Thursday Things I've Seen Along My Way

Stop watching your watch.

 

 

After running for quite a few years you might think that I am used to seeing all the normal sites.  But I hope I never lose the enjoyment of seeing all those little things that can make the difference in a training run.  We all know that no every run - well, at least once you have children - can happen in the middle of a forested Eden.  Many training runs have to happen along a road.  Sometimes a road that has more traffic then a Zen place would allow.  But even on those runs when the noise is not of breezes and cows mooing and the sights are maybe a little harder to see, I hope that you can take the time to enjoy those small things that cross you path or rather you cross theirs.

 

In case you are finding it hard to notice them here are just a few. 

 

 

Have you been noticing more than just your pace and heart rate?

I challenge you to find at least one amazing thing in nature on every run you take. 

Share your findings here by linking up on Thursdays Things.

 

Can you catch Peacefulness?

The past two evening I have been able to get outside for my run.  It has been glorious.  Monday evening I did my 9.5+ mile loop.  I had gotten out of the habit of running this route due to the number of long grades, i.e., laziness.  So when I ran it Monday evening it was a mental game to get myself in a place where I could just relax and allow my body to do what I know it can.  I kept over thinking my form and foot placement.  I was mentally acting as if I was running last 10 miles of a distance event when every little ache or pain is brought to the front of your mind like an annoying song you can't shake.

But somewhere around 25 minutes into my run I started to notice I wasn't thinking about running anymore.  My mind wandered through thoughts of my day.  I noticed that a majestic old tree had finally succumbed to age and been partially blown down.  I thought about how I would handle the obstacles during the Tough Mudder this Sunday.  I actually planned what I would make for supper!  What I didn't think about was the fact that I was running.  And that's how running is for me when I am doing it right! 

After this wonderful run was over and the evening routine with the kids completed we had fish, noodles and veggies in case you are wondering I took a few minutes to stalk my online friends on Facebook.

Let me start by admitting, I am slightly in love with Scott Jurek.  His laid back attitude is enviable and when I grow up I hope I am a bit more like him.  He had posted a link about Alex Honnold's solo of Half Dome HERE. 

Click it.  You won't regret it! 

I'm sorry Scott but I think I might have a new crush. 

In the interview Alex was explaining how his climbing is for him.  Alex talked about how his climbing is not a rush but a calming, relaxing event.  Immediately I thought that those words explained how running especially distance running is for me. 

Whether I am cruising through a forest trail or pushing a jogging stroller along a rural road my running is not about catching an adrenaline high it's about chasing down a peacefulness in the hopes that one day I'll get a strong enough grasp to hold on.

Do you run for the high, the calming effect or for something completely different?

3TT ~ I'm seeing 3s Edition

This morning was day #3 of 5th grade. 

Our family is still struggling a bit with the new routine.  S'ghetti girl is still hard to get moving in the morning.  LBM still wants to be awake through the middle of the night and then sleep when it's time to be getting ready for his day.  I am still an epic fail on my morning runs and workouts.  BUT it is only day #3 and I know that what is important to each of us will get done.  It may take a few weeks to have the school schedule become habit but it will happen and then we will wonder why it ever was a challenge.

Today God willing will be my third day of double runs. 

Okay, Monday I did a mini-double too but a mile with LBM didn't really count.

I have been enjoying my outside hilly route each evening and then hitting my new-to-me treadmill to finish my miles.  After my mysterious sore thigh episode I am treading lightly on getting what I feel is some lost leg strength back.  I notice the issue most on my hilly 6.5 mile route when I hit the uphills.  My left leg just doesn't have the "push."  I can keep going but the strength to keep my pace up simply isn't there when I hit those hills.  So I have been easing back into my hills.  And if last night's run is any indication, it is working.  I didn't do a warm up typical I simply started running and felt blah.  I thought this run might be another effort but once I hit my first short steep hill something clicked.  It was practically audible!  It was like that place you might be lucky enough to have visited during a run that just goes your way.  It might happen some where in a long run or on a beautiful trail when your mind seems to forget your running.  Your body seems to almost effortlessly move forward and your mind is lost along the way in daydreamy thoughts or familiar scenery that is transformed into something now magically captivating.

Last night my neighbors might have seen me running my "normal" hilly loop but inside I was running some place extraordinary.  And I hope to find my way there again tonight!

Three years ago today it was Labor Day. 

Three years ago today was my labor day and I welcome LBM into the world for the first time.  It was the first time I could hear his voice, smell his LBM smell and hold his little body.  That morning was the first time I could feel him "love me back" after having loved him for over seven months already LBM was early. 

