Ready

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 327.8 (running: 220.4; walking: 13.6; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $31.84

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 327.8 Aaron: 261.3 (b: 242; w: 19.3)  Elly: 64.1 Total: 653.2

I don't know how I got lucky enough to get this last training run completed outside, but I did!! I ignored the gray clouds, especially the dark ones that were coming our way, and went forth with a forced sense of being oblivious (some would call that 'denial') so as to enjoy the outdoors!

It mostly worked! Well, it completely worked for the outside enjoyment factor. That I ignored the possibility of rain did not quite keep it at bay ...

But, for the duration of the run, it rained only enough to make my surroundings kind of wet, not soaked. Frankly, it was a welcomed relief from the blanket of humidity I swam through the first mile and a half. Once the rain started, everything felt much better!

I once learned that the training runs right before the Half are solely for the purpose of keeping things loose and moving. I'm not even making that up to justify taking it easy; I honestly learned it! The mileage needed to get through the big day has already been logged in the muscles, so this week, according to my learnings, can be pretty easy. I decided to embrace exactly that sentiment today which made for a nice, casual run. I did stop to look at a few of the sights ...

... and, when an old friend called out to me from a sidewalk, I found it necessary to stop for about 15 minutes to chat it up. It's not that this run doesn't matter, but it also kind of doesn't matter. (That made perfect sense to me.) So, I opted to talk.

I also opted to pick up every penny of a handful dumped by a meter, clearly discarded as though they don't matter/amount to anything. I picked up enough that not only was there almost 4 meals' worth of pennies, but also the stash was heavy enough to require tying my shorts. Just sayin'.

And, even though I didn't pass this on foot, I had to show you the update of the flowers I saw on Saturday because the tulips are now in bloom:

Fan.Tastic.

Today's outing was a good way to end this round of training. The big run is in 3 days. I'm totally ready.

Wisdom

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 323.8 (running: 216.4; walking: 13.6; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $31.22

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 323.8 Aaron: 261.3 (b: 242; w: 19.3)  Elly: 64.1 Total: 649.2

Last night, I was reflecting quite a bit on how far things have progressed in my running game, not so much about anything physical as much as mental. This came about given the forecast for this week which is a wet one. A very wet one. As of last night, I had two more training runs to get in before race day. But, with the forecast, I felt very blasé in thinking, "Eh, as long as I get in one, I'm good."

What?! Who was that?!

When the pursuit of running a Half Marathon began almost five years ago, I would not have dreamed of cutting a single run by even a tenth of a mile much less cut out an entire run. Unheard of!! To be honest, the thought of not following my training schedule to a perfect T scared the bajeebers out of me the first few times I used it. I was totally fearful that not doing everything exactly perfect would translate into race day disaster.

I was a lot more wound up then. Just in general.

I know my more relaxed outlook has a lot to do with logging a lot of experience and miles under my feet. I'm saying I'm thankful for the wisdom that came with what I did with that time.

I'm also thankful that the weekend forecast is perfect even though the rest of the week is, well, very wet. This morning presented a lovely thunderstorm complete with the kind of lightening that pops like a flash bulb and absolutely scares the crap out of me from within the safety of my own home. But, the word was that things would clear, or at least lighten up, later in the morning.

My patience paid off for both me and Elly as we headed out in a light drizzle. It actually felt pretty good, but wow-ee, I knew I was going to be bringing home a very, wet hound.

And so I did. It worked for her, though, because she not only got to run, but she also received a post-run rub down!

And, of course, she got her smooches for being so fantastic:

I do so love that dog.

The first of these three miles hurt if you want to know the truth. I can still feel the run from Saturday which makes sense because I'm pretty sure I took it on at race pace. Almost the very moment I crossed the first mile, though, everything shook out. I don't get how that happens, almost on cue, but it always does. It's one of those things you learn about your body that keeps you going during that first mile or two because if you don't learn it, you will stop before ever knowing how far you can actually go.

