Running Thoughts

sorry to be MIA... I am visiting family for about a week.  Not getting to run...  :( BUT...I got a kettlebell from my SIL for Christmas!!! Merry Christmas! I'll be back at the exercise game soon!  

Yay! We finally have enough snow for sledding...my favorite high intensity intervals! I ran 6 HiiTs up the steeeeep hill, through the snow with fantastic sled-rides down to catch my breath in between! Good for the mind, body, and soul! The very best part: it involves my kids! Such a great day. We'll sleep well tonight!

maybe tomorrow I'll eat clean!  I'm having trouble remembering to eat often..maybe I'll set my watch and actually wear it. I did 2 sets of weights today.  The plan was 3 sets but I was done with 2.  I hope I feel it tomorrow!  I decided to move run days to MWF and lifting to TThS this week.  My thought was that I would like to have my long run on Monday when my oldest is home (have I mentioned that  our school is in session Tu through Fr, with a 3 day weekend every week?  and how much I love that?) and after my hubby has left (yet again) for the week.  That way, I don't miss any time with him while he is (seldom) home and I can choose the time of day to run based on when the sun is out because my daughter is here to stay with the boys.  Anyhoo, it's a good theory that I wish I'd thought of earlier because after Dec 31, hubby is job hunting, so not so much travel.  And we are leaving for a couple of weeks to go to visit grandparents and friends during the Christm...

Little reasons I prefer running outside rather than inside on the treadmill... "Move away (huff, puff) from your sister."  "Don't torment (puff, puff) your brother."  "Tablet is spelled (huff, huff) T-huff-A-puff-B..."  You get the idea. Other than that, my run was good.  Nike.com is messed up right now, so please reassure my poor little nike mini that I did run...3 miles.

I got my lebert equalizer today...

Some cool freebies I found: www.womensadventuremagazine.com On the left margin are some great give-aways to sign up for...check 'em out! Sara came over for our great whole body workout.  We are cooking up a New Year's Challenge...any ideas?  We have a few.  Also, I'm thinking of changing up my blog for the new year to keep me on my toes and blogging daily, so watch for that.   Done with your Christmas shopping?  How about something to spice up your exercise a bit and get yourself motivated??   Skirtsports is sporting a sale...$12 running skirts!!  Can you believe it?  Or some kettlebells ?  Or this that I ordered for myself!?  I'm hoping for this ....  How about you?  Any fitness wishes on your wishlist?

The chill stung my throat as I listened to the whisper of my favorite running shoes making their way through the snow. I could hear the music from my ipod like a little nudge in my left ear. My other ear, though, was listening intently to the silence around me. The silence of winter in my little town. The mountains towering above and around me spoke of ages past in tiny visual voices only the eyes could hear. The snowflakes that glittered in the air, finally finding their place on my skin, told me sparkling secrets of silence. I knew as I listened that all of the nothing that I could hear was all of the something that I love about running in Winter. As I licked the ice-tasty snowflakes from my lips, a clump of snow fell from a tree with the startling sound of a soft landing, and as though a gunshot had pierced my reverie, I became once again aware that it was time to head home. Today's 2 miles was a peaceful reminder of why.

Didn't run yesterday, but hiked for about an hour through deep snow in search of the perfect Christmas tree.  Found it!  I tried to post a pic, but it didn't work! Today was a lifting day.  I'm really liking my new lifting routine.  It involves multiple joint exercises and focuses on the core and whole body.  Not isolated moves.  I'm always slightly sore afterward, and that feels like progress!  You've gotta try this!  wow.  I'm only up to the slower ones in the beginning.  I'm checking out bodyweightculture.com too...interesting.

Today was a run "If I choose to run" sort of day.  I had told myself that I would only run today if I just couldn't stop myself or found myself with nothing do but jump on the treadmill (like that could ever happen!). It was a cold run, but really fun with my golden retriever, Banjo, loping along easily as my companion.  We went 2 miles. It's interesting when I give myself permission to skip a workout, that I find myself chomping at the bit to fit it into my day.  I realize on days like today that I don't have to beat myself up for not running/working out or make it a LAW that it be done...I just have to allow myself to skip it.  To really give myself a truthful option to "not."  Then, I realize how important it is to me.  I actually have learned this over time from my autistic son.  I always allow myself not to work with him in his playroom, to truly have the choice.  Of course, when choosing, I choose what is important to me.  Now, there are times when...

commitment big word.  I was thinking back to when I began this fitness journey and realizing that it took that big word in a big way.  I didn't just fall into a routine willingly or instantly love the pain of exercise.  I didn't immediately think, "ah!  running and lifting weights...now that's where life is at its best."  I made the decision to do this whether I got it right or not.  whether I loved it or not.  whether or not I wanted to.   commitment

For a treadmill, mine is pretty ok.  I don't know why, but I'd rather run 5 miles outside than 2 inside, but run 2 on the tready, I did.  (sort of a yoda sentence that is) I am even slower on the treadmill.  maybe because it's monotonous to me.  I had thought I'd maybe be faster after training and running the Half, but not so!  I'm slower than ever, but i'm having fun.  Tomorrow is lifting day--hooray for that too! I ordered this .  cool,huh?  ya want one, dontcha?

Back in the grooooove!  I took a little break during the holidays and while hubby was home with a few days off.  I can't remember where I left off with journaling my workouts, so I'll start over with today!! Getting back into the groove can be harder sometimes.  Sometimes it's just so easy to take a break and then get right back in, but not this time.  I'm not sure why, but I do know that I told myself I was tired and the weather was too cold (I have all I need to workout INSIDE my house), so what is the big fat deal??  So, I went with what I know...I just have to do it and stop accepting my own excuses.  After all, Ruth is sticking with it and she has had real REASONS for not working out, wanting to and not getting to.  So, decided to want to.  I had a great lifting workout with Sara today and plan to run tomorrow.  Back ON!  And excited about it.  I knew I would be!

I THOUGHT I might run in the town "Turkey Trot" 2 mile run this morning, but nope...just lazy!  Hope your Thanksgiving was fantastic!!

Oh, clothing manufacturer people, Hear my feeble plea... If attire for running you fabricate, please, for goodness sake, Give them pockets. That's all I ask. I know the arguments... you say I don't need my ipod listen to nature... The world is full of music. I agree, but what about those long runs when I need nourishment... pockets, please, people, for my snackies at least! 6 miles today. I ran to the Hard Tack Mine and back. It was so great!! I had my teeny tiny pocket packed with almonds. Tomorrow is a lifting day...and I love my new workout routines.

I ran uphill sprints today and then did my lifting workout. Now, I have a housefull of little boys. Which is the more taxing workout? All good.

I got home from a 2 mile run to find a package waiting for me!  I got my Nike+ Half finisher's shirt and keyring! Am I cool, or what?

