we rounded the corner into a big wind shift, and the temperature just dropped.
And, so it goes ...
Elly joined me again today, and she was much more focused than she was yesterday! I struck that up to running the same route, so, perhaps, the smells weren't quite as interesting the next day! I realize I'm completely making that up, but those are the things I think about when trotting along. Trying to stay warm. Because I wasn't dressed for the temperature to drop mid-run!
I forgot my camera which was also okay because it was best to just keep moving and not doing much of anything different once in a groove! Besides, if I had running pictures, could I really over-indulge and show off these?!
I just walked around the corner and saw that sweet face staring at me. She's been on that couch all day. Her two-day tally of 9.2 miles earned her some rest for sure! She has this rest thing down pat!
Speaking of those piling on the miles, I'd like to congratulate our friends who joined us in the 2,015 in 2015 Challenge as their team of three wrapped up their total miles this past weekend!! Ben, the leader of their pack, used to be an avid runner until he had an injury and other life happenings that sidelined him for quite some time. I'm pretty certain this challenge helped give him the excuse he needed back out there to do something that seems to run in his blood (unlike those of us who needed a later in life injection of interest!). So, way to go to them!!
The Change Hounds are still on track, but we're going to need the month to wrap this up!
I will not be contributing to my miles tomorrow as it's a super-busy Rest Day ahead of me, but I'll be back to it Friday! Stay warm if you've been suddenly slapped with the BRRRR, and I'll be checking in!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 947.7 Aaron: 673.6 (b: 598.6; w: 75) Elly: 260 Total: 1863.3
Wooooo-wheeeee!! It was a chilly one out there today!! The beginning of the run was pretty okay, but, soon after hitting the first mile, we rounded the corner into a big wind shift, and the temperature just dropped.
And, so it goes ...
Elly joined me again today, and she was much more focused than she was yesterday! I struck that up to running the same route, so, perhaps, the smells weren't quite as interesting the next day! I realize I'm completely making that up, but those are the things I think about when trotting along. Trying to stay warm. Because I wasn't dressed for the temperature to drop mid-run!
I forgot my camera which was also okay because it was best to just keep moving and not doing much of anything different once in a groove! Besides, if I had running pictures, could I really over-indulge and show off these?!
Speaking of those piling on the miles, I'd like to congratulate our friends who joined us in the 2,015 in 2015 Challenge as their team of three wrapped up their total miles this past weekend!! Ben, the leader of their pack, used to be an avid runner until he had an injury and other life happenings that sidelined him for quite some time. I'm pretty certain this challenge helped give him the excuse he needed back out there to do something that seems to run in his blood (unlike those of us who needed a later in life injection of interest!). So, way to go to them!!
The Change Hounds are still on track, but we're going to need the month to wrap this up!
I will not be contributing to my miles tomorrow as it's a super-busy Rest Day ahead of me, but I'll be back to it Friday! Stay warm if you've been suddenly slapped with the BRRRR, and I'll be checking in!
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Up and At It!
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 729.5 (running: 553.1; walking: 31.6; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $61.63
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 729.5 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2) Elly: 166.9 Total: 1362.7*
*Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Whiffed by the end of August, but completed today. Eh, what's 6 days ...
So, by the time I went to bed Friday night, I didn't even consider running yesterday morning! I was completely whipped, and I knew getting up early to run wasn't going to do anyone any good. My body said, "REST, FOOL!" Who am I to argue?! And, then the entire day was consumed by (a) my newfound, nothing-to-do-with-running project, and (b) getting in the pool time while the pool is still open!, so, here it is a day later than otherwise planned.
And, so it goes ...!
I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with this morning (running vs. sleeping) until I heard Elly bolt out of our room. She's usually down with the morning slumber, but, if the leash comes off the hook, the girl is up and at it! Aaron was all set to take her out, and she got so excited that just the movement of her up-and-bolting woke me up -- which is when I also decided that I needed to get on out there!
It's a good thing there was a lot of good company because the weather was just awful. Very hot, very thick, very gross. Oh, and then there was Aaron who directed the outing to hit a big, long hill before the end of the first mile. It was his idea to go, so I figured I should take his lead instead of insisting on what I would do. I also figured I'd complain about it a little bit and write it off to having been awake for only about 8 minutes. He and I both knew better and that I would have complained no matter what, but he went along with it.
I will note that I am pretty sure his approach to this particular route is probably better than mine. He has a point that it gets the biggest of hills out of the way first instead at the end of the run. If I ever get over the psychological struggle of facing that big hill first, I might just have to reroute myself on a regular basis. We'll see how long that takes.
Everyone was a winner on this outing including our leopard gecko, Winnie, who got the little critter in Aaron's hand when we got back home:
Yes, that's a grasshopper. Aaron caught and carried it for the last mile of the route. I guess that actually beats carrying Elly's poo ...
So, there were over-achievers today and those who are slacking a bit. In the over-achieving department, Aaron made up for some lost Change Hound miles by biking 31 miles between yesterday and this morning! WooHoo!! We have completed the August goal! And, in my virtual core challenge, well, I am probably slacking compared to most as I took the entire day off from everything yesterday instead of just from running. But, bite me, challenge, I needed some rest! And, if I do the core challenge even on just the days I run, I'm way, way, way ahead of where I have ever been. So ... there.
And, soon, we keep ourselves in motion by again hitting the pool!! I guess there's some good to this sudden heat after all! Enjoy every part of your Sunday, and I'll be checking in soon!!!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 729.5 Aaron: 466.3 (b: 413.1; w: 53.2) Elly: 166.9 Total: 1362.7*
*Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Whiffed by the end of August, but completed today. Eh, what's 6 days ...
So, by the time I went to bed Friday night, I didn't even consider running yesterday morning! I was completely whipped, and I knew getting up early to run wasn't going to do anyone any good. My body said, "REST, FOOL!" Who am I to argue?! And, then the entire day was consumed by (a) my newfound, nothing-to-do-with-running project, and (b) getting in the pool time while the pool is still open!, so, here it is a day later than otherwise planned.
And, so it goes ...!
I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with this morning (running vs. sleeping) until I heard Elly bolt out of our room. She's usually down with the morning slumber, but, if the leash comes off the hook, the girl is up and at it! Aaron was all set to take her out, and she got so excited that just the movement of her up-and-bolting woke me up -- which is when I also decided that I needed to get on out there!
