Re-Evaluation Is Becoming Second Nature

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 484.2 (running: 330.9; walking: 20.5; biking: 132.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $39.66

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 484.2 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 862.3

Quick! Name fivethingsfast that went smooth for any part of any of my training since the beginning of the year! Ready? GO!

Bet'cha can't ...

I will most definitely give a nod to the weather. Overall, I had it good, and, by that, I mean I could run outdoors almost every, single training day. You can't sneeze at that one.

Other than that, while the runs themselves have gone well, the schedule just feels as though it is in constant upheave. This week has been, in will continue to be, no different ...

Wet and pouting.

Today, I was unlucky with the weather, and it rained and rained and rained and rained. There was simply no question I was going to be on the bike this morning. It worked out, though, because I had a show on the DVR I really wanted to watch. Strike one up in the Win column!

I got off the bike itching to run, though. But, I thought ahead to Saturday's Half plan, and I hated it. I didn't hate the distance, but I hated the time I knew I'd need to get up so as to finish and get on with the day. Nothing sounded fun about that.

So.

I decided I'm running it Friday! I have the time, and I have the opportunity. I'm just going for it. There will be no fanfare and no one even at my finish line except myself and my thanks to God for getting me the distance. This one I'm taking for myself. It's probably because there's so much hub-bub with the end of school, not to mention the noise of life itself, that I just want to go at and wrap up this one by myself. There's something about the solitude of it that is appealing. I'll catch the fanfare later when I surprise everyone by taking them out for my post-run dinner. Because that is happening. We all have our own stuff going on and that we're very immersed in right now; dinner together is much more important for all. The run will be for me.

But, because of a big Friday run, tomorrow just became a Rest Day. Say it with me: BOOYAH.

Re-evaluation is good. Don't shy away from it.

I'll check in tomorrow ...

Whatever It Takes

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 475.2 (running: 330.9; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $39.66

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 475.2 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 853.3

Well, that's different ...

Something tells me not many other people came across a piano
sitting on a sidewalk today ...

While that was definitely different on this Monday, many things about it were very typical. And, I'm talking, typical in the tales as old as time way while everyone gets ants in their pants with the end of the school year approaching. This is most definitely the worst time of year for focus around here. It's also when strategies are created/implemented/altered to get to the end of the year. And, sometimes, that reevaluation is daily and maddening. But, whatever it takes is what's required.

The same often goes for the running. With the promise to myself of running the Half distance this weekend -- when every part of my mind, body and soul wants to just sit down -- I do whatever it takes to keep going. Today was a good day in that the run did not feel laborious, but, I did make the mistake of not focusing on the weekend run as much as I did the rest that comes after. I think the diminishing returns on that thought process is self evident.

So, when I felt like it today, I did do things like stop to smell some flowers ...

... or take in the scene:

I really didn't stop all that often, but I really didn't care when I did. There was simply no reason no to.

Over here, we all did the very best we could with our Monday! Certainly better than this guy ...

This week is the home stretch for the big run! But, that doesn't come without days to rest, and tomorrow is one of them! I'll check in then ...

Up and At It

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 470.7 (running: 326.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $38.39

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 470.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 90.1 Total: 848.8

Ahh ... Saturday ... It's just a good word. Saturday.

I had every intention of sleeping in a little bit today to kick off a Rest Day. The plan continued that I would run again tomorrow. It seemed a good plan, too, seeing as the weather forecast was for rain this morning, no rain tomorrow morning. But, today, I woke up to a flipped forecast; it wasn't raining, but there was a the 'promise' of it tomorrow ...

Even if it's clear in the morning, it is a guaranteed rest tomorrow. (yay!) So, I got up and at it today while the coast was clear!