I'll be gone for a couple of days...sort of a mini-vacation with an orthadontic appt thrown in.  Haha!   I'll do some bodyweight exercises while gone and run on Tuesday when I'm back home.  More then!

I had thought I'd run sprints on the treadmill today, but it's too pretty outside.  I ran just over 3 miles instead.  It's muddy out there, though.  I kept having to scrape my shoes.  And I've not seen so many cars on the road since the tourists left for the winter.  Enough complaining, though!  The day is splendid!  I'd like to hear a word to describe yours!  (hope it's a positive one!)

I'm loving getting back into the weight lifting routine!  Here is my in-home space.  It's in my bedroom, but hey, it's warm!  It was out in the storage building behind our house and it was freeeeeeeezing.  My treadmill in in the family room, so it isn't in the picture.  Today's warm-up was like yesterday's, except I did it better.  Then the lifting was slightly different, but similar, with supersets of multiple joint exercises.  Great workout!  

Today was a rest day, but I wanted to report that I am pleasantly sore ALLL over from my whole body exercises from yesterday.  Here are some details from the workout... 5 minute warm-up that consisted of elliptical machine for 2 minutes, bridges, opposite raises, mountain climbers, and breakdancers which ate me alive. romanian deadlifts-2x14 front squats-2x14 one armed rows-2x14 walking lunges 2sets/10steps bench press-2x14 2 arm swings 2x14 All done at home.  Nice.  

Today's 1.6-something mile run marks the coldest run I've ever accomplished.  WOW!  I'm glad I now have a treadmill.  I should consider using it!  I came home refreshed and thankful for my warm house.  I was wearing warm stuff, but not enough of it.  Here are some thoughts I have about running in cold weather. hang in there, you'll warm up soon enough dress in layers with a moisture-wicking layer against your skin sort of cold days require 2 layers very cold days require 3 get some running tights smartwool training socks if your shoes are mesh to make them more breathable, save them for summer and get some non-mesh ones you neeeed one of these ..so worth $20!  Mine is lime green.  It's a neck gator of sorts, but is super versatile and you can breathe through it, so pulling it up over your nose won't slow you down mittens that convert to fingerless gloves are perfect for keeping your fingers snuggled up together, but allowing you to use your fingers on your ipod...

Snowy run today with my Golden.  We had a blast together, and while I thoroughly enjoyed training for the Half-marathon, I feel freedom when I run now.  Like I'm running just for me.  The Half was for me too, but it was an exercise in discipline.  Now, I'm exercising my freedom!! If you've never run in the snow, you've gotta remedy that...snooow much fun!

Here is an article put out by the "truth about abs" e-zine that I get.  It's by the turbulence training guy (also, you may have seen his you-tube video about how to run HiiT style), Craig Ballantyne.   It is a quick way to work your obliques with some exercises that are new to me.  I really like all the workouts I've done by this guy.  Especially traveling or short of time.   Yesterday was my first "long" run since the Half.  I ran 5K.  Today, I'm sore in my neck and back, but I think it's because now I'm sick.  We all are.  All three kiddos and myself.  Hubby is out of town, so lucky not to be here to catch it, I guess!

sprints on the treadmill! I like sprints for several reasons:  I feel great afterward, the workout is short and sweet, and they are great for weight loss! The treadmill is the perfect place for sprints.  The surface is consistent, you control the speed and incline, and you can practice proper form.

I was going to post a trick or treat/candy post, but Mizfit has already done just that and has done a fab job of it too!  So check that out! Instead, I will rave about the wonderful weather we are having here.  It's normally snowy and I am having to pull on running tights by now.  Today, I put on my shorts and headed out into crisp cool air and warm sun.  Perfect combination for a perfect run.  I said all that to say that today, as perfect as it was, had nothing on the half-marathon day.  I trained 14 weeks injury free with only a sore knee here and there and then the day was paramount when it could have been super cold.  In fact, it could have been the first cold day so that all my training was warm and then BOOM!  But no, the sun smiled that day, and I didn't even mention it!  Mentioning it now...the day was stupendous!! Also, I'm reading an ebook I downloaded a long time ago called, "The Truth About Abs."  I really like it so far.  It promotes free weights (my...

I will admit, reluctantly, that I was slightly disappointed in myself at the end of my Half-Marathon.  I know, I know... Still, I was, just slightly.  I wasn't sure why exactly at the time, but it was really that several things added up to the undermining of my own accomplishment.  I still wasn't sure what my personal best was.  But now I am.  In fact, later that evening I was sure.  I've tried to think how to word this, but come up short.  The best I've found comes from John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals book.  He says,  "You are going to discover your personal best somewhere during the training or during the race.  There will come a point when you know that you are accomplishing the most that your body, your mind, and your will have to offer.  There will come a point when what you believe about yourself equals what is true about yourself.   "That can happen at a 5-minute pace or a 15-minute pace.  That convergence of belief and reality can happen to ...

This week, I've been resting.  So, I thought I'd use this time to gather thoughts to share about the half-marathon Sara and I completed on the 19th.  This is the next to the last post on that topic before I lay it to rest. I thought I'd share some mistakes I made, so here is a "not-to-do" list when running a long distance run: Don't be so excited that you forget breakfast like I did.  It was an afternoon run and I totally forgot to eat breakfast.  Not a good thing. Don't stop for long at the water stations.  I was super excited that my family had a water station set up for me and I let myself get too "cooled down" at the water stations. Don't leave your jacket at the water station.  You might need it later like I did. Don't forget to clip your toenails even if you don't think you need to. Don't forget to loosen your shoes about halfway through. Don't forget a kneeband if you wear one normally and have problems with "runne...

My family is so great.  If you go here , you will see video of our half-marathon.  My hubby made us bib numbers...I think you'll like them.  We're so 80's!

Today, I ran like a girl.  In the NIKEPLUS "run like a girl" half marathon, that is!  I'll post more about it tomorrow with pictures.  Just a quick low-down for right now... That was HARD!!!!! But I survived and had fun and thought I might die all in one almost 3 hour time frame.  My family was great support, bringing water and snacks.  The day was gorgeous, the scenery couldn't have been better, the company super.  Sara rocked, and we both agreed that 13.11 miles is LLLOOONNNGGG. More tomorrow after I'm rested! ps...I DID IT!!

My hubby and I took a drive yesterday... We went up the road 13.1 miles to scope out Sunday's Half Marathon.  Sara and I plan to run it together (so far, no more sickness!).  I'm so excited that 13.1 miles starts us at exactly the "Empire Chief" mine.  It's the remains of a silver mine from the 1800's that got completely taken out by an avalanche last winter.  The whole town was almost in tears that it had stood for so many years only to be wiped out by the snow after so long.  So, the mine will be our starting place!  Very memorable!  We will run past "Whitmore Falls" which is a beautiful waterfall.  Then we'll pass through "Capital City," an old mining ghost town with only a few cabins left (almost halfway at this point).  We'll be following the edge of the canyon that is home to Henson Creek, which is really more of a river.  The creek is beginning to freeze already and I think we are running this just before the cooooold sets in...