It's a good thing there was a lot of good company because the weather was just awful. Very hot, very thick, very gross. Oh, and then there was Aaron who directed the outing to hit a big, long hill before the end of the first mile. It was his idea to go, so I figured I should take his lead instead of insisting on what I would do. I also figured I'd complain about it a little bit and write it off to having been awake for only about 8 minutes. He and I both knew better and that I would have complained no matter what, but he went along with it.
I will note that I am pretty sure his approach to this particular route is probably better than mine. He has a point that it gets the biggest of hills out of the way first instead at the end of the run. If I ever get over the psychological struggle of facing that big hill first, I might just have to reroute myself on a regular basis. We'll see how long that takes.
Everyone was a winner on this outing including our leopard gecko, Winnie, who got the little critter in Aaron's hand when we got back home:
 |
| Ohmygosh, how cute is Elly?!?!?!? |
So, there were over-achievers today and those who are slacking a bit. In the over-achieving department, Aaron made up for some lost Change Hound miles by biking 31 miles between yesterday and this morning! WooHoo!! We have completed the August goal! And, in my virtual core challenge, well, I am probably slacking compared to most as I took the entire day off from everything yesterday instead of just from running. But, bite me, challenge, I needed some rest! And, if I do the core challenge even on just the days I run, I'm way, way, way ahead of where I have ever been. So ... there.
And, soon, we keep ourselves in motion by again hitting the pool!! I guess there's some good to this sudden heat after all! Enjoy every part of your Sunday, and I'll be checking in soon!!!
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Too Close To Let Sit
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 674.3 (running: 500.1; walking: 29.4; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $53.50
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 674.3 Aaron: 416.6 (b: 372.9; w: 43.7) Elly: 147.9 Total: 1238.8
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 674.3 Aaron: 416.6 (b: 372.9; w: 43.7) Elly: 147.9 Total: 1238.8
I didn't plan to run this morning. Then I looked at my mileage and saw I was less than two miles away from rolling 500. Being that close was unacceptable. So, I put my running shoes on ...
My year-end running goal is 900 miles, and I've been pretty sure I'm behind on that. But, then, I see where I'm at, and I'm not so sure it's as unattainable as I thought. By my quick calculations, it will require about 95 miles a month. I'm pretty comfortable at 80 a month and have never aspired to log more.
It's now time to decide how uncomfortable I want to be ...
In the meantime, the morning run was good for its purpose. All of the Change Hounds participated (and all who could speak articulated feeling a little more stiff from yesterday than anticipated!). I rolled my mileage counter, and miles were added to the year-long goal. And, sometimes, that's enough.
 |
| "That was plenty for me, mommy!" |
The next two days are full from top to bottom, and I'm taking them off from running. I'll be back at it Tuesday! Enjoy the next few days, and start your week off just the way you want! I'll be checking in soon ...!
Monday, July 20, 2015
Wash Out
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 608.4 (running: 436.9; walking: 26.7; biking: 144.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $50.17
My morning schedule was completely foiled by a huge downpour! I knew it was supposed to rain, but, I hoped it would just rain and leave out the lightening and rain so hard you can't see through it jazz. (That didn't stop me from dropping off my recycling and getting shower-worthy soaked doing it, though!) I considered waiting it out, but I didn't know how long that would mean and if I could get a good run in in between predicted bouts of rain. So, I opted for the bike and the DVR. That tends to be a winning combination!
A ride on the bike also tends to make my next run better. I think it's from mixing up the muscles and working them different. I'm not really sure, but I still haven't incorporated the bike in to a normal routine because, frankly, I just like to be outside when exercising! To each his or her own ...
So, even though the morning didn't start off the way I expected or even wanted, it was still a great start. I capped off my workout with one of my favorite breakfasts of spouted bread, egg white French toast ...
I know I shared this the other day, but it's just that good. I forgot to mention then that I generously sprinkle each piece with powdered, sugar free French vanilla creamer, and it's so so so good!! I got that idea from Hungry Girl a couple of years ago, and no piece of French toast around here has been made without it since!
While I relaxed with my breakfast, Elly continued to keep me company the same as she did while I was on the bike:
Even if things don't go the way you thought, I hope there are options to keep them moving forward for you today! Have a great start to the week, and I'll check in after the morning run!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 608.4 Aaron: 373.3 (b: 338.6; w: 34.7) Elly: 126 Total: 1107.7
 |
| "My morning is going exactly as planned." |
A ride on the bike also tends to make my next run better. I think it's from mixing up the muscles and working them different. I'm not really sure, but I still haven't incorporated the bike in to a normal routine because, frankly, I just like to be outside when exercising! To each his or her own ...
So, even though the morning didn't start off the way I expected or even wanted, it was still a great start. I capped off my workout with one of my favorite breakfasts of spouted bread, egg white French toast ...
While I relaxed with my breakfast, Elly continued to keep me company the same as she did while I was on the bike:
 |
| "No run. Got told to get away from the bike because I was too close to the pedals, whatever that means. No one shared breakfast with me. Have to potty in the rain. *sigh*" |
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Better Because Of Her
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 551.8 (running: 395.2; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $46.25
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 551.8 Aaron: 350.7 (b: 310.2; w: 30.9) Elly: 105.6 Total: 1008.1*
*Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Completed!
After two Rest Days and a few, hard-fought games of pool basketball and/or Monkey In the Middle, to say my thigh muscles were screaming this morning would be an understatement. They really didn't want to run. But, I did. And, so did my girl. So, we went, screaming muscles and all.
Without a doubt, having Pit Crew #2 with me this morning made for a better run and not just because I enjoy her company. Almost every time we go out together, I push myself just a little harder in those moments where I might otherwise consider either slowing it down or taking a break. That's not to say I do that all the time because, obviously, I don't. But, it is to say being with her makes me all the more in tune with what I actually need physically versus what I might otherwise just want.
So, it's totally her fault that my thighs were still killing me when we were finished, amiright?! (ha!)
In addition to the push she provided, PC#2 is the one who found the biggest, single coin (a quarter: BOOM) whereas I was mighty adept and finding the pennies:
That's the second batch of pennies I've found in two weeks that was clearly dumped out of someone's car. For real, people, I do. not. get. it. But, the Food Bank is going to get an additional 50 cents (or 7.5 meals) because someone tossed these!
We also saw these:
A whole mess of them had fallen to the street, too. And, while we didn't know what they were, I do know a slimy piece of one managed to stick to PC#2's sock, and we discovered it while at the store on our way home. It was pretty funny (to me) because she was all grossed out when picking off the random piece of gross produce stuck to her sock.
Before wrapping up the run, we saw this!