I often wonder if the same thing happens to Elly. I know she feels it if she runs in the morning then goes for a walk that same day. I can see it in her gait when we first start out. I also know I can't run her multiple days in a row. But, I do wonder if she has that first-mile cranky muscle thing? (And, does that mile feel like seven miles to her? hahahaha I know, that's age. Oh, wait! Maybe a mile feels like half a mile to her because she has twice as many feet ...)

I'm officially overthinking it. No matter what she feels, I'm so thankful for her:

There's one more run to go this week, and it looks like luck might be on my side for the morning before we get a gully washer or more! I'll check in with the outcome. Take care this Tuesday, and I'll see you after the morning run!

A Holiday Well-Lived!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 319.6 (running: 213.3; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $31.11

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 319.6 Aaron: 261.3 (b: 242; w: 19.3)  Elly: 59.9 Total: 640.8

A very Happy Easter to all!!

I hope it was a wonderful day and celebration for you and yours spent exactly the way you wanted! Ours was most excellent complete with an egg hunt, provided by Big Bunny Aaron, all the way through our version of an Easter dinner which really means having an excuse to make a fun dessert! (I did my time as a kid with the leg of lamb business; that's not happening around here. Ever.)
Our egg hunt was super-fantastic. I even found all of my eggs ...

Every year, there's one of us who doesn't find 'em all. This year, it was Pit Crew #2's turn to take it for the team as PC#3 and I found all of ours. Last year, it was PC#3 who had one missing in hunt action, and the year before, it was yours truly. Isn't it nice when everyone takes turns?

Besides the hunt, we all have our basket exchange! PC#2 traditionally makes mine, and it's fabulous every, single time!

Chocolate bunny whatever: I got a Snoopy!!!

Check out the hedge hogs!!!

You should see how big that Snoopy bank is! She said it was for my running money 'or whatever money' I wanted. I said I felt a bit intimidated to think of filling that up by running. Aaron said it was a challenge I should take! "Where's Nancy?" "The bank isn't yet full. We won't be seeing her for a very, long while."

Of course, the boys are in on the basket action as PC#3 takes care of Aaron's. Can you tell how jazzed he is about one of the basket prizes?!

Aaron was pretty jazzed, too ... right?

That's the kind of gift that comes with a receipt. It's pre-planned. It's all good. And, Aaron may have to make a trip to the store, but it's worth it for the belly laugh from the boy!

It was all fun and games for the humans, but the dog had a different experience entirely:

"What's in this for meeeeeeee ?!?! Remember me?!"

As the day went on, I kept hearing about rain in the morning forecast ... So, I shifted from holiday to take-care-of-biz mode, and I took PC#2 running ...

... so as to not have an issue in the morning! I'd been thinking about it after being in the car earlier in the day and passing a spot where I saw two pennies that I couldn't get (darned light changing to green), so I had more than one reason to get out there today! We did, indeed, go to that spot, and we found much more than the two coins I spied from the car. Instead ...

I know, it's gross. But, it's still money and there's a dime in there!! Booyah!

The run itself was made good only because I had great company. I was a little sore from yesterday for the first two miles. Then, for the last two, we were running straight into a pretty decent wind. Even PC#2 was put out by it, so it wasn't just me being a whiner. I do like such validation. Anyway, we powered through it and got 'er done.

That was a great way to spend a bit of time before heading home to make dinner! The verdict is still out on the dessert because we haven't yet tried it, but I'll give it a report tomorrow. You know, on my unexpected Rest Day! Whee!! Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in tomorrow ...

Could Not Have Asked For Better

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 315.8 (running: 209.5; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $30.95

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 315.8 Aaron: 250.2 (b: 230.9; w: 19.3)  Elly: 59.9 Total: 625.9

Helloooooo, Saturday!! I so hope yours started out as well as mine!! Everyone deserves a great start to the weekend!!

I will say mine started out earlier than I really wanted, but we all know my sleep-in aspirations went out the window with yesterday's sleet issue. I kept the end-game in mind (a solid run) instead of spending my energy whining about it even if only to myself. I reserved any mental anguish for those moments between alarm and snooze ... (aw, who's with me there?!)

Everything went today as hoped. Everything. That beats the ever-lovin' tar out of how running yesterday.

As promised, it was frosty ...

But, it took no time to turn into a really nice outing!