This morning I woke up with LBM in my arms again.  He slept with me sleep being optional at points through the night last night.  I woke up to that same sweet face, those same sweet smells and feeling that love he sends to me.  But today as he turns 3 years old he can tell me he loves me.  One of my favorite ways is when he says,

"Mommy,  You are my favorite!"

Happy Big Third Birthday LBM!

We interupt National Running Day

A moment of silence was held in my small hometown.
To honor a fallen friend.
Last night a nightmare can true.

I was running along on my treadmill. 
Sweat dripping. 
Watching Gulliver's Travels 8 miles into my 13 mile run when my beloved treadmill just couldn't take it anymore.

He broke.

Really broke.

I know he was old, actually about 15 years old and had many many hours on him but I just never thought this day would come.

I actually started to cry.

call me a baby

S'ghetti girl tried to remind me that it could be fixed (not) or replace.  She told me how she would help with her little brother so that I would be able to get my run in each day.  She reminded me that I actually love running outside much more than in one place.

That helped.

Although at times I dreaded running in one place tucked under the basement steps, I also took comfort in treadmill always being there.  When my work day was stressful I could hide away down there for a few minutes or a few hours and leave that stress on that belt.  I would come back to my family so much happier.  I enjoyed being able to get my long runs in without having to be away from my kids for so long.  The thought now of reliving my half marathon while pushing the jogging stroller does not sound very inviting!

I didn't boohoo for long. 

I got outside and played in the yard with the kids.  I'm sure I made up for a few of those missed 5 miles.  Once inside for the evening, I sat down and reworked my schedule.  I like things written down. 

A daily plan. 

I went to bed ready to tackle my schedule in a new day.

  

It's Day # 388

I believe that things happen for a reason.  I know that I have been asking for help in issues in my life and sometimes the answers we are provided are not in the form we might have chosen.  My new schedule will force my family to work together a little better than it has been and will result in more time together.

WIN WIN

But I do need to quickly do what I haven't done for over 15 years,

buy a treadmill. 

So faithful followers, give me your advice. 

What treadmills do you love?

What new features do you think are a must have?

What do you think is the hidden reason why my treadmill broke or do you think it just broke?

Today is the last chance to help my blog get into the

Top 25 Circle of Moms Health & Fitness Mom Blogs! 

Please vote today from every device you own.

Voting ends 5 p.m. PST.

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Thanks!

How'd April Go?

Monthly Miles Ran: 272.6 (Year total: 1095.8)

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: April 30th was Day # 356 of the streak ~ 2947.0 miles,

487 Runs ~ ave. 8.3 miles per day/ 58 miles per week

Highest Mileage Week: 4/04 - 4/10 (DM Weeks) 85 miles

Races:

The Bull Run Run 50 miler

First 50 miler! 

Catch Me If You Can Trail 10 miler 

Retained my Master's title, fifth female, new course/distance PR by 2 minutes

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Pine nut Hummus

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

 Choosing to run on the treadmill when I could get outside too often in the mornings because I am watching a movie and too lazy to run the hills.

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

I seem to live in this OMM shirt. 

It might have to go to the bottom of the drawer for a while just so the others all get a turn.

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos: Coraline

 

My Viewing:  Buried
This movie is not for everyone but after having my husband in AFG it gave me new appreciation for the risk he and many others are actually taking.  I thank God everyday he is home and pray for those who are not.

Funniest Kid Quote:

(We are working on potty training.)
Scene:  bathroom
I had just taken off LBM's diaper and he instantly started to pee, a lot.  I cupped my hand to try and catch it while putting him on the toilet.  He soaked.  I'm soaked.  The floor and side of the toilet will be getting disinfected.

LBM says, "I did it Mommy!  I peed in the potty!"
I guess success is all in your perceptive.

Current Triumph:

Completing my first 50 trail miler and feeling great doing it!

 

Current Goals

Personal:

To stop making excuses.

To keep on my budget.

Running/Fitness:

To cross train 3 days a week to improve my overall fitness.
To lose 20 pounds.

Current Blessing:

This day and all the ones that God gave me before it.

Current Excitement:

Family:  Having Army Son home.

Running:  I'm still pretty high from finishing my 50 miler and retaining my Master's title in my 10 miler.

Current Concern: 

Family:  Balancing Army Son's need for independance and my ability to allow him to make dumb his own choices.

Running:  What comes next?  maybe a little 77 mile run, maybe.

How did your April days add up?

A don't miss Giveaway at 50 Half Marathons in 50 States

Time to Notice

I enjoy the awareness that running in my rural setting gives me.  Due to spending so much time following a few routes day in and day out, I have a lot of time to notice things other people pass by.

I often talk about all the wonderful wildlife I encounter now for some of the goodies that help fuel some of the running.

Each season brings me fresh offerings!