I was all, "Ohhhhhh, kitty!!" only to immediately have to change tone and say, "Woahhhh ... truck!" as one was backing out of the driveway right next to where I saw the kitty. Kitty was either completely unphased or anxiously awaiting the truck-to-person collision. 'Depends on the kitty's 'tude.
This was a run I was excited to do as it took the Change Hounds right on to the half-way point of mileage required to complete the 2,015 in 2015 Challenge!! Just a couple of weeks ago, I was a bit concerned we'd catch it up, but, with one week left in the month, we did it! Yay, us!
And, yay, us!
I have to hand it to the girl for going. I can't say I would have done the same at her age!
Tomorrow? The plan is to run unless we get rained out! I'll check in either way; see you then!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 551.8 Aaron: 350.7 (b: 310.2; w: 30.9) Elly: 105.6 Total: 1008.1*
*Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Completed!
After two Rest Days and a few, hard-fought games of pool basketball and/or Monkey In the Middle, to say my thigh muscles were screaming this morning would be an understatement. They really didn't want to run. But, I did. And, so did my girl. So, we went, screaming muscles and all.
Without a doubt, having Pit Crew #2 with me this morning made for a better run and not just because I enjoy her company. Almost every time we go out together, I push myself just a little harder in those moments where I might otherwise consider either slowing it down or taking a break. That's not to say I do that all the time because, obviously, I don't. But, it is to say being with her makes me all the more in tune with what I actually need physically versus what I might otherwise just want.
So, it's totally her fault that my thighs were still killing me when we were finished, amiright?! (ha!)
In addition to the push she provided, PC#2 is the one who found the biggest, single coin (a quarter: BOOM) whereas I was mighty adept and finding the pennies:
We also saw these:
Before wrapping up the run, we saw this!
This was a run I was excited to do as it took the Change Hounds right on to the half-way point of mileage required to complete the 2,015 in 2015 Challenge!! Just a couple of weeks ago, I was a bit concerned we'd catch it up, but, with one week left in the month, we did it! Yay, us!
And, yay, us!
Tomorrow? The plan is to run unless we get rained out! I'll check in either way; see you then!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Just Right
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 515.3 (running: 358.7; walking: 23.8; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $41.41
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 515.3 Aaron: 291.3 (b: 260.4; w: 30.9) Elly: 99.6 Total: 906.2
I told Aaron last night that we were sorely behind in our 2015 Challenge thanks to my 9 days off and his many more days off of mileage contribution. Indeed, that happens, but it is time to check both of us and get back into it! We decided to reboot with a whole-team walk this morning:
It was a short walk, but that was good because it was all humid and gross. Hellooooooo, Summer!
While I have no idea what Aaron's doing in the morning, I know I'm running. Elly will rest not as much because she needs it, but because she doesn't need to be in the sudden heat. Or, any heat!
It was a perfectly, lovely Sunday that started off just right with a little outside groove! May yours have started and continued just as well, and I'll see you after the morning run!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 515.3 Aaron: 291.3 (b: 260.4; w: 30.9) Elly: 99.6 Total: 906.2
I told Aaron last night that we were sorely behind in our 2015 Challenge thanks to my 9 days off and his many more days off of mileage contribution. Indeed, that happens, but it is time to check both of us and get back into it! We decided to reboot with a whole-team walk this morning:
 |
| Look how happy the one in the middle is! |
While I have no idea what Aaron's doing in the morning, I know I'm running. Elly will rest not as much because she needs it, but because she doesn't need to be in the sudden heat. Or, any heat!
It was a perfectly, lovely Sunday that started off just right with a little outside groove! May yours have started and continued just as well, and I'll see you after the morning run!
Friday, May 15, 2015
Necessary Evil
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 466.7 (running: 322.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $38.34
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 466.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6) Elly: 86.1 Total: 840.8*
* Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Completed!
Happy, happy FRIDAY!!
So, the other day, I left the house with my camera but no memory card. This morning, the card was in the camera, but the camera was at home. I didn't realize it 'til I arrived at my starting point. Whoopsie. It's probably for the better, though, because I later discovered a little hole in my pocket, a hole I know has been created by the camera and would have been mighty exacerbated by a 12-mile run. It looks like I have some darning to do especially when that's the second of three good pairs of running shorts I own that have such a hole.
Do you darn pockets? I know you darn socks. I also know this is a really antiquated word, but so what.
This run was tough. It was almost 20 degrees warmer this morning than any run I've done this calendar year. That in an of itself made it tough never mind the fact that I'm just ready to complete next weekend's Faux Girl and settle in fora long Winter's nap some extended rest! I love the run; I'm just due for some real rest!
But, before the rest are a few more miles in front of me. This morning's outing was reasonably successful although I took more walk breaks than I would normally consider. But, the 20-degree jump is not normal, and it has to be respected if I don't want to pass out en route. Which I don't. I even stopped in a pizza place about a mile and a half away from my finish to refill my water. It was just required.
I'm not normally a fan of the 11- and 12-mile training runs, and I've just come to expect there will be some feeling of ugh before-during-and/or-after. Well, wait ... never after! It's just a long way to go for ... well, I don't want to say 'for nothing,' but I have to admit it kind of feels that way! Thirteen miles rules because there has always been bling and treats after. Eleven and twelve? Necessary evils.
Apparently, I've narrowed my preferred long-run mileage down to 10, which is almost always just fine, and 13 because I get prizes. And, there you have it.
In excellent news today, I was about two-tenths of a mile from finishing when I heard the thunder rumble. I looked behind me, and there was clearly a storm going on a few miles back. The excellent part of this story is that I wasn't caught in it! In fact, the sun came right back out minutes later. But, just when I was going to show you this year's start of the post-run sitting spot on our deck, the thunder returned. So, currently, the sitting spot looks like this:
And, because the thunder is going and going and going, Elly looks like this:
Today's run was not only successful for getting the miles covered, but it was also a good one because I hit the monthly mile goal to keep The Change Hounds on track for the end-of-the-year goal. I thought we were way behind and wouldn't hit it until the end of next week. But, it happened today. BAM. That, in and of itself, made this run a good one!
What keeps these runs going even when I'm just kind of tired is the very fact that there are multiple goals going on. 2,015 in 2015 Challenge. Half Marathon means I get bling. Finding money making this whole thing bigger than me. Sometimes it feels good. It's almost always fun. I feel awesome when I finish even if the run sucked. It's nice to have a variety of motivators to pick from on any given day. Different motivators for different days totally works! Keep yourself open to what works for you!
In the meantime, have a great slide into the weekend! I'll thoroughly enjoy mine while I sport my new shirt!! (Thanks again, Mary Kate!!!!)