As luck would have it, Pit Crew #2 woke up just about the same time as I decided I was definitely running. What better way for her to start her day, before her feet even hit the floor, than to hear me ask if she'd like to join me, amiright? I think that sounds winning every time I do it. Elly also had designs on the morning as she heard the familiar get-ready-to-run scuttle (isn't it funny how getting ready for certain activities actually has a predictable and familiar rattle to it?). She decided she was going, and I decided that was a good idea. I wasn't exactly prepared to run again after yesterday's 12, so I knew our mighty pacer would make this outing go okay!

As it has been showering off and on for a couple of days, there were all sorts of post-rain critters out and about. Why the rain brings on frogs that get hit in the road (sooooo gross) is beyond me, but look what fun things we saw!

Getting out and about with my girl(s) was a great way to kick off the weekend. Elly's pace -- which was crazy slow for the first mile -- allowed for PC#2 and I to talk a whole lot. That's my favorite part of running with her anyway. We didn't solve any world problems or delve into anything very deep, but it was fun to have that concentrated time with her to just gab about such topics as the poor snail Elly kicked after taking its picture (did I mention that?), how gross the frog situation was (hey, I didn't photo them) and other sundry plans for the upcoming Summer. She also made me feel better when I noted a certain, upcoming hill and told her I was totally walking it today to which she responded, without missing a beat, "Fine by me! I was hoping you'd say that!"

When the youth of the day acknowledge something is difficult, it only makes me feel that much better. Just sayin'.

I do love running with my girls:

Whatever the morning weather, I am not going out to run. For real. It's definitely time for a bit of a rest! I have just two more to accomplish before next weekend's 13 miler, so running tomorrow is totally unnecessary (and, likely, not well advised!). Besides, what better day to have a rest than Sunday! I will be checking in, though, with something fun from the kitchen!! Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, and I'll see you tomorrow!

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 for a 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:

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!

And, because the thunder is going and going and going, Elly looks like this:

"I'm trying to be brave, mommy. It's not working."

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!!!!)

Note the poor pooch behind me ...

I'll be checking in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

I'm Not a Fan Of This Pattern, But I'm Not Fighting It Right Now, Either

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 454.7 (running: 310.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $38.13

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 454.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 86.1 Total: 828.8

I'm beginning to notice a pattern in my running as of late, and that pattern includes the last short run of the week just kind of sucking. I've been able to pull off really good long runs following them, though, so I've chosen not to worry about it. Besides, a crappy short run for me is still an awesome outing for the pup!!

"Yes, yes, it's fabulous to get out and
about. So ... can we goooooo?!"

Elly really was pretty annoyed she had to stop and sit here. In part, she just doesn't like to sit until we're done and it's picture time. But, added to it, there were two dogs that had just passed along this same stretch. One was pretty big and very interested in checking Elly out (although we kept a big distance, so that dog gave its owner all kinds of trouble). The other was a dachshund, and it was wearing a little jacket. It was fantastic just trotting along minding its own business.

Elly either wanted to flee the scene or go after the new smelling dogs. Not sure which one:

We were blessed with another fantastic weather morning with temps in the mid-50s and just the slightest of breeze. There has been enough sun to get the running tan lines going but not enough to scorch or make the runs uncomfortable. If the run itself was going to be sub-par, the weather made for a wonderful undertone!

Capping off the run was the moment I hoped to find just one more penny (so as to roll the stash over another full dollar mark) is the moment when I found a dime. Whee! It pays to be hopeful!

"It sure does, mommy!! I am always
hopeful that I get to go with you, and it
almost usually sometimes works!! SLURP!"

Tomorrow's a rest from running before 12 miles on Friday! I'll be checking in then with a really fun share! See you then ...

That's the Way To Start the Week!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 451.7 (running: 307.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.95

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 451.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 822.8

Because my genius knows no bounds, I headed out on my run this morning with my camera in my pocket, but there was no memory card in said camera. I discovered this when I found a super-cool flower I wanted to show off. So, instead, I offer you a picture I took yesterday of my cat:

"Mommy doesn't take me running."