My little boy was sick all yesterday afternoon and through the night.  I didn't go for my 5 miler until today.  The morning was cold...16 degrees.  cold.  I let it warm up to 45 degrees for my run.  It was a really great run.  5 miles feels just right.  I love a 5 mile run.  Strange to say that since not long ago I couldn't imagine that I could run 5 miles.  Now, 5 miles is a comfortable, relaxing run.   Next Sunday is IT.  Half-marathon day!  This week's runs are short (30 min) in prep for Sunday!  Should be a cold week with a nicer, warmer weekend.  AND My hubby bought me a surprise for those too cold to run kind of days....

Fall is my favorite season here. I have looked forward to the crisp air and the beautiful, changing trees. Yesterday's run felt so good! I thought, "This is going to be a new PR!!" It just felt so right and I could tell that my time coming home was really good (for me), but then my nikeplus didn't catch all my steps (or that's my story) and my pace doesn't look that great on the nikeplus graph. Oh well, I just thought I'd share with you that my soul knows that I ran a personal record! Even if it wasn't. For me, it was a renewing and inspiring 40 minutes. And that's what matters!

I signed up for the Winter Sun 10K on Dec. 6! AND I ran my 8 miles yesterday without getting rained on MUCH.  Only a few drops when I was nearly home.  Yesterday was a crisp, cool day and I thought the run would feel so good.  It did, but was also HARD for some reason.  I just crawled up the hills yesterday, but I made it and without walking.  So, life lesson:  Crawling still gets you over the top and then the downhill is easy! So, what is it with the first and the last miles?  My last 2 runs have been so hard to get going and so hard to finish.... Like so many things.  I remember 2 years ago just getting started on my journey to fitness...how hard it was.  And now, with just a little extra around the middle, motivation to lose that last little bit is tough!  With my son's progression out of autism...So hard to get over the grieving and get to the grit of running a program for him that would ease him out of the depths.  Now, he is so close to "norm" that it's easy to ...

The Open Road "The path to happiness and fulfillment in running and other pursuits is not always easy, but it is clearly marked.  To avoid the roadblocks, we must simply realize that they are self-made.  when we take ourselves and our running too seriously, we create expectations, accept myths, and get immersed in obsessions that defeat us. To find happiness, we need to accept the reality of the world and our place in it.  When we do so, we begin to enjoy today's experiences rather than reach for a future that is always out of our grasp.  Fortunately, you have the power to change your perspective.  And when you do, the road opens up once again, inviting you out for another run." ~Get Motivated, Stay Motivated, Runner's World Magazine The road beckoned me today when there was a break in the rain and the sun poked it's shy face through for a moment.  I got drenched on the way home.  It was a good kind of drenching.  Banjo (dog) and I had a nice shake-out of a run to...

Today was longer than it should have been; Tomorrow will be better. I'll catch a second wind before The colder change in weather. Of course, there is some good news: I managed a 4 mile run Just about 5 minutes  Before the cold and wind had their fun. I'll have to find our snow boots soon; The leaves are falling fast. Faster than I can run, but Running through them was a blast! Included in my post, you'll find A picture of Autumn here. (For you Texan friends: That's when the leaves change and disappear.)

I stuffed the teeny pocket in my running skirt with candy corn and sharkies , thinking "I love an excuse to eat halloween candy!"  Then, I headed out the door for my longest run before the half.  After today's run, I taper my runs down to give my body a chance to recover from training before the half-marathon on October 19th.  Today's run was 10 miles, and I knew I'd need some energy (aka, candy corn) and I wanted to try the sharkies before packing some for m y half.  The sharkies are energy (sugar) and electrolytes.  I grabbed my favorite water bottle and took off!  I really like this water bottle (mine's green) because it's BPA free and it fits my hand just right.  So, I've mentioned before that my favorite run is up a very gradual incline until about 2.5 miles up where it becomes a steep, continuous climb.  For the next 2.5 miles, I ran (sloooowly) up and up through the rain, up past the Ute Mine which is what's left of an old silver mine.  It...

Yay!  Positive self-talk!!!  It works!!!  :) I told myself that I was going up those big, long hills like they were nothing, and I did it!  I envisioned myself in the lead of a group of racers, encouraging them on and my little imaginary game got me to the top in record time!  I wasn't fast, just faster.  ;)   I chose the hills.  I ran farther up the road than my nikeplus told me just so I could take on the bigguns.  The last time I ran up the hills, my overall pace went down to 12 something per mile.  This time, even with the hills, my overall pace was 11.30ish.  Without the hills, I run near or below 11 minutes per mile.  not fast, not slow. Anyway...success is sweet! There is an interesting article in Sept. Runner's World about the way your brain takes on pain.  I didn't read it until after my run today, but it was great.  I've marveled at what a mind game running is, and I continue to!

We had such a fun weekend!  But I didn't get to run my 6 mile run, so I thought I'd run it today.  Instead, my hubby took the day off from work (sort of--his sweet sis offered to take things over so he could spend time with me and the kids before leaving town tomorrow...turns out he isn't leaving tomorrow after all...), so I didn't want to spend the time to run 6 miles.  This week is off anyway because I have an extra week in my training schedule between now and Oct. 19 (half marathon day).  I had decided just to repeat last week's schedule so that next week can be my longest run before I taper my training schedule down for the last 3 weeks before the race.  That meant a 6 mile run this past weekend.  My runs this week are to be 60 minutes anyway, so that's around 6 miles for every run this week.  So, today, I did a half a run!  I ran 30 minutes with Banjo who was so exhausted by the time we got home.  Again, he was so fun to be with, even though we had to chase...

I finally took my Golden, Banjo, running with me.  I was worried that he would slow me down or run off (not too well-behaved, my Banjo), but he has matured a little (very little) and I took him out for 4 miles.  No leash, just us running (and sniffing...Banjo, everything; me, drainage) and loving it.  He was such a good boy!  What a fun run! Reasons to have a Golden Retriever for a running partner: they truly are loyal and stay by your side naturally they look back to make sure you are still there they stick their wet nose on your leg every now and then to let you know they are there they're so happy, always happy their energy is contagious Seriously, I felt his energy as I ran, and seeing him loping along gave me a boost.  I wish you a Banjo kind of day!