I'll be checking in on tomorrow's Rest Day!
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 466.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6) Elly: 86.1 Total: 840.8*
* Average monthly mileage required to hit year-end goal: Completed!
Happy, happy FRIDAY!!
Do you darn pockets? I know you darn socks. I also know this is a really antiquated word, but so what.
This run was tough. It was almost 20 degrees warmer this morning than any run I've done this calendar year. That in an of itself made it tough never mind the fact that I'm just ready to complete next weekend's Faux Girl and settle in for
But, before the rest are a few more miles in front of me. This morning's outing was reasonably successful although I took more walk breaks than I would normally consider. But, the 20-degree jump is not normal, and it has to be respected if I don't want to pass out en route. Which I don't. I even stopped in a pizza place about a mile and a half away from my finish to refill my water. It was just required.
I'm not normally a fan of the 11- and 12-mile training runs, and I've just come to expect there will be some feeling of ugh before-during-and/or-after. Well, wait ... never after! It's just a long way to go for ... well, I don't want to say 'for nothing,' but I have to admit it kind of feels that way! Thirteen miles rules because there has always been bling and treats after. Eleven and twelve? Necessary evils.
Apparently, I've narrowed my preferred long-run mileage down to 10, which is almost always just fine, and 13 because I get prizes. And, there you have it.
In excellent news today, I was about two-tenths of a mile from finishing when I heard the thunder rumble. I looked behind me, and there was clearly a storm going on a few miles back. The excellent part of this story is that I wasn't caught in it! In fact, the sun came right back out minutes later. But, just when I was going to show you this year's start of the post-run sitting spot on our deck, the thunder returned. So, currently, the sitting spot looks like this:
 |
| I know. I baby my pots. They can sit in the rain, but with the storm predicted, well, I feel the need to protect them! |
 |
| "I'm trying to be brave, mommy. It's not working." |
What keeps these runs going even when I'm just kind of tired is the very fact that there are multiple goals going on. 2,015 in 2015 Challenge. Half Marathon means I get bling. Finding money making this whole thing bigger than me. Sometimes it feels good. It's almost always fun. I feel awesome when I finish even if the run sucked. It's nice to have a variety of motivators to pick from on any given day. Different motivators for different days totally works! Keep yourself open to what works for you!
In the meantime, have a great slide into the weekend! I'll thoroughly enjoy mine while I sport my new shirt!! (Thanks again, Mary Kate!!!!)
 |
| Note the poor pooch behind me ... |
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Role Reversal
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 386 (running: 273.2; walking: 19; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $35.14
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 386 Aaron: 277.5 (b: 251.4; w: 26.1) Elly: 79.8 Total: 743.3
Hello friends!! Elly here!! After mommy's post yesterday, where she got all deep and stuff, I thought I'd provide some levity today! And, really, that's all I really have. I am deep in the heart loving my family, but that's about where it begins and ends. Oh, and I hate the cats. I really hate them. That also runs deep.
But, why focus on the negative when there's so much good!! In today's 'good' category, I decided to take both mommy and daddy on a walk! It was such a nice evening, and I didn't want to miss exploring it! I got to see all kinds of good stuff ...
Right when we started out, a dog crossed my path! As we had just started, I was full of energy, so I wanted to run after it!
I had a great time sniffing!! MAN was my sniffer on overdrive tonight! I really only took a break when it was absolutely necessary, like when I had to wait for my business to be cleaned up.
I was super-duper good when crossing paths with another dog. I just gave it my best "I'm so much cooler than you" smile and went on my way:
I took the folks for two miles, and now I must nap for the rest of the night! I hope you get to hunker down and cuddle up to those you love like I do!
I'll be back to the running soon! Stay tuned ...
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 386 Aaron: 277.5 (b: 251.4; w: 26.1) Elly: 79.8 Total: 743.3
Hello friends!! Elly here!! After mommy's post yesterday, where she got all deep and stuff, I thought I'd provide some levity today! And, really, that's all I really have. I am deep in the heart loving my family, but that's about where it begins and ends. Oh, and I hate the cats. I really hate them. That also runs deep.
But, why focus on the negative when there's so much good!! In today's 'good' category, I decided to take both mommy and daddy on a walk! It was such a nice evening, and I didn't want to miss exploring it! I got to see all kinds of good stuff ...
Right when we started out, a dog crossed my path! As we had just started, I was full of energy, so I wanted to run after it!
 |
| "DRAT!! Tethered to the leash!! But, if not for the leash, I wouldn't have any exploring time. So, I guess I can't complain." |
 |
| "Faster, Daddy, FASTER!! Places to go! Things to sniff!" |
I'll be back to the running soon! Stay tuned ...
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Unplanned Accomplishments
2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 237.1 Aaron: 194.25 (b: 174.45; w: 16.8) Elly: 43.2 Total: 474.55
So, this was one of those days where I had a whole, mental list of things I thought I should accomplish, and I'm reasonably certain I did not do a single one of them. The very first thing I had to attend to this morning wasn't on the list, and that threw the entire rest of the day off. Ta-Da!!!
As it turns out, though, I accomplished a few things I didn't even consider paying attention to.
And! I now have new to-dos coming down the road because this came in today's mail:
If you don't know (because I sure didn't until the Trim Healthy Mama invasion), it's used as a thickener for sauce, soup, pudding, etc. Apparently, it's high in the soluble fiber category. I'd go into the other reported health benefits of it, but I've not really sat and thought about them long enough to even speak to it beyond "here's what this site and this book and this article said even though I haven't put all the words together myself."
All I really know is that there are a handful of recipes in my new book that call for it, so I had to have it. Is there a better reason? In case you are ever looking, we couldn't find a place that sells it in store, so we bought it online.
Speaking of my book ... okay, so you have to order the book online or through a bookstore (like we did; saved us the shipping). Before doing so, we got it from the library. In fact, we checked out both of the library's copies so we could read at the same time. We've already returned one copy that was due, and the other is now due. That means the time has come for me to break the binding on mine ...
And, in other news of things that unexpectedly were accomplished today, I didn't exercise, but these two did:
Well done, you two. I didn't do anything exercise-wise today! I'm crossing my fingers that the rain forecast for overnight really does clear out by the time I'm ready to run tomorrow! I have my 10 miles mapped, and I'm ready! I also have a Plan B route if I need to wait it out a little bit. Either way, I'm wanting this run outside, so I'm trying to be patient waiting to see what plans pan out!
I hope your Friday starts off just the way you want!! Have a great one, and I'll see you after the morning run!