I am enjoying my Faux Girl training because it lacks pressure. Not that I feel pressure before an official race, per se, as much as I maintain a focus so as to have as good of a run as possible that day. There are more accountability pieces in the races, so I know I cop to them to whatever extent. It's not a bad thing; it keeps me motivated. But, with that off the table, I have an extended time goal for my upcoming finish which allows me to do things like stop and look for money or stroll along a stretch versus pushing myself.

For something that was born out of losing my brain and double-booking myself (so as to prevent participation in the official race), it's all turning out quite all right!

I am still following the distance goals of the training schedule, and today's was a 5-miler. To my pleasure, it was totally easy. I cruised right along and got 'er done. The awesome 55-degree weather didn't hurt anything, nor did the wind at my back for the majority of the run. It was a great way to start a Monday morning!

Tomorrow's a Rest Day which is totally laughable because we have to take the furries in for their annual check ups, and one of them makes it almost unbearable. I get anxiety even thinking about it. Needless to say, I'll be in charge of Elly ... Aaron can have the rest of the crew! I'll check in with a report ... hopefully it won't involve bodily injury inflicted by an obnoxious feline ...

That Worked Out

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 446.7 (running: 302.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.49

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 446.7 Aaron: 288 (b: 260.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 817.8

Biking yesterday to avoid running in the rain turned out to be a joke on me as I was soaked by the time I got home from my run this morning! You know what, though: It turned out more than okay. Just like yesterday's bike ride was probably more of a good cattle-prod to the rut I think I was in than it was avoiding the rain, running in a moderately strong shower for my last mile turned out to be rather refreshing! I won't say I would have voted to run in the rain, but it really was quite pleasant. And, seeing as it began when I was almost exactly half-way through my route, there was nothing I could do but embrace it! Three and a half miles dry; three and a half wet. Why not?

 

It's funny how the very things you spend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid turn out to be some of the best things that could have happened!

 

I also must confess that I'm positive yesterday's very long bike ride probably enhanced this morning's run. There's a day I know I would have required a rest following that kind of ride, but I'm growing to better understand how the ol' body works and what it's actually capable of -- not what I emotionally decide it can't or shouldn't do.

 

The only complaint I have from this morning is that I got a pretty wicked case of runner's nose. Yeah, the gross kind. You'd think, with the substantial shower I encountered, there would have been some kind of built-in, if not automatic, cleaning system. But, that simply didn't happen. I'll not go into the details required to remedy this most-annoying situation.

 

I was so pleased with this morning's run that nothing about it bugged me. Not the rain. Not having no choice but to run through a drainage area soaking my shoes. Not my I-know-you're-jealous hair.

Nothing.

It was a good run. But, I will not be running. Because it's Mother's Day and not what I'm going to do. I will check in, though, so I'll see you then!

One Way Or the Other

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 439.7 (running: 295.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 123.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.18

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 439.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 801.8

As I sat and mapped this morning's route yesterday, I think I knew the run wasn't going to happen. Or, maybe that's what I secretly hoped. There was plenty of rain in the forecast, so, outwardly, I was all, "Yeah, 50-50 that I'll run, and, if it rains, I'll bike," when on the inside I was all, "If I'm on the bike, I get to watch tv ..."

 

Just as I was about to head out, the rain started coming. And, by some miracle, it lasted the entire time I was biking. (As I do with any indoor bike ride, I keep looking out the window to justify my inside status and/or hop off and get outside.)

 

I had a 10-mile run on the calendar, so that amounted to 30 miles on the bike. I was surprised to find myself go through much of the same thought processes on the bike as I do on a long run: talking myself through those moments I'd rather just stop; making incremental goals/markers, sometimes feeling like it's going to take forever while, at other moments, feeling like a whole bunch of time just passed that I didn't remember.

 

Suffice it to say my butt hurt in a this-kinda-sucks way after. But, I thoroughly enjoyed the on-board bike fan (yeahhh!) plus the guilt-free block of time to catch up on some back-logged, recorded tv. Not bad.