My real destination was at Mile 9:

I'll say it: YUM. Not that I want to eat them.

You now see why I wanted to reroute and pass by here! Frankly, I'm super-impressed with myself that I remembered to stop as this was just a smidge off the beaten path. So, the engaged memory was required, or I would have run right on by.

The verdict of the run itself? Most excellent. I purposely threw some bigger hills in it for one last umph before the Half which is a route reported to be relatively flat. I don't know the route, but I am familiar enough with the area that I know today's hills were more prep than what I'm about to face. I also kept my pace going rather well which I totally credit to my mission for better nutrition. Better fuel: Better run. It was a run I'm personally proud of.

Runs like this one don't necessarily happen when you actually want them to, so, yes, it did cross my mind that I have had a succession of great long runs only to tank next weekend. And, if so? Well, there will be more pictures, and they'll almost certainly all be in focus!

I'll continue to ride the high of this run right into a sound night's sleep tonight! Thanks for coming along with me; I know even just the pics of the flowers made it worth it! Enjoy every part of your weekend, and I'll be checking in tomorrow ...

Elly Knows Best

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 305.7 (running: 199.4; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $30.31

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 305.7 Aaron: 250.2 (b: 230.9; w: 19.3)  Elly: 59.9 Total: 615.8

So, just when I thought I didn't work that hard on all of yesterday's run, I set sail for today's. Ouch, yeouch, shouldastretchedbetter, ooof ... You get the picture. My thighs were burning both in congratulations for yesterday's work and cursing me for not stretching. At all. *sigh* I suck at that. It's one of the reasons I like to get to the corral early at a race; there's simply nothing else to do but stretch.

It was okay, though, because I had my trainer with me. She doesn't like to go very fast, so it worked for both of us. She also helped me work on my intervals and resistance training for the entire route. The moment below is exactly the end of one interval and the start of what's about to become one ...

... and, the resistance training rears its ugly head right at the start of the next interval when the trainer hasn't quite sniffed all of the smells out of the post-hydrant-mud-fence-trash-etc. For crying out loud.

It was up the hill from this post that she decided to put the breaks on again, so I took advantage of the moment:

How cool is that?!

While Elly's pace, or lack thereof, was annoyingly inconsistent, it was probably better for me than what I would have done myself. I would have plodded along my little route and called it good. I might have thrown in some intervals, or I might have excused myself right on out of them given the state of my self-inflicted thigh pain. Who's to tell, but, that doesn't matter since I didn't really have a choice with my trainer.

"It's what I do, mommy."

Two days of Rest are on the books before Friday's 10 miler! I'll take the regroup time, and I'll be checking in as we go over the hump!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 302.7 (running: 196.4; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $30.03

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 302.7 Aaron: 250.2 (b: 230.9; w: 19.3)  Elly: 56.9 Total: 609.8

Today's run totally set the tone for the entire day: Fast and Productive!

Okay, wait ... a wee amendment ... I should say the first three miles of the run were fast. The last two were just fine. Suffice it to say, I've not yet figured out this interval thing enough to pace myself very well. So, I started out like a shot, and it felt good, so, I kept going. My fast stints were far longer than the slow-down ones, and I should have evened them out better than I did. By the third mile, I'd kinda had it, so I slowed down and just soaked in the wonderful weather. (It was in the 30s, but with no wind and a bright sun, it felt fantastic.) I chalk up my need to downshift to not really paying attention because it doesn't matter that much anyway being a total novice at this interval business, and I'll get it figured out in due time.

It really was a strong run, though. I was happy about that. I was also super-happy about the break I decided to take at Mile 4 so I could stop and pet these wonderful creatures!!!

Aren't they fabulous?! I know there's no chance for perspective here, but believe when I say the following:

• In seated position, their heads came up to my elbows. That's 40" high!
• Their heads were as big as mine.
• Their paws were bigger than my whole hand.

And, they were just the sweetest!! The one I'm petting got most of the lovin' because he insisted upon it. I'd stop, and he'd nudge or paw me.

"Don't stop!! Ohhhh yeahhhh ..."

The other was just starting to come into the action when it was time for all of us to depart. Another day, new friend ...