So, this was one of those days where I had a whole, mental list of things I thought I should accomplish, and I'm reasonably certain I did not do a single one of them. The very first thing I had to attend to this morning wasn't on the list, and that threw the entire rest of the day off. Ta-Da!!!
As it turns out, though, I accomplished a few things I didn't even consider paying attention to.
And! I now have new to-dos coming down the road because this came in today's mail:
 |
| It currently sits in between the Truvia and the container of chia seeds. Whose kitchen is this?!?! |
All I really know is that there are a handful of recipes in my new book that call for it, so I had to have it. Is there a better reason? In case you are ever looking, we couldn't find a place that sells it in store, so we bought it online.
Speaking of my book ... okay, so you have to order the book online or through a bookstore (like we did; saved us the shipping). Before doing so, we got it from the library. In fact, we checked out both of the library's copies so we could read at the same time. We've already returned one copy that was due, and the other is now due. That means the time has come for me to break the binding on mine ...
 |
| It's hard to tell what a mess the one from the library is. It has definitely been used. My beautiful, brand new one awaits on the right. It's going to be tough, though -- kind of like getting a new pair of shoes and hating that very first scuff. Until you no longer care, and the shoes get beaten to crap. |
 |
| Elly's all, "That was awesome, daddy, but wow are you wet with sweat. Space, please." |
I hope your Friday starts off just the way you want!! Have a great one, and I'll see you after the morning run!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
What's In a Name? A Little Bit of Everything ...
Change Hounds Progress: Nancy: 94.2 Aaron: 78.5 (b: 65.2; w: 13.3) Elly: 14.5 Total: 187.2 miles
Yes, it's true: We finally landed on a name for our 2,015 in 2015 challenge!! YEAHHHHH!! Here's how it went down ...
Yesterday afternoon, I looked at Aaron and said, "Seriously. We need a name for this challenge, and I'm totally out of ideas." Aaron threw a few out that I immediately vetoed -- normal in the early stages of brainstorming, don'tcha know -- and, out of the blue, he said, "Change Hounds."
Our official, insider name is actually subtitled. It's: "Change Hounds: Our Amazing Journey." Here's how it breaks down:
Hounds, of course, is our homage to Elly. It is because of her, after all, that this running gig really started.
Change has two meanings. The obvious is my prowess for finding it. And, looking for it. And, making my outings more about finding it than actually running. Or, it seems that way.
The second meaning is exactly for the change in our lives running has brought. Aaron did not marry himself a runner nor someone who purposely exercised for the inherent sake of doing so, and I did not marry someone who made exercise an intentional part of his life. We did what we liked and thought fun when it was in front of us, but it wasn't much of a plan. As we got away from the team sports and left to our own, seems-we're-not-doing-anything devices, we decided it was important to come up with something. Running has made a huge difference not just in my own walk through life but in that of our kiddos because they see exercise as a normal and fun thing to plug into life and not a drudgery to cross fingers and hope to avoid as they get older. I love the change of the family trajectory. Everyone wins!
Change is good.
And, then, put the two words together in the Change Hounds order, and it encompasses the many little pieces of this very simple, just-move concept!
Our subtitle? Yeah, follow me on this one ...
As a joke, Aaron threw The Amazing Journey out as a name option. Given we are fans of The Amazing Race, you might think it came from there. Not so much. It's a total poke at another favorite in the reality show genre: The Bachelor/ette. I don't even care if you judge. If you've ever seen it, there are no two, more over-used words than how AMAZING everything is and how much everyone is enjoying the JOURNEY. It's enough to make you puke.
So, Aaron throws it out, and it immediately makes me laugh. It's even funnier because Aaron's miles are mostly on the stationary bike, and mine are ultimately in a big loop ultimately going absolutely nowhere*. We enjoyed the irony.
* Absolutely nowhere. Kind of like the relationships on that show. Frankly, our stationary biking and finish-where-you-start outings go wayyyyyy farther than those relations! Again ... WE WIN!
So, there it is! Change Hounds. I love it!
With that, it is off to get some goods ready to cheer on the Seahawks!! I was going to share some of the recipes I made today, but I realized, duh, they're not yet cooked and some not yet tasted! So, recipes to come this week; right now, it's time to get ready to cheer with my favorite Seahawks fan!!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend whatever you are doing, and I'll see you after the morning run!
Yes, it's true: We finally landed on a name for our 2,015 in 2015 challenge!! YEAHHHHH!! Here's how it went down ...
Yesterday afternoon, I looked at Aaron and said, "Seriously. We need a name for this challenge, and I'm totally out of ideas." Aaron threw a few out that I immediately vetoed -- normal in the early stages of brainstorming, don'tcha know -- and, out of the blue, he said, "Change Hounds."
Our official, insider name is actually subtitled. It's: "Change Hounds: Our Amazing Journey." Here's how it breaks down:
Hounds, of course, is our homage to Elly. It is because of her, after all, that this running gig really started.
 |
| Elly right after we adopted her in 2008. We changed her life, so I guess she wanted to return the favor ... |
The second meaning is exactly for the change in our lives running has brought. Aaron did not marry himself a runner nor someone who purposely exercised for the inherent sake of doing so, and I did not marry someone who made exercise an intentional part of his life. We did what we liked and thought fun when it was in front of us, but it wasn't much of a plan. As we got away from the team sports and left to our own, seems-we're-not-doing-anything devices, we decided it was important to come up with something. Running has made a huge difference not just in my own walk through life but in that of our kiddos because they see exercise as a normal and fun thing to plug into life and not a drudgery to cross fingers and hope to avoid as they get older. I love the change of the family trajectory. Everyone wins!
Change is good.
And, then, put the two words together in the Change Hounds order, and it encompasses the many little pieces of this very simple, just-move concept!
Our subtitle? Yeah, follow me on this one ...
 |
| Google images didn't fail me for a pic! |
So, Aaron throws it out, and it immediately makes me laugh. It's even funnier because Aaron's miles are mostly on the stationary bike, and mine are ultimately in a big loop ultimately going absolutely nowhere*. We enjoyed the irony.
* Absolutely nowhere. Kind of like the relationships on that show. Frankly, our stationary biking and finish-where-you-start outings go wayyyyyy farther than those relations! Again ... WE WIN!
So, there it is! Change Hounds. I love it!
With that, it is off to get some goods ready to cheer on the Seahawks!! I was going to share some of the recipes I made today, but I realized, duh, they're not yet cooked and some not yet tasted! So, recipes to come this week; right now, it's time to get ready to cheer with my favorite Seahawks fan!!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
It Arrived!