 

In other exercise updates for today, let's check in with these two:

   "I haven't moved from this      "I circled you on the bike while

    spot in two hours."                 patiently waiting for my morning

                                                         rawhide, and I also wagged my

                                                         tail a lot."

The effort was a good one (and, certainly better than Thursday's outing). It was probably perfect timing to mix up the training. If I had an official race coming up, I wouldn't feel that way. But, I'll take the option while it's here. But, I have an itch to go out and run in the morning. Weather permitting, that's exactly what I'll do. If it rains, well, I'll just stay in bed that much longer!

 

Sometimes, an unplanned shake-up is exactly what we need. I'm certain I needed this! May any surprise that came your way have been a good one, and I'll check in after the morning verdict!

I Think That Was Insulting

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 409.7 (running: 295.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.18

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 409.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 83.1 Total: 771.8

Today's run was terrible. It's probably insulting to running to call it a run. But, that's how they sometimes go. In the about-200 running outings I'll finish this calendar year, some of them are bound to be bad. Today was one of them, so let's just call it what it was (sucked) and look forward to Friday's long run!

 

Regardless of how I felt it went, Elly had a great time out and about! See how happy she was?

"CHEEEEEEEESE!!!"

We stopped at that park because it was so calm and pretty. It was some of nature's eye candy, and I indulged while Elly explored a little bit!

I can hardly wrap my head around a long run in a couple of days, but, ready or not, it's a-comin'!! In the meantime, I have to share: Remember a week ago when I said I keep getting emails to buy the latest round of race photos and that I've received opportunities to buy even past the "last chance" email? Guess what was in my email inbox today? That's right! More chances to buy my super-duper-look-so-good race photos!

Say it with me: Delete!

While I hardly need a physical rest from today's outing, I am jumping at the chance for a mental break! I'll check in from there ...!

Just Keep Running ...

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 406.7 (running: 292.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $37.14

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 406.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 79.8 Total: 765.5

Happy May the Fourth and May the Fourth Be With You and all that jazz ... I couldn't let today go without the nod to Star Wars fans!

I could have let today go without the first mile and a half of my run, though. I really really really think I'm about due for a break! Just sayin'. So, suffice it to say that, while running, my mental energy is going toward, "Exactly when and for exactly how long am I going to take a break after Faux Girl ..." It's kind of like when I got up on GO! St. Louis morning only thinking about how long it would be until I could take a nap. I do so enjoy the running, but I'm not one of those who doesn't know what to do with myself when I'm resting!

But, now's not yet the time to down shift, so out I went to take on the day! It turned out to be a crazy profitable run ($1.09!), so that was lovely. It sprinkled quite a bit but didn't actually rain (always a bonus with the camera in tow), and by the time I finished running, I felt loose and good. That it is taking longer into the run to get there is my signal that extended rest needs to get on the agenda!

Until then, I'll take 'em one run at a time ...

I call this Poetry In Motion
Hooray, Almost Finished!

May your Monday have started your week off exactly as you wanted! I'll check in on tomorrow's rest from running day!

All Shook Out

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 402.7 (running: 288.4; walking: 20.5; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $36.05

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 402.7 Aaron: 279 (b: 251.4; w: 27.6)  Elly: 79.8 Total: 761.5

Pit Crew #2 told me last night that she "most likely, probably" wanted to join me for this morning's run. I knew that meant her heart wanted to go, but her body was tired and didn't want to get up too early to do so. Given how busy everyone has been this past week, I chose not to wake her and went on my own. And, was that because she needed the rest, or was it because I wanted to be by myself while I whined the last of Friday's 11-mile creakies out of my system without an audience? Either way, I think my going solo today worked best for all.

And, I'll just confess, the first mile and a half of this run was painful. That's just how it is for a few days after a longer run, so I wasn't surprised (just whiny). What does always surprise me, though, is by the end of a run like today (the first after a long one), I feel all shook out and back to normal. Given the way I felt getting out of bed, that's not a leap I would have made about how I'd feel. Now, if I'd gone with how I felt this morning, I would not have run at all. I guess there's something to that saying about "The very thing you don't want to do is the very thing you should" or however that goes. Of course, I don't find that universally applicable in life, but it seems to work for this thing we call running.