Miraculously, Elly didn't seem to smell them on me when I got home. For as much as they nudged my pants, I thought she'd catch the scent for sure. Maybe she was just too distracted by her desire for her morning rawhide. We do all have our priorities.

So, that's 5 more miles, 35 more cents and only 5 more training runs to go!! One of those is tomorrow; I'll see you after!

The Mind Is Strong, But I Am Stronger

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 297.7 (running: 191.4; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $29.68

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 297.7 Aaron: 234.2 (b: 217.4; w: 16.8)  Elly: 56.9 Total: 588.8

Getting to today's 12 miler was more of a mental mind game than it was a physical one. Truth be told, I'll battle my mind any day over an inability or physically laborious effort. I can battle my own mind and win. And, today was no exception.

I did hit snooze an extra time this morning because I could tell getting up at Snooze One was just setting me up for failure. 'Funny how that extra 9 minutes helps turn a physiological corner, doesn't it?! Anyway, Snooze 2 was the winner, and I was up and out in no time.

I should have been up and out in some semblance of time and used that time to stretch well, but, I didn't. Instead, I stretched while brushing my teeth (true story), took a really easy first mile and hoped for the best. What I would have done for better stretching most definitely would have been worth my time, but it would not have been sufficient because I didn't realize how chilly it was! At 34 degrees with a little wind, my muscles were clenching from the get go while I passed people scraping their windshields in their driveways. Yeah, none of us could believe it's the end of March ... (Man, we're getting set up to get creamed with the temperature on race day, aren't we ...?!)

I motored along well, though; better than I really thought I would. By the end of the second mile, I had a solid groove that took me up every hill and got me going again after every stop to pick up a coin (34 random, non-drive-thru-nor-metered-space cents in all today; it was filthy and just waiting for me to rescue it all). Oh, and, of course, I had to stop here and there for some scenery:

Hello, Spring! I see you are having quite
a time pushing Old Man Winter out of the
way ...

This one was a must:

Talk about color coordination! I'm amazing.

There were three notables from today's run:

• I didn't bail on any of the hills I gave myself permission ahead of time to use to walk.
• I finished way under predicted time which was a nice perk for a training run which are always, always slower than go time.
• I did not run into nor get chased down by the very drunk man who could not seem to figure out on what part of the sidewalk he wanted to stumble walk.
• Oh, there was a fourth: I spent at least a mile reflecting on and mentally salivating over yesterday's smoothie and did not feel like throwing up even one time.

Speaking of, it's time to go make a new flavor ... what'll it be ... Who cares, it'll be yummy! I think that'll be my post-run reward. That and not straining anything in the first two miles.

I have back-to-back Rest Days on the books! I'm totally down with that! Have a great start to your weekend, and I'll be checking in!

Worthwhile

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 285.7 (running: 179.4; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $29.34

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 285.7 Aaron: 234.2 (b: 217.4; w: 16.8)  Elly: 56.9 Total: 576.8

This is how I started my morning:

I love how the goose almost always photo bombs ...

Smelly and with my girls. What more could I want?

I had 3 miles on the calendar, and it took no convincing whatsoever to get Pit Crew #2 to join us. I also told her at the onset that we weren't going to tear it up like we did Monday's 5, but we wound up doing so anyway despite Elly's best efforts to undermine us with her "I'm on a hot trail of something that smells dy-no-mite!!" and pulling me off balance.

It was neat-o.

So much for a shake-it-out run, but, that's okay. The company was worth it. And, I can rest the muscles better tomorrow before Friday's 12.

Every step. Every mile. Every effort -- all good and all getting me ready for what's to come in a couple of weeks! Although, with this up and down weather pattern, I'm trying to prepare myself for being screwed temperature-wise. Luck might just have it that we have a sudden morning in the 70s; April Half runs tend to work that way around here!

Long before then is a day of Rest tomorrow which also means a late night of watching fun stuff and sleeping later than normal. That oughta put a few kinks in the routine, but it'll be worth it!