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 76.9 (running: 42; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $14.80
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (seriously ... name!!): Nancy: 76.9 Aaron: 60.9 (b: 47.6; w: 13.3) Elly: 14.5 Total: 152.3
Look what came in the mail yesterday afternoon!!!!!
It was so fun to pull an envelope with some weight to it out of the mailbox -- as opposed to the light-as-a-feather-because-it-was-empty one earlier in the week! This medal is heavy. Like, duck really fast if it's thrown at you heavy. The star in the middle spins. It's awesome!!
And, as a reminder of how awesome it is, it was resent immediately at no charge by the caring people of US Road Running when I reported mine was lost in the mail! I still haven't gotten over that ... in a good way!
So, I now have the medals for the future family run; now to seek the ones for the girls ...
And, today? Yeah, I chose to sleep instead of run. I never run both days of the weekend, so I don't know what I was doing even considering it yesterday! Sometimes, I need to remind myself to just chill. It worked out great, too, because by the time I would have headed out, there was a heavy mist going on. It was the kind that looks like nothing but would soak you in mere minutes. Who wants to start the day like that? Aaron and Elly got a good walk in before it came down, so everyone won today!
Training for April's Half officially begins next Saturday, so this is the last week to be willy-nilly with the plans ... as willy-nilly as I ever get with plans! Tomorrow's plan is to hit the streets to bank some miles! Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in after the morning run!
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (seriously ... name!!): Nancy: 76.9 Aaron: 60.9 (b: 47.6; w: 13.3) Elly: 14.5 Total: 152.3
Look what came in the mail yesterday afternoon!!!!!
And, as a reminder of how awesome it is, it was resent immediately at no charge by the caring people of US Road Running when I reported mine was lost in the mail! I still haven't gotten over that ... in a good way!
So, I now have the medals for the future family run; now to seek the ones for the girls ...
And, today? Yeah, I chose to sleep instead of run. I never run both days of the weekend, so I don't know what I was doing even considering it yesterday! Sometimes, I need to remind myself to just chill. It worked out great, too, because by the time I would have headed out, there was a heavy mist going on. It was the kind that looks like nothing but would soak you in mere minutes. Who wants to start the day like that? Aaron and Elly got a good walk in before it came down, so everyone won today!
Training for April's Half officially begins next Saturday, so this is the last week to be willy-nilly with the plans ... as willy-nilly as I ever get with plans! Tomorrow's plan is to hit the streets to bank some miles! Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in after the morning run!
Thursday, January 22, 2015
It's the Little Things
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 72.3 (running: 37.4; walking: 5.1; biking: 29.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $14.36
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 72.3 Aaron: 57.2 (b: 47.6; w: 9.6) Elly: 11.5 Total: 141
WOW did this day WHIZ BY!! My most accurate theme for the day: SO GLAD tomorrow is FRIDAY!!
I've also opted to wait to run 'til Saturday. Frankly, I just really want to run on Saturday. So, there you go.
Today was super busy even if not in the running department. But, I did manage to get us registered for the upcoming Glow Run 5K (with the earliest of birdiest discounts; I managed not to miss it! Yay!!), and, Aaron added miles to the 2015 in 2015 Challenge. Who says nothing happened today? Oh, wait ... no one. Anyway, we are in great shape for our Challenge because we need 168 miles/month total to ease on into the 2015 finish line. We should hit the remaining 27 miles needed for the month with no problem! My running miles average to hit 900 will be completely off, but who's really counting January?! (yikes ...)
Here's to a great start to Friday, whatever you are doing, and I'll check in from there!
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name -- but, I'm closing in on some possibilities ...): Nancy: 72.3 Aaron: 57.2 (b: 47.6; w: 9.6) Elly: 11.5 Total: 141
WOW did this day WHIZ BY!! My most accurate theme for the day: SO GLAD tomorrow is FRIDAY!!
I've also opted to wait to run 'til Saturday. Frankly, I just really want to run on Saturday. So, there you go.
Here's to a great start to Friday, whatever you are doing, and I'll check in from there!
Friday, January 9, 2015
Moving Through the Week
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 37.1 (running: 8.3; walking: 3; biking: 25.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $10.97
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 37.1 Aaron: 20.8 (b: 10; w: 5.8) Elly: 2.3 Total: 60.5
We made it!! It's FRIDAY!!! I've been looking forward to today this whole week because arriving meant the bulk of the post-holiday clean-up/kick-starts were behind me, and things start to settle in to whatever normal is going to look like for a while! I know this is a familiar sentiment to many, so congratulations to you as well!!
I was also really looking forward to an outside run this morning as last night's forecast did not indicate a nasty wind chill (nasty = sending the temperature 'feeling like' in the negatives. Zero, okay. Negative, No Can Do). But, I woke up this morning to the feels-like temperature at -1 which, all by itself, changed my plans. Thirty minutes later, the change of plans was confirmed as the temp dipped to feel like -5 !! I'll put up with a lot of uncomfortable elements to run. I'll even embrace many of them. But, I will not risk fingers nor cheeks falling off my body.
So, this morning ... to the bike!
Our bike is awesome as it makes NO sound. I mean nothing. That's good for tv viewing (which is a requirement for indoor exercise) and really good for the dog who will come up to me for some petting while I'm on it because there aren't any scary noises. She got some petting then wandered off to her spot where she takes her morning rawhide. When I finished on the bike, I went upstairs and saw my sweet pup in the sunlight which shows off her fantastic eyes ...
One of the guys at the bike shop where we bought it told me a standard running-biking mileage conversion is 1:3. Since I planned on four running miles today, I did 12 miles on the bike, 6 on a hill setting (yeeowwwchhh) and 6 on a straight away (sweet). That hill gave me a great workout and definitely made me realize I need to take the biking as seriously as I take the running in terms of scheduling both workout and rest days. That's three days in a row for the bike and 5 days overall for the bike/run combo. Tomorrow is definitely scheduled to rest!
With that, it's off to enjoy the rest of Friday!! Stay warm stay safe, and I'll check in on tomorrow's rest day!!
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 37.1 Aaron: 20.8 (b: 10; w: 5.8) Elly: 2.3 Total: 60.5
 |
| "Have you missed me?" |
I was also really looking forward to an outside run this morning as last night's forecast did not indicate a nasty wind chill (nasty = sending the temperature 'feeling like' in the negatives. Zero, okay. Negative, No Can Do). But, I woke up this morning to the feels-like temperature at -1 which, all by itself, changed my plans. Thirty minutes later, the change of plans was confirmed as the temp dipped to feel like -5 !! I'll put up with a lot of uncomfortable elements to run. I'll even embrace many of them. But, I will not risk fingers nor cheeks falling off my body.