Does that saying also work the other way around? Like, "I totally want to find and pick up money, but I probably shouldn't do so with reckless abandon because some of the money is nasty."

Nothing a little disinfectant soap won't take care of, right ?!

We'll say the goo on the quarter and the penny was old soda and not speak of it again.

I planned for a Rest Day tomorrow until I remembered I have something on the calendar Tuesday morning (at least it was both on the calendar and I remembered!), so I'll be heading out in the morning. Have a great start to your week, and I'll check in after the morning run!

All Who Wander May Not Be Lost, But I Kind Of Was

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 397.2 (running: 284.4; walking: 19; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $35.69

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 397.2 Aaron: 277.5 (b: 251.4; w: 26.1)  Elly: 79.8 Total: 754.5

Yesterday when I said that I'd take easy (while it was there) because tomorrow won't be, I had no idea I was jinxing the hell out of myself ...

Happy Friday and Happy May!!! While not a single thing went the way I hoped/wanted/planned this morning, I managed to go with as much of the flow as I could, and it all worked out okay! I will not bore you with the details of the should-have-been-quick appointment and (sooooo wasn't) I had before heading out to run, but I managed to not let the annoyance of it spill into my run. Ten miles is hard enough; why self-inflict pain on top of that?

So, there I was cruising along the first couple of miles, almost an hour after originally planned -- boo!, somewhat patting myself on the back for not getting all upheaved and/or emotional about the morning disruption (GROWTH) when I realized something: I had no real idea where I was. At least, I had no idea where I was headed as the roads did not match the map in my head.

This was the very moment when I thought, "Huh. I'm pretty
sure this isn't right ..."

I knew the vicinity of where I was, so I had hope of running into a road I knew and getting back on course. That was soon foiled:

It's one thing for the sidewalk to end. It's another entirely for
the find place you planned to go is swarmed with construction.

The bummer of it was I really had no idea how far out of my way I'd gone, and I wasn't really interested in adding more to the mileage. If I could have hit the road I was heading to, it would've been a wash in terms of distance. But, there I was without any other option than to double-back and figure it out on the fly.

The route I was about to get back on had three different loops I'd put in along the way, so I kept debating, "Given how far I just went, I think I can blow off such-and-such loop and still get in the miles ..." I spent a mile or so playing my best-guess mental math until, frankly, I was just annoying myself trying to guesstimate the best plan. In the meantime, physically, I was feeling really good. I mean, the sun beating down on the dark clothes I sported wasn't awesome, but my muscles (the important parts in this story) felt great. So, I decided to run the route as planned and take the additional distance.

As it turns out, I went an extra 1.2 miles. So, guess who's running 10 miles next week instead of 11! This girl!

The loop I debated the most to take out ended up being the best part of the whole outing. Check out my little lake tour:

See the goose?! Note to self: Watch the path and what you're
potentially stepping in. Just sayin'.

Isn't it funny that when you see a duck in the wild, you act
like you've never, ever seen a duck before?

Check out the family!

Yeah, these adults -- and the other two with their babies on
the left side of this same path -- were not happy I was there.
At all. They hissed a lot. I admit it was a little unnerving, so
I bolted between the four hoping for the best (aka: no attack).
I made it unscathed! WHEW! For real, I was a bit nervous!
Those suckers are big!! Four, hissing geese. Creepy!

And, then there was this moment where the path did not match the map in my head. Again.

But, I had faith and kept going forward. That seemed a better idea than going back toward the angry geese. And, I'm pleased to say, this path wound around in unexpected ways but, most importantly, ended up where I thought it should. I'd say I planned that, but I already admitted that I really, really didn't.