Switch-a-roo!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 282.6 (running: 176.3; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $29.33

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 282.6 Aaron: 224 (b: 207.2; w: 16.8)  Elly: 53.8 Total: 560.4

I had every intention of today being a Rest Day until I heard the morning forecast is for rain. That changed everything for me as tomorrow's run is a 5-miler. I'm not riding 15 miles on the bike and calling it 'same'. The bike is good, it's just not the same especially this close to race day!

I waited until late afternoon which worked out great because I could then also take Pit Crew #2 with me! Whee!! She made it an interesting run today for sure. For instance, we did a warm-up walk for the first couple hundred feet. When we got to the point we were to run, I decided to whine about it. Her response? "What? 'You that disappointed we didn't find any money?" I was all, "Um, no, I am of course whining about having to start running. Duh."

Then, about 100 yards later, we ran along a line of cars where I noticed there was a man just sitting in the last one. I said to PC#2, "You know, I could just ask that guy for, like, a quarter or something." to which PC#2 says, "For what?" Like, I would just ask someone for money. Out of the blue. On a run. Where I pick up money for the Food Bank.

I just looked at her and said, "Does this run need to be in silence? I just need to know now."

It most definitely was not in silence. We worked hard during our first mile because we were going up hill against a very strong wind. I had a few choice words about it, so had there been silence, it would have been broken.

Then there was that moment right past the second mile where we were on an awesome pace until PC#2 gasped and said something (can't remember what) making me realize she'd seen something -- clearly awful or scary or alarming in some way -- that made me instinctually blurt out? "WHAT? Shit!" Seriously, by her reaction, I thought I was about to step on a snake or something.

Yeah, not so much. The alarming creature was this:

Wow. Look at that oh-so-scary robin.

It had been sitting on the sidewalk, just sitting there. She was somehow startled by its just-sitting status. *sigh*

I made fun of her for about the next mile, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when this ...

... was her response when I non-verbally offered her a drink from my water. Like I would throw my water on her. For crying out loud.

We got back to normal, as it is, for the rest of the run. Good conversation, good strong run ... can't ask for much more than that.

AND, it's out of the way so I don't have to get up extra early tomorrow. AND I saw rain clouds coming, so the forecast might actually be true. Whether it is or not, I still get to have some extra sleep!! Hooray!!

In other extras, Elly got an extra mile in yesterday when she took PC#2 out on a run.

'Twas a 5-mile day for Elly!!

Okay, so tomorrow is now a day for resting!! And, I'm sticking to it!! May your week have started off just right, and I'll check in tomorrow!

Do You See What She Sees

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 277.6 (running: 171.3; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $29.33

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 277.6 Aaron: 224 (b: 207.2; w: 16.8)  Elly: 52.8 Total: 554.4

Good Sunday morning! I hope yours started off exactly the way you wanted!! I was torn last night between getting up early enough this morning to see a sunrise or sleep until I naturally woke up. I opted for the latter as I knew I needed the sleep. And, I confess, it's just more pleasant when I'm rested. I ended up awake at least an hour earlier than I would have guessed. I still missed the glory of the sunrise, but it was early enough to knock the run out and not get too far into the morning, so it all worked out well.

I was a wee bit stiff/sore from Friday's long run, so it was also a great morning to bring along my 4-legged running partner! Dressed in her Easter fashion, she was ready to hit it!

Okay, one of the things we joke about around here is why squirrels dart out in front of cars to cross the street. Aaron decided it was some kind of squirrel club initiation: You make it, you're in; Don't make it or don't try, you're out. This came to mind when two squirrels jumped out in the middle of the road at the mile and a half point. One of them braved the oncoming Elly while the other totally scampered back to perceived safety. Elly seemed mildly intrigued but didn't raise a hackle. She is so totally over used to the shenanigans of her kitty sisters after all.

And, then there was this moment:

We were cruising along at good pace when, out of nowhere, Elly beelined it to this tree and pointed. When I say she didn't move, I mean not a muscle.

Well, she did put her paw down, but it was
methodical while her gaze did not move.