Right now I am enjoying asparagus and morel mushrooms.

I'm looking forward to all the berries that will soon be added to my fuel plan.

Nature is the very best grocery store.

What goodies are you enjoying from nature's grocery store?

I was caught off guard by a car, one of few on my road. 

Day # 354 p.m. 6.5 miles

Three Things Thursday ~ The 'Weather' Edition

LBM might be following in Daddy's footsteps.  Not the running around in his underwear and rubber boots part although men do seem to like to sit around in their underwear.  But last night as LBM was heavily engrossed in using his little "knife" aka piece of wood to trim all the dandelions growing in and around the driveway, I could figure out whether that shows he will be like Daddy and get a horticultural degree or be a tree hugger like Mommy.

Day # 353 ~ 6.5 p.m. miles

I don't let the weather stand in my way of getting outside last night.  I had looked into the face of that storm and I was not afraid!  The forecast called for severe thunderstorms, strong winds and damaging hail to start around 7 p.m.  I was a window and grabbed my shoes.  I finished my 6.5 loop and was glad I had risked getting out.  Not a threatening cloud in the sky...until later.

Did you know there is a USRSA (The United States Running Streak Association)?  It is a National organization full of other insane dedicated runners who have been running every day for at least one year, some of them have registered streaks of over 40 years.  I suddenly don't seem so extreme, do I? 

Whether or not I continue my daily running streak after completing my 365 days is yet to be seen but I hope that I have shown others that a commitment to purposefully moving your body every day is something every person can do.  Whether your a full-time working mom or a busy over-burdened dad or a young person who thinks they always have tomorrow to care about their health today is the day to start the habit of good health.

Racing the storm

I watched out the window all day at work.  I saw the sun shining.  I saw the birds busy at the nests.  I saw the breeze blowing the blossoming trees.  It was wonderful to think that spring was finally here to stay.

Until 4:50.

That is when I remember that spring equals thunder storms because it began to down pour.  I thought all hopes of getting outside for a run where lost.

But just as quickly as it had begun the rain stopped.  The skies brightened.  I knew there was a window of opportunity.  I quickly picked up the kiddos and headed home.  We briefly paused to move a gorgeous orange box turtle off the road. 

Army Son was thankfully home and willing to help. 

I quickly changed my clothes and headed out the door. 

After a mile and a half I saw the second turtle of the season was one of the two giant snapping turtle who I have seen each year at the bend in the creek.  He was swimming in the water that had ponded in the field.  I'll look forward to more encounters as the days pass.

(photo rights)

I cruised along enjoying the breeze and didn't notice the dark clouds filling the cove from the south until I was nearly half way around my egg shaped looped course.  I watched over my shoulder as the dark clouds hugged the far ridge line and quickly over took me.  Luckily my route took me back across the cove and back along the opposite ridge line.  I made it home in time to watch the dark clouds begin to spill across the cove and tumble over the mountains near my house.  S'ghetti girl and I stood on the porch and watched as the lightening lit the darkening skies knowing I had raced and beaten the storm.

This time.



Day # 352 ~ 6.5 evening run

Brrr, it's cold in here...

...that should be OUT here.

It was freezing cold out this morning.

No it was beyond freezing.  In fact even the ice along the road thought it was cold.

So what did I do?

You know after taking yesterday off work because I and nearly the entire family is enjoying head colds.

Well I went for a run outside of course.

And I couldn't wear any of my old winter gear I had to wear my new stuff from Christmas that isn't quite warm enough to cut this morning's idea of cold.

But this morning, I matched!

Day # 239 ~ a.m. run 3.5 freezing miles

What am I the only one who knows you can sweat out a cold? 

And shivering while you are sweating has to speed up the process, right? 

What it's like

The sun hung over the ridge line to the west casting enlonged shadows across the once fruitfull corn fields.  Pinks and reds were painted across the sky as if they had been put there by a thoughtful artist.  The wind reduced to a mere breeze offered me little resistance as I walked out into the closing day.  I breathed in a mixture of pine and damp earth from the last melting remants of snow.

The scene was inviting me out, back to the road, back to the familiar route that I have traveled countless times through endless seasons.  A feeling of excitement rose within me as I jogged down the gravel driveway, the sound of my shoes pressing the stones together only quickened my pulse.  As I turned right onto the road running into that setting sun I couldn't help but be filled with the feeling that this was exactly where I was supposed to be, doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

God has blessed me with the gift of running

and I am forever grateful.

Just a Country Girl Running

The snow is coming. 

The upper end of the ridge line was whited out as the snow crept it's way down the cove as I ran this morning.

Yeah, outside!

I made it back just as the flakes began to fall around me. 

I wish I had more time since I love running in the snow.