I keep having trouble making it to the gym lately.  I'm not sure why I have used this as my excuse for skipping my lifting sessions since I have dumbells at home and love to do body weight workouts... So tonight, I decided not to use my excuse...and I did supersets  of push ups, chest flyes, tricep extensions, and shoulder press.   Anyone want to run this with me in December?  the first 100 to register are guaranteed a spot in the half marathon.

the cake was ok enough, but look at sara's new baby brother-in-law!  So cute! With everything that's been going on, I had missed a whole week of running.  Today was a new day, and I ran my 6 miles that I've been trying to get to.  I sure felt the missed training runs when I hit mile 6.  I did it, though!  And tomorrow I plan to lift!  Yay!

Sara is off on her honeymoon!  It was a beautiful wedding and the cake was fun...turned out pretty and was yummy.  Luckily, it was nearly all eaten so not too much temptation!  I'm pretty tired of even looking at cake anyway!  Haha!  I'll post a pic as soon as they are downloaded.  Beautiful bride, beautiful day! So, migraines and wedding stuff and guests have kept me either in bed or running like crazy, but not RUNNING!  So, I'm looking forward to a quiet week that includes some wonderful runs.  We will be in recovery mode and we have to make a short trip tomorrow, so it may be Monday before I fit in my 6 mile run.   Interestingly, as things got busy, I THOUGHT of running and it sort of re-grouped me.  The rhythm of it, the sound of my own breath and the warmth of the sun...just thoughts, but good ones.  Also, it was fun as we drove guests UP to the rehearsal site to say, "Hey, this is where I run."  It's very UPhill, and I was really proud of myself!

I just have weights blocked out of my mind or something!! I keep waking up thinking..oh this is a lifting day!..then I forget. Now, I'm tired and it's late (for me...I'm also a weeney). So, maybe tomorrow?? I will run tomorrow for sure. This is the final countdown week before Sara's wedding on Saturday and I'm the cake maker extraordinaire. So, please excuse short posts as I clean in preparation for company and bake and do last minute things in addition to all the other things that must happen around here!

This whole running thing is a metaphor for me. I wrote about that here . I also write about autism and my son a lot. My life is filled with my children, homeschooling, and autism in particular. So, I end up writing about, thinking about these things that consume my time. As I looked UP the curving road toward a destination I couldn't see, I was reminded of my metaphor. I thought of how UPHILL days with an autistic child can be, of working toward a destination that I can't see, and I thought of "conquering." Then, I decided that really, what I want is more than just to conquer. I wanted to relax, not worry about the outcome, and enjoy what I have and where I am. So, that's what I did. For me, this is symbolic of my work with my children and especially with my child with autism. I don't know what is around the top of that bend, I do know it will be work to find out, and I make my choice, as always, to relax into my son's life and enjoy our world t...

Only have a minute, but wanted to say that yesterday on my 40 minute run, I took about 20 minutes to relax and get my mind and body on the same page.  Does that ever happen with any of you?  Your body seems to belong with some other non-running mind and vice versa????  I felt like a big clutz for the first half of my run and then finally fell into a rhythm when it was almost time to stop!  Grrr.  I just read Ruth's post about "relax and run" which is normally what I do, but some days, it just doesn't happen right off the starting line!   Here are some of my ways of relaxing while running (that FINALLY worked for me yesterday and normally work easily):  I let my arms just hang and swing as I run for a few seconds, roll my head from side to side or shrug my shoulders.  I look up and around.  I count.  I try to feel the air around me by concentrating on each part of my body to see if I can feel the breeze or the sun.  I look for rock pictures in the cliffs.  I think ...

Click on the image to get a better look at my new "sauchagirl" necklace!  I got it in the mail today, and that was perfect because I was concentrating on loving today even though my hubby left for a week and school has officially gotten into full swing.  AND I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do in our homeschool.  At any rate, the "Love Today" necklace helped and so did my 30 minute run plus sprints.  I was supposed to run for 50 minutes, but didn't have 50 minutes, so I compromised.  I wore my new necklace for the run too.  In honor of my new favorite necklace, here is an oldie but a goodie  (put together by my workout buddy and myself) for you to enjoy (again).

hubby was disappointed that I didn't post more of his pictures of *where* I ran the human race.  The reason I didn't is that there is no way that pictures can do this place justice.  I ran along through the canyon that this "creek" calls home.  It's beyond descriptive words and plays its own music as I go by.   Also, I've worried that I'm ridiculously slow, but in the results listed on Nike+.com, I'm a middle-of-the-packer.  That's good since I thought I'd be dead last!

The Nike Plus 10k was yesterday!  There were cities all over the world with races yesterday to benefit charities such as the one I chose which was the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  With every mile I ran since registering for the race, including my 10k yesterday, Nike donated money to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  I chose to race virtually via my nike+ and ran yesterday on my own where I live.  I actually ran 7 miles winding through the mountains on a crisp, cool, misty day in my nike human race tee shirt which I can now proudly sport and say "I did it!"  Here are some of the pictures from yesterday as hubby and youngest son fished, cheered, and took video and pics.  They also surprised me with a smiley face "I spy" adventure.  My kids and hubby painted smiley faces on rocks and snuck out the night before to place the rocks along my trail.  There were about 15 smileys cheering me on as I raced.  It was so fun to watch for them!  They were especially appreciated at ...

You have to be a mommy or a teacher to recognize the title of this post as a children's book title.  The book is blue and has white shapes on every page that "look" like common things, one of them being spilt milk, and then it ends up that it was just a cloud in the sky. The sky reminded me of that book today as I ran my 4 and a half miles.  So, I decided to keep watch on the clouds to see what they reminded me of.  Here are the things I saw so that you can psycho-analyze me... donut (could I be hungry?) T-rex (I always see a dinosaur) an old man's face a volkswagon beetle So, what've ya got?  I'm a hungry girl afraid of dinos and old men in volkswagons?  HMMM.  Well, on the phychological theme:  It's so strange how much of a mind game running is.  I think it's interesting that I can run 2 miles and the tiredness sets in at the same point in my back-home-part-of-the-run that it sets in for a 6 mile run.  I wonder what would happen if I ran a different ...

When I ran my first 10k a few weeks ago, I thought, "now, I'm a runner!" The truth is, I give myself lots of labels easily.  I'm a wife, a mother, daughter, friend, sister....all those are "given" to me by the definition of what they are.  And I find I'm eager enough to use labels that I don't like...lazy, unproductive, well, I won't go on with that...but you know what I'm getting at, right?  Why is it that the labels that we most readily use to define ourselves are like that?  Why not just as easily describe myself as a runner?  I was running before the 10k.  Why not an artist?  When I'm asked if I'm an artist, I think twice.  I draw and paint and enter my work in the local art shows.  I'm an artist.  When asked if I'm a teacher, I say something like, well I homeschool or I used to teach.  I teach EVERY DAY!  I'm a teacher, a runner, an artist, and many other greats!  And so are you!  Here is a passage from (you guessed i...