I looked up and didn't see anything in the tree because it was full of many, entangled branches. And, frankly, I didn't want to move a whole lot because I didn't want Elly to. I get that she's a hound, but she's so out of practice chasing, cornering and treeing critters that I was intrigued by her instantaneous return to instinct. It turned out that she was so transfixed, I could move all I wanted, and she did not care. So, I moved enough to finally see what she saw:

The squirrel could not make up its twitchy little mind as to what to do. It kept looking up then down then up then at me then at Elly ... all the while, its tail was twitching like crazy. I kept thinking, "If you only knew how safe you really are."

So, I went from looking at the squirrel to back at Elly who, by now, put on her, "Ummm ... now what" face:

Then I went back to the squirrel:

"Yeah! For real! Now what?!!!"

What then was to get back to running.

"Let's go, mommy!"

Elly clearly had enough of the cornering because she happily joined me back in pace. I think she was feeling pretty good about herself, too.

We went on to wrap up our run right on target even with some stops along the way to gather pennies, go potty (her, not me) and, of course, tree a squirrel and further torment it by taking its picture. What more could you want during a run?

That was a good shake out of Friday's lingering twinges! Rest Day tomorrow will help settle the legs down before firing it all up for Tuesday's run! I hope your Sunday is also full of unexpected adventures, and I'll check in tomorrow!

Defined By Me

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 273.6 (running: 167.3; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $29.25

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 273.6 Aaron: 214.2 (b: 192.9; w: 16.8)  Elly: 48.8 Total: 536.6

Happy Friday! Happy first day of Spring!! Although, as cold as it is out there, it doesn't feel like Spring. Just sayin'.

Today was the 11-mile long run day, and it. went. awesome. Yahoo!!! Here I am at the end:

You think that look is from not just finishing but also from having the aforementioned awesome run. It is actually because I got to the end and found my car was not towed as I feared might happen. You see, somewhere around the 8th mile, I had this oh crap feeling when I couldn't remember if I hung my hang tag.

Is anyone wondering why miles 8-11 were my very best ones? As if I could foot-race a tow truck that I didn't know was or was not heading toward my car. It was good motivation, though. I could get to the empty parking spot and say, "At least I tried." hahaha

So, that was the end of the run.

At the beginning, I was cursing a friend of mine who posted this on Facebook from the Purple Clover page:

I used the first three miles of this run both singing that song and contemplating friendship dismissal. Sure, sure, I could not check my feed before heading out the door. But, it's what I do. My dad used to read the newspaper at breakfast; I check my Facebook feed. I call it same thing. Anyway, the pina colada song became the background music while I sang the "Let Me Take a #Selfie" (The Chainsmokers) song. That song is fabulous. And relevant to me personally and in our society. Let's not hate on it. Or, go ahead if you want, but I love it!

Eventually, the pina colada song got rubbed out before Mile 4. I decided to keep my friend, by the way.

So, that's the beginning and the end. In the middle, I realized my route was both awesome and a hazard as I mapped a stretch that had no sidewalks nor shoulder. Awesome. I live to write about it, but I won't be using that particular stretch anymore. Oh, and I'm pretty sure I saw two girls doing drugs in the middle of the street on this stretch, too, but I can't be certain. I should have pulled out my camera and aimed. THAT would have answered the question ...!

Anyway ... Then there were the hills I mentioned yesterday -- those turned out fantastic. Feel free to be surprised because I sure was. They were challenging yet nothing my body wanted to turn away from or bail on. My mind was a different story a few times, but we ignore that when the body keeps on trucking!

I saw these views along the way in the middle of the run:

I was stoked at Mile 7.5 because the biggest hill challenges were behind me, and I still felt strong. Apparently, that was a really good thing because the hang tag mental mind game started at Mile 8 ...

Then there was that moment at a stop light, right after conquering the series of hills and feeling fab, where Yesteryear Me would have emotionally been brought to my knees. But, that won't happen to Today Me because I am fully aware of my bad ass status. Here's what happened: So, there I was waiting at a red light with a couple of other people. One of the men admired my hand-strapped-but-hands-free water bottle and asked about it. I told him where I got it, blah blah. He went on and (very politely, mind you) said, "That would be good for me if I were to run distances. And, if I were to do that, I should also probably run like you were (before stopping at the light) to keep it low impact seeing as I have hip problems, right?"