After saying good-bye to the lake and non-friends, the geese, I only had a mile to go. And, for that, I was thankful because I was hot. And kind of tired. I wasn't too tired to spy a couple of quarters and pennies in that last mile, but I was tired enough to likely make people wonder as I awkwardly squatted down to the road to retrieve them. It has to be quite a sight. I'd stare and wonder, too.

It's an odd thing when you begin your day by entirely scrapping any semblance of plan you had only to find yourself required to just go with the flow. Fortunately, I'm learning better and better how to just embrace it and go forth! Here's to hoping your day -- no matter how it's going -- is a peaceful one, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!

From the Inside

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 384 (running: 273.2; walking: 17; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $35.14

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 384 Aaron: 275.5 (b: 251.4; w: 24.1)  Elly: 77.8 Total: 737.3

So, my upheaved schedule this week got upheaved again to make it so I didn't have to run today. I could, instead, take a break today and run tomorrow. Then, I thought, why mess with being messed with?, and I stuck to my original, rearranged plan. Besides, this gives me two days to rest before Friday's long run, so I think everything ultimately worked in my favor.

The weather was also hugely in my favor today! It was 62 degrees with a little breeze. It was perfect.

Today's four-mile plan turned in to five miles just because I could. It was one of those outings that had little-to-nothing to do with any kind of (race) goal I have and much more about relishing the fact that I can run at all. For real, there are days I'm so overcome with being thankful for being able to get out there that not pushing myself one more mile feels like a betrayal of a gift.

Perhaps it was the beautiful weather. Perhaps it was knowing I had rest coming, so I knew I could be a little more tired after today's run without any worry. Perhaps it was reflecting about how far I've come no matter how long it took to get here. Whatever it was, this was one of those runs where I felt one -- totally connected -- with everything around me. It was pretty cool, and I love when that happens. I can't explain it any better than that. For some experiences, there are few words.

I can, however, explain that I love my new race shirt so much it makes me want to hug it.

I love you, new shirt.

I think it feels my appreciation because it hugs me. Because it's a shirt ...

Yeah, from out of nowhere, I can get a lot deeper about this running gig than one might think. But, if not for that internal connection to make it greater than the steps, it simply would not have continued. Whether you run or not, you totally get what I'm saying if you have a passion about something.

Take some time to reflect upon and feel that passion. Fill yourself up with the feeling; it's good for the soul!

While my soul wallows in the good, my body will embrace and enjoy tomorrow's rest!! I'll check in then ...

It's Great To Be Eight!

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 378.8 (running: 268; walking: 17; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $34.62

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 378.8 Aaron: 275.5 (b: 251.4; w: 24.1)  Elly: 77.8 Total: 732.1

Remember when I said I was just going to have to embrace and go with a random-but-get-it-done schedule for this training? Well, what better reason to throw today's plan out the window and create a new one than to do so to accommodate bringing Elly?!

Why??

Because: IT'S HER BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

So far for her special day, Elly has gotten to run, walk, sniff random and/or gross stuff, and bark to her heart's content at the repair guy. Good golly, with all of that already accomplished, there's no telling what the rest of the day will bring!

Whatever it brings, we're so thankful she's ours. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!! You've earned your rest today ... and tomorrow when I get back out there!

Have a great start to the week, and I'll check in after!

Better

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 375.8 (running: 265; walking: 17; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $34.27

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 375.8 Aaron: 275.5 (b: 251.4; w: 24.1)  Elly: 74.8 Total: 726.1

When I say my day is so much better if I start it off with a run, I totally mean it. I actually tried to resist this notion when it was becoming more and more clear a couple of years ago, but I'm to the point I know I can't beat it, so I'll join it. I do not know why this is so, but I have enough evidence of my morning experiences to know it's just true.

Perhaps it's as simple as the run shakes out any potential morning crankies. And, not being a morning person, I am prone to have them. If I haven't run, my patience level is down, and my quick problem solving skills aren't quite as quick. But, if I have, I can hit the door afterward ready to take on or deal with anything.