Strategy... I've been thinking some about strategy.  I have a strategy for a lot of things.  Some of them work and some don't.  Like my strategy for getting my housework done...doesn't work so well, and I end up running like crazy to get it all done at once when something is coming up.  You'd think I'd change my strategy....  Getting my kids involved..well, this strategy is mediocre and I keep trying to improve it.  Strategy for accomplishing homeschool...hmmm, need to work on some things there.  All of these things are works in constant progress.  I'm thinking about my strategy to keep up my running and lifting after we get started back with homeschooling, etc.  I know the obvious choice is to get up early, but it is substantially colder early in the fall and winter here.  I really prefer to run after 9:30 when the sun manages to raise its sleepy head over the top of the mountain completely.  We all have our challenges...and have to juggle them.  What are some ...

I'm so glad that I'm only racing against myself.  Did you see the men's olympic marathon?  Those guys finished the half in under an hour.  I'm just hoping to finish the same day I start!  sheesh! How cool was it that one guy from Kenya shared his water bottle with a guy from another country?  He was the winner of the human race for sure.  Another Kenyan actually won the marathon and broke the world record. Speaking of the human race...I run the nike+ human race 10K on the 31st!  I ran 2.7 miles yesterday and I run 4 tomorrow.  Light week, but it will put me over 100 miles on my nike+ so I'll get a virtual medal which will be grand! Now, I'd like to present these gold medals to Ruth and Sara.  Ruth wins this virtual gift for running 12 miles tomorrow. Sara, this for 7.

so, here's a list of why today has been such a good day: I woke up late (so, I thought.."Ok, so my run will come later in the day") I got ready to go run when I remembered that one of my son's volunteer teachers was coming this morning, so no time to run  (I thought, OK, so my run will come LATER in the day.) she didn't come (so, I got extra time one on one with my son and thought, "my run will come *later* in the day!) my 13 year old got called to go help out at the day care, so I still couldn't go run until she got home  (so, I got more extra time one-on-one with K and I thought, "afternoon runs can be very refreshing!) when I did get outside to run, I realized after about 10 steps that I already had a rock in my shoe (Good opportunity to focus on good things and not the nagging little things) At my turn-around point, I forgot to dump the rocks out of my shoes as I had planned, so still rocks for the second half  (more opportunity!) So, what makes ...

Today was planned as a 6 mile run for both Sara and me.  We set our nike plus gadgets to 10k, which is 6.22 miles, and took off.  We started off slowly and then built up our speed in the second half.  It was a cool day and it took a while to warm up, literally.  The whole first half is a gradual uphill slope, but the end of the first half, just before the turn around point, is steep, uphill.  We both finally reached a point near the top of one hill where we felt like scooby doo and decided to walk the last 20 or so feet to the tiptop, then we ran again.  But, ah, the run back down was worth the climb!  Here is a pic of us after the run!

I ran for 40 minutes today.  I tried to do speed work, but my knee disagreed with the idea, so no speedwork until it is completely healed or until I get my compression band for it.  I thought millions of thoughts while running, but here is a list of lessons I've learned while running in the mountains: Always run on the outside of the curve; it doesn't matter whether you are facing oncoming traffic or have traffic to the back of you, stay on the OUTSIDE of the curve!  (nearly got hit by a jeep one day) Run just a little further uphill so that you can have longer downhill If you run farther uphill, the second half of your run will be faster than the first half Be gentle with the uphill parts; even if you know you can go faster, reserve your energy and protect your knees Relax and look around "peace like a river" must mean peace that can overcome obstacles because the river is like that...overcoming.

I'm planning an upper body lift day, but so far, haven't gotten to the gym.  Hopefully, this evening.  Hubby wants to join me so I'm trying to wait until he can come with me. When it isn't a running day, I feel sort of lost.  So, I read about running.  This is what I read today from No Need for Speed by John (the penguin) Bingham: "...Knowing that a breakthrough is always possible can give your daily runs the character of a treasure hunt.  Stepping out the door or onto the treadmill, you can allow yourself to wonder if today is the day.  You can allow yourself to look for, listen for, and feel the small improvements that occur so often in the first few months of running.  You can allow yourself to accept your body's invitation to discover the treasure in that day's run.  Not every run will reveal the Ark of the Covenant.  The revelation may be something as simple as finding a new way to tie your shoelaces so that they stay tight.  But every run has the pote...

Before I go for my 40 minute run today, I had a few thoughts.  First, MizFit  challenged her readers to random acts of kindness and beauty today.  That's fun because it gets me thinking of someone besides myself and my own family!  I realized as I read her post that I easily become over-balanced, happy in my own little world.  Then, I read FanFit's blog post about balance and thought some more about balance in my life.  That was one of my new year's goals...balance.  I've done better at it, but could be better at it.  I really love that I've gotten more into distance running for this reason.  I have to balance many things in order to make it the whole distance.  There are so many balancing thoughts that enter my mind as I run, before I run (eating a balance of carbs, protein, and good fats), after I run (nutrition again), and between times (resting and cross training).  All of it is a good mind exercise.  Today, I am going to stop along my favorite trail, that is k...

I ran a good, strong 3 miles today and my knee is only nagging me ever so slightly!  My nike plus said, "congratulations!  you just ran your fastest mile so far!"  I like the "so far" part because I'm not planning for this to be the fastest mile ever.  I started off slowly and decided that I'd try to notice things I hadn't noticed before.  Here is my list of new things I noticed today on my 3 mile run: cute tiny yellow flowers that are shaped like starbursts there are two kinds of little white barbie bouquet flowers, not just one a brilliant yellow and black bird with an orange head and neck a lady bug on a green leaf a perfectly flat rock that would make a great little table a pretty little line of rocks in the creek  that change the direction of the water's flow a giant boulder in the creek that changes the sound of the water not all purple is the same...so many shades Great second half of the run with lots of energy-that's where the fast mile ...

Finally available for your viewing pleasure... HERE is a good laugh!  The show was good, all in all, I just thought my bloopers were the most entertaining part.   

I followed some advice from an avid long-distance runner and ordered the item you see here.  Now, as Ruth says, I will be ultra-cool, injured and all.  It's a compression band to help my knee cap stay in its track.  I'm sure that what happened is that I turned my foot out as I ran up hills...those who know me know that I am masochistic and like to run uphill sprints and long gradual inclines (so that I can run DOWN)...turning my foot out injured my knee and now my knee can't get completely over it because...well, I use it you know.  So, today is the last day of rest for Ms. Knee before my 3 mile run tomorrow which will be (as usual) very slow and easy.  I'll keep icing it and my compression band should arrive soon.  The idea is that my knee will be held in place and given a chance to heal.  Everything I read says to continue running, so I am.  I just also thought a rest plus ice might be in order. Also, off topic, our first belly dance performance was last night, so che...