So, this morning ... to the bike!
Our bike is awesome as it makes NO sound. I mean nothing. That's good for tv viewing (which is a requirement for indoor exercise) and really good for the dog who will come up to me for some petting while I'm on it because there aren't any scary noises. She got some petting then wandered off to her spot where she takes her morning rawhide. When I finished on the bike, I went upstairs and saw my sweet pup in the sunlight which shows off her fantastic eyes ...
 |
| "Aw, shucks, mommy ..." |
With that, it's off to enjoy the rest of Friday!! Stay warm stay safe, and I'll check in on tomorrow's rest day!!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Almost Normal
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 25.1 (running: 8.3; walking: 3; biking: 13.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $10.97
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 25.1 Aaron: 15.8 (b: 10; w: 5.8) Elly: 2.3 Total: 43.5
I saw this posted a few days ago. It still makes me giggle:
The scale says GET LOST!! Hahahahahaha!
Okay, so the not-at-all-restful rest from running day was a smashing success in that I got to the day and time of the week where I feel like the pieces of post-holiday break are back in place, and things are actually back to my kind of normal tomorrow. Hooray!!
Often, this first week after a break feels upheaved and scrambled and tough in the keeping my head straight department. This one was much more smooth, and so many little things went my way on top of everyone successfully getting back in to his or her own swing! I can't ask for much more than that!
So, today was fullfullfull but it was good. And, I cranked out some miles on the bike which was also quite splendid. That recumbent bike beats the crap out of the treadmill we got rid of to make room for it!
The wind chills aren't supposed to be in the negatives tomorrow morning, so, it's time for a run! I'll check in after ... stay warm and safe where you are!
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 25.1 Aaron: 15.8 (b: 10; w: 5.8) Elly: 2.3 Total: 43.5
I saw this posted a few days ago. It still makes me giggle:
Okay, so the not-at-all-restful rest from running day was a smashing success in that I got to the day and time of the week where I feel like the pieces of post-holiday break are back in place, and things are actually back to my kind of normal tomorrow. Hooray!!
Often, this first week after a break feels upheaved and scrambled and tough in the keeping my head straight department. This one was much more smooth, and so many little things went my way on top of everyone successfully getting back in to his or her own swing! I can't ask for much more than that!
So, today was fullfullfull but it was good. And, I cranked out some miles on the bike which was also quite splendid. That recumbent bike beats the crap out of the treadmill we got rid of to make room for it!
The wind chills aren't supposed to be in the negatives tomorrow morning, so, it's time for a run! I'll check in after ... stay warm and safe where you are!
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Today's New Things
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 17.3 (running: 8.3; walking: 3; biking: 6) Money Found For Food Bank: $10.97
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 17.3 Aaron: 15.8 (b: 10; w: 5.8) Elly: 2.3 Total: 35.7
Um, yes:
You know, and I will never deny, that I love the cold. But, I don't like it when it hurts your face just by stepping outside. I'm not in to danger.
But, I am in to two new-to-me-today things! First, these:
I was in Sams Club yesterday looking for Boca Burgers, but I struck out. These, however, were in their place, so I decided to roll the dice ... mmm ... mmm ... mmm ... SO TASTY!! I ate it as Hungry Girl's Big Bad Burger Wrap, and I'm already looking forward to lunch tomorrow!
The second treat of the day was my first whirl on our recumbent exercise bike! With two straight days of negative wind chill (today and tomorrow), I knew one of these days would be the day for the inaugural ride! It was awesome!! And, those were the fastest six miles I've ever finished, so I felt mighty accomplished. Whee!! Yes, yes, I get there's a difference between on bike and on foot, but I'm savoring the victory anyway!
Tomorrow's supposed to be a Rest Day, but there's nothing about it that will be restful. That might mean another whirl on the bike ... just because! Stay warm wherever you are -- because I know almost all of us are getting smacked -- and I'll check in tomorrow!
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 17.3 Aaron: 15.8 (b: 10; w: 5.8) Elly: 2.3 Total: 35.7
Um, yes:
But, I am in to two new-to-me-today things! First, these:
The second treat of the day was my first whirl on our recumbent exercise bike! With two straight days of negative wind chill (today and tomorrow), I knew one of these days would be the day for the inaugural ride! It was awesome!! And, those were the fastest six miles I've ever finished, so I felt mighty accomplished. Whee!! Yes, yes, I get there's a difference between on bike and on foot, but I'm savoring the victory anyway!
Tomorrow's supposed to be a Rest Day, but there's nothing about it that will be restful. That might mean another whirl on the bike ... just because! Stay warm wherever you are -- because I know almost all of us are getting smacked -- and I'll check in tomorrow!
Friday, January 2, 2015
And, That's Progress!
Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 3 (running: 0; walking: 3; biking: 0) Money Found For Food Bank: $$9.82
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 3 Aaron: 5.3 Elly: 2.3 Total: 10.6
In a pretty unexpected turn of events around here, I volunteered to get up early and go walking with Aaron! With break winding down, I totally used our new movement challenge as reason to get back on a more normal schedule so Monday isn't a complete and utter shock to the system. Besides, my body could use some groovin' after this last week of make-no-apologies holiday celebrating! I wasn't ready to run this morning, but a solid walk did me right. It also did me right back to bed for a power nap, but that probably had more to do with staying up way too late to watch the (could-that-have-been-more-awesome) Alabama/Ohio game than going on our walk!
Our outing produced a lovely sampling of what exercise around here has come to mean, too:
It was a good day for easing back in! I recall going for a run last year on the 1st, and I recall not really liking it very much! I know it felt good after to move, but I also know I'd put an unrealistic goal on myself to exercise in some way every, single day (seriously, that was so stupid), so that run was much more forced than inspired. Hitting the ground softly today because I wanted to was much more satisfying!
And, tomorrow? Well, I have a date with my girl tomorrow, so there's no way I'm running! We'll check in at some point, though, so we'll see you then!
2,015 in 2015 Team Progress (yes, we still need a name): Nancy: 3 Aaron: 5.3 Elly: 2.3 Total: 10.6
 |
| Up and at it! |
Our outing produced a lovely sampling of what exercise around here has come to mean, too:
 |
| Pennies (of course there's a bent one!), a BB and -- duh -- a soft shelled turtle toy. |
And, tomorrow? Well, I have a date with my girl tomorrow, so there's no way I'm running! We'll check in at some point, though, so we'll see you then!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
2015 In 2015?!?!? Oh, Yes ...
I'll be among many to wish it to you with a little help from Snoopy's Facebook page ...