Umm ... 'like I was'? I almost giggled. I mean, what a very polite way of saying I look slow, right? Forget I was coming to a red light, but, whatever. Even so, I love my pace. It works, and it works well. And, no, I'm not the dudes who were blowing by me a few miles back. (For real, you could feel their breeze as they passed. I even know one of them, but he was running so fast he didn't even see me until we crossed paths again a few miles later.) I never was and never will be. But, I used to feel intimidated by and/or judged by those who can run like that whether I ever was or not. I was just that insecure. (And, let's face it, it's just as possible that this guy with the hip problems might have looked at me and thought, "Hey, wait ... maybe I don't have to go at break-neck speed, either ..." Maybe my pace actually inspired some possibility in him he'd not yet considered. Of course, do we ever go to the positive first?)

Either way, now I'm all whatever to what anyone thinks and said to the guy, "All I can say is, I just go. I go as fast as I'm going to go that day, and whatever comes out, comes out. But, I highly recommend this water bottle," and left it at that because the light turned green and I was about to have to run down a tow truck or something.

And, that was my run. It was probably the strongest 11 miles I've ever done. Because I'm a bad ass by my own definition.

Let no one else define any part of you. You are in charge of that! Now, go do something you have decided is great, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

Surprises For Everyone

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 262.6 (running: 156.3; walking: 12.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $29.05

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 262.6 Aaron: 204.95 (b: 183.65; w: 16.8)  Elly: 48.8 Total: 516.35

With the daily schedule continually in motion (meaning, things on the calendar are not necessarily what they seem), I had to get my rear in gear earlier than usual to get in my run at a normal kind of time. It could have waited until the afternoon, but, oh, my, how disruptive that can be beyond the fact that it requires a second shower. Besides, I've already put in my afternoon run time for this round of training. Twice. I hope to not have to do it again!

I was totally not expecting the very cold wind that came with the early hours today. Ouch-ouch-ouch on the unprepared, unprotected ears!! But, I will take some burning ears to see this:

Knowing everything in the sky was going to change before I was finished, I stopped about a half mile farther to turn around and see this:

Nothing beats that. Except, perhaps, a sunset. But, why compare? I'll take the beauty of 'em both!

The run was good. Nice and solid. I even surprised myself and cruised up a hill I've not been on in quite some time. If you run hills, you know they all have their different personalities, so running one does not necessarily prepare you for running a different one. This one and I haven't met in many months, and I scaled it like a boss. That moment in and of itself made this run a huge success and the rest gravy. Although, I really hate gravy.

Before continuing on with the day, I would be remiss, I suppose, to not acknowledge St. Patrick's Day, right?! Frankly, I don't care about it whatsoever except it gives me reason to change decorations around and do fun little things. I probably should care about it seeing as Aaron's side of the family is Irish. But, really, it's not like he's poured on information about his heritage, so I'll make him his gross corned beef while I dye every bit of food I can green, and we'll move on.

We have to save our green dinner for tomorrow as Aaron's schedule is screwed up, too, but breakfast and lunch for the kids was in the proper tradition! We started their day with green eggs and ham like usual, then we sent them off with their traditional lunches of green peanut butter, green apples, turning the lemonade green and a green treat. Usually, the treat is a little container of green M&Ms. This year, I got all fancy:

Who doesn't want green goodies and the lucky gold? (Wait ...
is gold lucky in the lore? Or, does that just mean riches? For
real, I don't get this holiday ...)

They're going to feel like they hit the treat-at-lunch bonus with three different kinds! I get stingy with the treats to keep them, you know, treats. I actually thought it would be fun to send them with this ...

... but it wouldn't make any sense by the time they saw it because the rainbow would be all over the place. And, I guarantee one of the Pit Crewers would get it only long after thinking about it which would be only after opening the treat container and figuring mom forgot how we usually do this thing.

The other might ... might ... raise an eyebrow of interest before giving a little shrug and downing the entire container.

Ohhhh ... I know which one is which ...

With that, it's time to refocus and keep getting things checked off the list! May you surprise yourself with something you're super-proud of accomplishing today, may there be green things or things-made-green on you dinner table if you so desire, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!