My hubby came home a day early!!  I went to get him yesterday which took the entire day when added to last night's rehearsal for our bellydance performance (friday night).  So, no post yesterday.   He brought me a surprise!  New black running skirt and fire-orange top!  both have pockets!  And both are moisture wicking!   So, here is a picture of me in my new running duds sitting with an icepack on my knee which is what I will also be doing tomorrow!  No run, just put the outfit on to be in the spirit of things (and to show off!).  I'll try to coax myself into the elliptical machine tomorrow.  I'm skipping a run this week and icing my knee extra in hopes of healing!  Maybe I will get to run my 3 mile run this weekend, but what is most important is that I get to run for the rest of my life!

another brilliantly slow run.  I don't know why my nike+ shows slow-downs, like the big dip that is a pace of 17 something.  I didn't slow down there and I didn't run *that* slowly!  haha  i don't expect it to be perfect, but i guess it sometimes loses contact between the sensor in the ipod and the sensor in my shoe.  I noticed it on my 5 mile run too.  today's run was a 40 minute run.  I almost forgot that my short runs this week are 40 min instead of 30.  I ran 3.49 miles.  Ran the whole thing and felt great.  My knee is still giving me trouble though...i will try to go lift today too.  update: oh yes...I did go lift.   braeden and I were the only ones in the workout room, so that was fun.  He pretended to be a sniper out the window and I worked chest, shoulders, and triceps.  Here are the top 10 reasons you would like to work out with braeden and me... 10.  our workout room is red 9.  it's fun 8.  the pins to hold the weights on the machine make great pistols...

I am proud to announce that I did *not* keep my pace within my goal time of below 11 min/mi today.   I was thinking after my last run when I was struggling along thinking, "no way can I run 5 miles," that really I'm impatient with myself.  I'm trying to go too fast too soon.  Could explain my knee pain, huh?  I'm busy worrying that I'm slower than I want to be and losing the joy of the movement of both scenery and my body and mind.  So, I determined that I would go however slowly it takes for me to enjoy my run and feel good, keeping a steady pace that is trully conversational.  I DID it!  I enjoyed miles 1 through 5 and didn't check to see what my pace was throughout the entire run.  I could smile and breathe easily and could have told you a fairy tale if you'd been beside me.  I was super slow.  hahaha  then, the second half I felt myself naturally speed up and I never lost my rhythm, keeping a steady, faster pace.  I loved all 5 miles.  I never even...

I forgot to mention that I was going out of town to look for a wedding dress for Sara.  She found the perfect one!  Maybe she will post a pic! So, that pushes my 5 mile run to tomorrow.  More after that!

I want to be able to run 3 miles in my 30 minute run...so I set a goal to run at least 5 runs at under an 11 minute mile within one month.  I figure that shaving a few seconds off at a time will feel more successful.   Today's run was 30 minutes of conversational running with pick-ups after.  I ran at an 11 minute, 18 second mile.  Then I ran 3 pick ups.  The last one got me to where I was planning to end up so I called it good.  It was long and uphill anyway. I'm sore from lifting yesterday and the day before...yesterday was back and biceps.  I forgot about abs.  bummer.

***UPDATE*** Sara and I went to the gym for chest, shoulders, and triceps.  She ran after that too.  I thought you might enjoy seeing her engagement pics!!  Here is the link. Today's run was supposed to be 30 minutes of conversational paced running.   You know when some days feel so right?  Like your conversational pace will be better and faster and more graceful all at the same time?  That's how I felt.  I normally start off at a super slow pace, but today, I just felt like running.  So I started off with a bang and then slowed my run to a jog when I felt like I needed to.  I slowed to a walk to adjust my ipod.  Stretched and kept running/jogging.   Then, I realized it!!!  I was suppose to take my youngest to soccer practice!  I finished the trail I was on and turned around and ran home...we will never know how the rest of my run would have been.  I only got to run 13 minutes.  The good news is that I ran it in intervals with jogging in between.   When I got home, Sara had sav...

I saw my reflection today and it surprised me.  I still can't get used to seeing myself thin and healthy looking.  I had to look twice because my head hasn't caught up with my fitness.  I still think of myself as overweight until I see that reflection!  What a nice surprise. I stopped to do some reflecting of my own.  I have come from tired, stiff, achy and out of breath to a person training for a half marathon.  I have come from flabby to fit, from a life of mediocrity to a life of fullness.  I thought about my 4 mile run and the sight of looking down at my legs as they moved beneath me, the muscle visible through legs that are tan for the first time ever.  I thought of when I struggled to run at all, as I ran and ran and ran.  It isn't that I've done everything right either.  I haven't made all the right choices.  I've just made more good ones than bad and haven't given up on myself.  I've let myself fail and not quit because of the failure.  I've ...

Mile 1:  wondered why I'm doing this... Mile 2:  remembered... Mile 3:  dumped pebbles out of my shoe... Mile 4:  Ahh, just as I thought.

I got out the door for my 30 minute run early yesterday morning.  I have family in town, so I had to get to it early or not at all.  Not at all was not an option.  I felt great, had great energy, and felt like a kid for a large portion of my run.  I ran the farthest I've run in 30 minutes (2.78 mi).  My pace was 10:50...getting faster.  My plan is to run 4 miles on Sunday.  I think I'll like the 4 mile run because I really don't get "warmed up" completely until late in my run, so the second half feels better than the first.  The beginning of each run, I want to STOP.  Then a mile goes by and I feel better and then the second mile goes by and I feel more relaxed and can look around me more and enjoy the scenery without slowing down for it.  How do you relax in the first part of the run?  I want to enjoy it ALL!  I think the fourth mile will be like dessert.  We'll see.

I went for my 30 minute conversational run.  No one to converse with, so I sang.  It was very pretty.  I didn't know all the words to the songs so it was especially lovely.  Luckily, I can't hear myself with the earbuds in.  :)  Ran it all. Have I mentioned that I have "runner's knee?"  Well, I figured out my problem.  I turn my right foot out on uphill climbs.  I will stop.  Easy enough.  Until it heals, I will be icing it after runs. I'm taking this week off from lifting.  We have company in town and I will be doing really well if I fit in all my runs. Oh, yeah!  Sara is engaged.  She doesn't blog much these days, so I'm spilling the beans.  

I thought you might enjoy the peaceful lake I ran along on Saturday.  (Odell thinks you might like to try lake fort phantom, Ruth...lol)

We camped last night at the lake. Then, this morning, Odell and I ran 3 miles along the road around the lake. Breathtaking! But, hillllllllly! I had to walk part of it which was disappointing to me for some reason. I think just because I can run 3 miles and expected to. Expectations! The hills got me! I slowed way down on the hills, but there were too many of them in a row and they were long. Anyway, 3 miles with hubby...yippeeee!