In a miracle among miracles, I actually stayed up to ring in the New Year at midnight with the rest of the Crew!! I almost didn't make it as I felt myself nodding off at 11:54 p.m.!! I fought myself awake, though ... nothing like making it that long and not crossing the finish line, huh?!? Besides, we had party poppers to pull, and I wasn't going to miss out on that (which I did wrong and ended up having my confetti explode in my hand and not sail into the room!)! We celebrated with our traditional appetizer dinner while watching Happy New Year, Charlie Brown and playing games. It's simple and wonderful, and I continue my reign as the queen of the game Taboo ...!
Okay. Down to some business. I have found in the past couple of years that setting a specific mileage goal to shoot for during a calendar year has been immensely motivating, so, in that regard, this year will follow suit. However, I'm changing it up in two ways ...
FIRST! While retaining a specific mileage goal for running, I am adding an overall intentional movement goal in the forms of walking and biking. Intentional movement for my purposes means 'done for exercise'. 2015 running goal: 900 miles. Overall movement goal: 1250 miles.
I honestly have no idea what '1250' looks like or really means in this sense as I've never tracked other miles besides running., so I'm starting there. That is the exact reason I chose that number!
SECOND! Okay, so the Run the Edge Facebook page comes through my feed. About a week ago, I saw them announce their ' Run 2,015 in 2015' challenge. Yes, that means 2,105 miles in the year. I was all, "Hell no," and ignored it completely. But, it keeps coming through my feed, so I keep seeing it and thinking about it. And, then I noticed it said you can accomplish it by yourself (um, NO), with a partner or a team of three. THEN I thought about how Aaron has been taking Elly out for walks in the morning, and it all came together ...
The Team of Three:
Aaron readily agreed to take on the mileage challenge assuming two conditions: That his biking counts (check!) and Elly's miles count, too (double check!). Those were easy, and we're all in! So, they're signed on for 765 of the miles ... whee!!
Aaron and Pit Crew #3 like to go to the gym together, and they like to race each other on the track (speed walker vs. runner, respectively). I told him that counts, too. Aaron was like, "Um, that's hardly anything," and I said, "Um, that's moving to exercise," and he was all, "Yeah, but, it's, like, three tenths of a mile," and I was all, "I don't get a medal at Mile 13 ..."
Yes, indeed, it. all. counts!
I must note our plan is an amendment to the official program from Run the Edge as theirs is exclusive to running. If you're interested in their program, check it out here: http://www.runtheedge.com/2014/12/run-2015-in-2015-challenge/ I wanted to share their link because, after all, their program was the inspiration for what we redeveloped for ourselves. Their program wasn't going to work for me because there's not a chance I'm running that many miles in a year, and Aaron isn't medically allowed to run given his knee cartilage transplant. And, besides, Elly likes to play, too, so we needed her in on it! As all of the New Year exercise programs and suggestions start to bombard us, take just a sec to step back and see if there's just a little something in there that you can extract and make work for you your way! It's totally easy to write it all off and say NO (see above notation about my first reaction to the 2,105 in 2015 program!), but you might find a little gem of an idea in there that you fall in love with!
Aaron and Elly started us off today with a walk while I ... you guessed it ... slept in!! (Yay, me!) I'll give updates at the first of each month ... by the first of February, we should have a team name, too! I'm pretty stoked about mixing the year up in this way!
It is now time to go defend my Taboo title while continuing to digest the holiday cuisine that has made me wonder if I'm ever going to be able to run another step at all! So good ... so done!!
Here's to a healthy, happy 2015!! Let's go do this!!!
Okay. Down to some business. I have found in the past couple of years that setting a specific mileage goal to shoot for during a calendar year has been immensely motivating, so, in that regard, this year will follow suit. However, I'm changing it up in two ways ...
FIRST! While retaining a specific mileage goal for running, I am adding an overall intentional movement goal in the forms of walking and biking. Intentional movement for my purposes means 'done for exercise'. 2015 running goal: 900 miles. Overall movement goal: 1250 miles.
I honestly have no idea what '1250' looks like or really means in this sense as I've never tracked other miles besides running., so I'm starting there. That is the exact reason I chose that number!
SECOND! Okay, so the Run the Edge Facebook page comes through my feed. About a week ago, I saw them announce their ' Run 2,015 in 2015' challenge. Yes, that means 2,105 miles in the year. I was all, "Hell no," and ignored it completely. But, it keeps coming through my feed, so I keep seeing it and thinking about it. And, then I noticed it said you can accomplish it by yourself (um, NO), with a partner or a team of three. THEN I thought about how Aaron has been taking Elly out for walks in the morning, and it all came together ...
The Team of Three:
 |
| How can we lose in matching Diet Coke shirts and the cutest pound hound ever?! |
Aaron and Pit Crew #3 like to go to the gym together, and they like to race each other on the track (speed walker vs. runner, respectively). I told him that counts, too. Aaron was like, "Um, that's hardly anything," and I said, "Um, that's moving to exercise," and he was all, "Yeah, but, it's, like, three tenths of a mile," and I was all, "I don't get a medal at Mile 13 ..."
Yes, indeed, it. all. counts!
I must note our plan is an amendment to the official program from Run the Edge as theirs is exclusive to running. If you're interested in their program, check it out here: http://www.runtheedge.com/2014/12/run-2015-in-2015-challenge/ I wanted to share their link because, after all, their program was the inspiration for what we redeveloped for ourselves. Their program wasn't going to work for me because there's not a chance I'm running that many miles in a year, and Aaron isn't medically allowed to run given his knee cartilage transplant. And, besides, Elly likes to play, too, so we needed her in on it! As all of the New Year exercise programs and suggestions start to bombard us, take just a sec to step back and see if there's just a little something in there that you can extract and make work for you your way! It's totally easy to write it all off and say NO (see above notation about my first reaction to the 2,105 in 2015 program!), but you might find a little gem of an idea in there that you fall in love with!
Aaron and Elly started us off today with a walk while I ... you guessed it ... slept in!! (Yay, me!) I'll give updates at the first of each month ... by the first of February, we should have a team name, too! I'm pretty stoked about mixing the year up in this way!
It is now time to go defend my Taboo title while continuing to digest the holiday cuisine that has made me wonder if I'm ever going to be able to run another step at all! So good ... so done!!
Here's to a healthy, happy 2015!! Let's go do this!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)