This now-accepted-truth was displayed again today versus yesterday. And, given that fact (and the unfortunate fact that Pit Crew #2 was the recipient of my didn't-run morning mood yesterday), I not only knew I was running today without question, but I also knew I was taking PC#2 with me. We have found definite bonding in our runs on many levels, so, it just made sense we'd have a do-over with not only my personal key to morning success but also doing something we inherently enjoy doing together.

On a really chilly, drizzling morning, she and I covered 4.3 miles, found a collective 27 cents, answered some of life's questions, and (my favorite) had a moment where we were laughing so hard we had to completely stop.

I win.

By the way, the girl hasn't gone out running for at least a week and just cranked out those miles. On the flip side, my hair looked better after I ran than when we headed out. There's your meaningless morning trivia.

Well, it appears my training schedule for my upcoming Half is going to be about as higgly-piggly as the one leading up to GO! Seeing as that worked, I'm just embracing it! To that end, the next couple of days have running on the docket, so I'll check in tomorrow after starting off the week doing just that! Enjoy the rest of weekend in the meantime!

Get Over It and Get On With It

Today’s Numbers: Nancy's Total Movement Mileage: 371.5 (running: 260.7; walking: 17; biking: 93.8) Money Found For Food Bank: $34.00

2,015 in 2015 Change Hounds progress: Nancy: 371.5 Aaron: 275.5 (b: 251.4; w: 24.1)  Elly: 74.8 Total: 721.8

We'll start off with this:

Here is the line of thought that dominated today's run: You know how people can sue others for emotional distress? Okay, so along that line but opposite, there should be a fine imposed on those who cause distress to themselves. You know, self-created drama, that kind of thing. Perhaps that would ward off all of those totally useless, unproductive and often-annoying-to-others thoughts. Then we could spend all of our mental energy merely recognizing (instead of giving in) to thoughts of negativity, then use our time and resources to solve the problem. Or, at least, make the best of the situation.

It's just a thought.

I used my don't-really-want-another-law-dictating-my-behavior-anyway pretend line of thinking to keep away the many, many thoughts I had about jumping into the middle of another training schedule. It's funny how I worked really hard to figure out how to earn the Go Girl medal, even though my schedule prevents me from attending the actual event, only to turn around the very next day and think, "What have I done?" And, I had no one to blame but myself! Drat!!

I had to remember that I've had those exact feelings for the past two years when doing a Half in April then turning it around for May. And, three years ago, I wanted to turn it around, but I wasn't able. So, puh-leez, why was I being such a baby?

It was morning. I'm not a morning person. We'll go with that.

In all disclosure, in the past two years, it did take me two full weeks to come around to the idea of running the Half and thinking it was a decent idea. So, I figured if I got through this morning's 9 miles in any kind of shape (read: standing upright), then I'd be fine.

On this brisk, windy (eww) morning, I entertained myself along the way by soaking in the surroundings:

Umm ... while it wasn't supposed to rain, this was a wee bit
alarming. It reminded me of that Go Girl run two years ago
when I saw such a sky and thought, "Nahh ..." only to have
the lightening begin ...

Check this little guy out!!!!

There was a groundhog that hung outside Aaron's and my
first apartment. He visited daily. We named him
Mr. Groundhog. True story.

That's just peaceful. I love this spot.

So, how'd the run actually go? To my genuine surprise, it went really well. My finish time told me things went better they it often felt, but I also knew it was just fine because I was, indeed, completely upright after. That's always a bonus.

And, can I just say that as I've been sitting here writing, I just figured out what I'm calling this upcoming, unconventional Half. Ready? Again, while it's under the Go Girl umbrella, I am calling mine Faux Girl.

TA-DA!!! Hey, it has a better ring to it than when Pit Crew #2 called it Fake Go Girl.

Okay, for real, just having my own name to it totally excited me! That shouldn't surprise anyone; I'm like that.

With that, it's time to settle into the evening!! I'm so happy it's the weekend; I bet I'm in good company there!! Start yours off exactly how you want, and I'll check in on tomorrow's Rest Day!