My little 12 year old birthday boy was amazing yesterday!  Kaegan has autism.  The professionals had given us pretty grim predictions about his future back when he was about 2.  The more hopeful ones told us that if he wasn't "recovered" from autism by the time he was 6, it was too late.  We set in to do everything we could before age 6.  On his 6th birthday, I struggled.  Really struggled.  What hadn't I done?  Was this the end of his progression?  Had he come as far as he would ever go?  We made the conscious effort to celebrate how far he had come and not lament how far he hadn't. Yesterday, he turned 12.  He still has autism, but luckily, I think I now have it too!  I say this because I love everything he does and says.  I look at him in wonder for surpassing that 6 year old prediction with his continued growth.  We are growing together, and I'm happy with who he is.  I completely believe that he is capable of overcoming his obstacles and that I am capable...

Sara and I hit the gym for back and biceps.  She did abwork when we got home, but I did it yesterday, so I'll do abs tomorrow which is a rest day.  Then, running again on Thursday, cross train on Friday (bicycle?) and long run on Saturday.  It's tough to fit in leg day for weights...but in looking at Ruthie's pictures...I'm thinkin' the half training is enough!  I know that my legs feel tired most of the time.  

Fitness catch-up day... I did abs earlier, ran my 30 minutes (2.67 mi), and lifted (chest, shoulders, triceps).  I'm tired, but happy.  It was also laundry day and playroom day with my son with autism.   Good day...fun stuff.  well, the laundry wasn't as fun.

Our internet was down yesterday and part of today.  I just saw Ruth's plan to Rock San Antonio!  Yay!  Did you all see her pictures??????  Wow.  wow. I ran my 2 miles yesterday.  My mind kept wanting to walk, but I realized that it was only my mind and kept running.  I ran my fastest mile.  How sweeeet... a PR!  (personal record) Today is a lifting and abs day, but I'm exhausted.  (we had a belly dance performance in a nearby town)  It's leg day, and I'm less concerned about missing a leg day because of all the running.  I have a sciatic nerve thing going on today.  I'll probably rest.

Well, I did it!  I registered for the "run like a girl half marathon" on October 19th!  It's a nike+ race, so I will run here with my nike+ and then log on to include my run in the race and get my tee shirt!  :) Today is a rest day, and I'm supposed to run 2 miles on Saturday...I will be too busy Sat., so I'm running 2 miles tomorrow and today's leg day will be Saturday.  That made today a rest day!  

I had a spectacular run today.  Well, I thought so.  You fast people wouldn't be impressed.  :) I THINK I've officially decided to train for a half marathon with the mindset that if it spoils the fun of running for me, I'll step back and at least I'll be farther along with my endurance and speed than I am now.  I'm thinking of the Nike+ Run Like a Girl race on October 17th.  I'm counting Monday's miserable run as my first training workout, but I deleted it from my Nike plus, so if you check my nike+ widget, you will see my second workout as my first.  Anyway, today, I was to run for 30 minutes (no walking) and then cool down and run 4 "pick-ups" (30 second sprints for form practice).  So, that is what I did.  With my usual pokey speed, I ran 2.5 miles in my 30 minutes, and then 4 nicely done sprints up and down my driveway hill.   My next run is Saturday's "long run" for 2 miles.  Seems a little short for a long run since I ran 2.5 to...

Day 2 down. We lifted in the community gym which had been overtaken by muscle bound guys I've never seen in there before.  They had their music turned up super loud and what could have been a nice get-away was...not.  So we got through back and biceps and then did pilates abwork at home.  All done! 2 complainy posts in a row!  that's a record for me, I think.  :)

Today marks day one of our latest workout plans!  Eating is still BFL style.  Lifting is from Maximum Growth.  And Cardio is Running for Mortals' Run 5K plan.  That is how it stands right now anyway.  I know that it will stay this way for 4 weeks, which is our "change it up" date, except that I may change the cardio to train for a Half with Ruth.   Today, I ran on my new (old) treadmill that we got over the weekend at a garage sale.  It's temporary until we decide what we want to get.  It was rainy outside and I thought I'd just try it out.  It doesn't go very fast, so I thought I'd do my conversational level run on it.  It nearly killed me, I'm pretty sure.  Here's what happened.   The treadmill is set on its steepest incline.  I can't figure out how to lower it.  I think, oh well, I'll run uphill then.  Well, I walked as much or more than running and today marks the slowest mile I've ever gone!  lol Then, my foot stepped half on and h...

Out the door for 1 mile of sprints and 1 mile endurance with a couple sprints mixed in for the second mile.   I could sure feel the altitude adjustment.  Temperature was perfect!  Saw a deer.  The creek was high and fast, making me take my earbuds down so that I could hear the music of nature.  Nice to be back! Odell bought me this cute new running skirt on our trip.  The cap is new too and is orange and brown.  The little muffin above the skirt is new too.  Oh, I had a little muffin before our vacations, but it has definitely become more prominent!  lol  Say goodbye to it; it will be gone soon!  ;)

We got home Tuesday night from our fun anniversary trip!  It was so great to have no schedule at all and no responsibilities before us.  We just did what we wanted when we wanted, and that was just like our honeymoon 19 years ago and in the same B&B.  Super time! I am very excited about the possibility of running tomorrow!  (besides, I got a new running skirt on the trip) Sunday begins a new "Blitz-a-rama."  I cannot wait!!!  Weight room, here I come!!  And I'm training for a 5K with plans for a 10k after that.  Maybe Ruth's Half will be so appealing that I'll have to go for more!  :)  Can you believe she runs it THIS FRIDAY!!!!!  I wish so much I could be there to man a water station!  What'll you do, Ruth?  Take water with you?  Wear a camel bak?  Have your family stationed along your route?  Do you have it all mapped out?  Do you have a strategy planned?  What are your goals for this run?  I neeeeeeed to know.

I CAN fit into my wedding dress! Virtual high fives all around!  :) I should have taken a picture!  I'll try to do that when I get back home!

It's great to be home (although we had a great time)!!  I've been letting my body re-adjust to the altitude.  Headache/tired.  It only takes 2 weeks to get de-acclimated to the mountains and we were gone 2 and a half.  Sometimes I feel it and sometimes not.  This time, I've felt it.  So, listening to and respecting my body, I decided to rest these past 2 days even though I wanted to run.   Hubby and I celebrate our 19th anniversary on the first.  We are leaving tomorrow for a short anniversary get-away and we will be gone until sometime Tuesday.  We will be staying in a bed and breakfast that we stayed in on our honey-moon.  Isn't he romantic?  OOOOOOH!  I wonder if I can squeeze into my wedding dress????? Beginning the week after july 4th, Sara, hubby, and I begin a 5K training/muscle building 4 week Blitz.  More details about that later.   "See" you in a few days!