Day # 215 ~ 3.5 / 26:32

I didn't get up super early since LBM was up coughing through the night and we had very little sleep.  Even though I really wanted to just crawl back into bed after I got S'ghetti girl on the bus I knew I had to get outside for a few miles.

With weather shield and heating pad in place we headed up the road. 

My pace felt easy the first mile which often happens after being stuck inside for so long but when I looked at my time I knew I was going to have a great run.

I just went with whatever my legs could give me and it felt comfortable.

After reading some other posts this morning, I know that I fall into running most of my runs without a pre-determined pace.  I wish I cared more about that but I don't.

I typically run because I love doing it.

Do I regret this training method in some race?

You bettcha!

I know that structured training produced predictable results.

But right now and into the beginning of the New Year, life is just real good remembering that I am simply a country girl who loves to run trying to raise country kids who I'll always be able to catch!



Run like a child

S'ghetti girl has been working on her fitness.  We have been doing Wii Fitness in the evening and running on the weekend.  It is nice to see her taking pride in working hard and pushing herself while having fun too.

She is always so upbeat and happy when we are done.

All most all my running this week has been inside on the treadmill.  While I am getting great workouts in I am not feeling as good after my run as I had been.  I thought perhaps it was the streaking taking a toll on my mind.  I thought maybe it was my increased mileage.  I just couldn't figure out what I was missing.

And then I saw this photo.  It's not a good photo at all,  the subject is barely in the frame and out of focus

BUT

this photo shows everything I have been missing in my recent runs.

It shows the beautiful outdoors of course and that

JOY

that running simply because it feels great to do it expression on my daughter's face.

Here's praying we all find it on our next run and then share it with someone else.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version)

So much to be Thankful for

To all those who serve; past or present, for all those who are left behind at home, THANK YOU for giving far more than should ever have been asked.

In the continuing drama of my life, you may remember I have yet to make the switch to running in the dark after work.  This is partly laziness and partly I can get more miles on the treadmill. 

yeah, I said.

I like a lot miles.  No that's not correct.  I like a certain number of miles a week.

The treadmill allows me to get more quality miles in each week once the weather turns.

And NO they are not JUNK miles.

Don't even get me start on that topic because it's a post or two all by it's self!

With all that said (and who was I trying to convince, anyway?)  I don't enjoy the treadmill running in the same way I enjoy being outside.  In fact being outside in nature is a BIG part of why I started running.

So this morning I started here. 

Yeah, Heaven.  I know!

And I ran through some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.

It was so wonderful to be outside wrapped in an envelope of my own warmth as the steam lifted off the creek.

It is never lost on me how lucky I am to get to do this wonderful thing where I get to do it.

This morning I ran to here.

It's called "the Y."

It's just a short run. 3.5 miles partially along a creek where I have seen more fish crane, ducks, deer, muskrats, turtles, kingfishers, and newts than I can remember. 

This morning for many reasons I tried to remember.  I tried to remember how all the days and years have piled up and created so many wonderful memories.

I thought of th emany veterans in my life. 

I thought of my dad.  He served in the Army National Guard.

I learned to tie my shoes using his Army boots while sitting on the front porch.

I thought of my husband who has seen life in different places.

I thought of our neighbor who has fought along side some who didn't make it home.

I thought of my son.  I thought of the times he was with me on this stretch of road and I wondered where his roads will take him, what amazing things his eyes will see.

Sometimes being Thankful can make you both happy and sad at the same time.

Day # 186

This morning I enjoyed the freedom to be outside, to be carefree, to be safe.

and I don't take it for granted.

Brrr! It's cold in here

Day # 145 ~ a.m. run

Will I ever figure out the outfit shot?

So I watch some old tweenie movies.  You don't like it well Bring It On?  heehee

It's whatever gets you through the miles, right?

This week of running I have been pulling back a bit on the mileage.

46 miles as of this morning.  And only ran ONE double day this week. 

But mileage and running on the treadmill is not the excitement.  Running OUTSIDE this morning was and is again tonight! WooHoo.  It was so great after being stuck inside.

Is it just me or does everyone smell FALL in the air?  Yummy.  And by fall I mean warm food, cornstalks, pumpkins, and falling leaves!  I even wore my capris this morning.

This weekend is the first weekend of our local fall foliage festival.  And maybe a race for me.  Since Hubbs aka party pooper backed out , I am torn about running it.  You'll simply have to check back to see if I do or not.

What is on tap for your fall weekend?

Get out here and enjoy it!

Edited to add:
I went crazy and registered for another Ultra in March.  I already do the Seneca Greenway 50k on March 5th but today I went crazy and registered for the HAT Endurance 50k on March 19th.
Don't tell Hubbs!
Maybe someone wants to join the insanity??