I'm not home yet!  We had to stay longer than planned, so I'm back in Austin.  So, I got to run one more time here in the humid heat!   My thoughts as I ran: "I really should have gotten out here earlier.  It's freakishly hot and sticky out here.  Oh!  There's some shade (speeding up)...ah, shade is good!  (slowing down through the shade in an attempt to make it last)  When I get home, I'm going to concentrate on enjoying the cool air more.  Yay!  Here's my favorite little downhill part of the trail!  I wonder why my knees feel so stiff today???  hey, they put new pea gravel here...can't go over it, can't go around it, must go through it(trudge, trudge).  Already to the round about!  Ok, that means that I'm almost to the big hill.  Why do I keep forgetting to dump the little rocks out of my shoe?  Ok, here's the hill...yiiiikes!  too fast (slowing down, twisting my ankle just a little).  All right, back on track.  I wonder if I look as ridic...

Ran again, sweat dripping...nothing amazing to anyone but me.  It was fun!  I like the long hills here and I only walked once for a few steps at the top of a long hill.  2 miles with hills and heat.

Yayayayayay! I got to jump rope yesterday, do 3 sets of push ups, and run today!!  I was dripping with sweat and thinking of Ruthie who loves to run in the humid heat.  Ugh!  I ran about 2 miles up and down long hills in the scorching heat and now I'm pretty sure I can conquer anything!  I didn't break any records or create a new personal best, but I felt like I did!  And I'm one run closer to meeting my goal of runs under a 11:34 mile.  I ran at about 11:15?? I can't remember, but nothing earth shattering and still, I feel good about it.   I really love the book, Marathoning for Mortals, recommended by Ruth.  I don't know that I will train for a looooong run like a marathon or half, but I am inspired to begin the training and see where it takes me as I shoot for longer distances and personal bests.  I'd like to run a solid 5k and 10K and who knows beyond that???  You know that Ruth will decide that if she can run a half, she can run a full marathon, so maybe we...

But don't worry, I'm not discouraged.  I still have my plans that can come to fruition at any point along my vacation journey, and I know that I can look forward to my "program" when I get back home!  So, I will just...continue...whatever that means!  And I'm reading some great running books while I'm gone.  R, you will be interested to know that one of them is Marathoning for Mortals....  :)

I'm at my in-laws!  So far, I've been a tired, non-exercising person.  Yesterday was a travel hangover day (complete with headache and everything).  My youngest decided not to sleep much at all the first night, so I was exhausted.  Anyway, I hope to do a 25 minute workout today that I downloaded for trips.  And tomorrow I go to my parents' house.  I brought my jump rope for while I'm at their house.   So, that's what's up with me!  

Yesterday started out to be one of those days when I long for a treadmill.  It was rainy, cold, and gray.  For those who have wondered what happened with my cardio plans, you'll be happy to know that the sun peeked out for a bit and Sara and I ran hill repeats up the driveway and then alternated jump rope intervals.  Yay!! Days when the weather makes it hard to do cardio remind me of why I'd like to have a treadmill.  I have an elliptical, but it isn't the same, not that a treadmill is exactly the same as running outside, but it's close.  And I have found some ways to make treadmill running more interesting.   The Complete Book of Running for Women has a section called Finding Fun in Treadmill Running, and I thought that since it's so hot where some of you are and some of you have small children...well, a treadmill is the best option, but not always as inspiring...and you might like some of these ideas!!  "TV Tempo" Warm up for an easy 10 minutes before yo...

lower body ALMOST didn't happen yesterday!  Sara and I have been busy trying to get a loooong list of things done before my family leaves for 2 weeks and before her family comes here for a vacation.  Finished the kids' testing...whew!  And keep trying to fit in Kaegan's one-on-one time which I would like to be every waking hour, but at least he got one hour with Sara yesterday.  That's better than none!   We remembered last night before dark....so we did long sets of uphill walking lunges and then burned out on calf raises.  Not as thorough of a leg workout as I had intended, but intense.  Today should be cardio, but it is raining outside....I like to run in the snow, but the rain...not so much.  I will post a "why I want a treadmill" post later today......so look for that! I'm contemplating what my workout will be.  Stairs or elliptical?  Maybe it will clear up later???

**UPDATE** Sara is back!  And she brought me a cute, cute greeeeeeen (my fav) and white underarmour running shirt!  So I put it on and went for a run along the river.  I kept my pace under my goal pace, so the shirt is a success!!!!  :)  I ran 1k and then ran 8 sprints back home.  I had intended for the 1k to be faster than it was.  I was sort of wimpy and walked part of it.  But my sprints weren't wimpy.  They were pretty fast!  And I did triple drop sets for biceps.  Lower body and abs tomorrow.  So I won't be running and I'm weirdly sad about that. ********************* This week is testing week for our homeschool family.  Our state requires nat'l standardized achievement tests every odd grade year.  I have a 3rd grader and a 7th grader.  School ended last friday so we are testing this week at home and watching all the Harry Potter movies in order.  :)  We leave on Saturday to go to visit Grandparents and friends for a couple of weeks.  Things won't get completel...

Today was free for me, but I'm so excited about the trails that I scoped out to run soon!  They have been too snowy to get to, but now, they are open and hilly and secluded and great!  And I'm psyched that I think I've found a good pace for running distances now!  

I'm really happy that people are using the community gym (it's free and fairly well-equipped), but I miss the good ol' days when I was the only one in there.  I tried twice today to go, but I had to take both boys with me and when other people are in there, 2 bouncy boys are not welcome.  Both tries were futile for us because there were groups of people working out in there!  That's exciting, but inconvenient for me.  And isn't it all about me, after all?  No? Well, we came home and I did "giant sets" of body weight leg exercises.  Giant sets are doing 3 exercises for the same muscle group in a row with no break between for 15 reps.  Then, rest about 30 seconds and do it again and then again.  So, I may not have gotten to do my heavy legs day squats with the barbell like I'd planned, but I did manage to fatigue my muscles...even my calves which are not easily fatigued.  So I'm happy. Today is the last day of school, too.  So we have walked all over...

I knew that today was the day.  I slipped into my *hot* pink running skirt and headed out to run/jog the entire 3k distance.  No walking.  I DID IT!!!!  :)  I even kicked into high gear for the last 100 meters.  I shaved over a minute off my time and Tiger Woods said, "Congratulations!  You just hit a new record for the mile!"   Reading in the Running for Women book, I realized that I've never had any instruction on running (especially with hills) and the info there helped me tremendously.  I also realized that, with running sprints (my favorite) and running hills (which I also love/dread), I've never tried to find my pace.  Today, I think I found it.  And now, I can bump it up as I get better and better.  I'll be improving my time and shooting for 5K.  Abwork later!!