B Words

 

This past week has been full of the B word.  Yeah, thanks to all the worrying about LBM's school situation I did loads of B####ing.  But there were actually several other B words that seemed to be really prevalent in our week. 

 

 

 BUGS

LBM has been on a mission this week to discover all the bugs around the house.  Of course that is a fun science lesson but at this time of year those little critters have often grown!  We won't be catching this guy anymore.

 

 

BEGGING

With the approach of kindergarten LBM has started being responsible for certain chores around the house.  He earns a small allowance that he is practicing budgeting his money for his "wants".  But that hasn't stopped his previous behavior of using his puppy face to beg for things.  I didn't cave this time but darn he is so cute!

 

BLOOMS

My garden and flower beds have been a botanistic inspiration this week with beautiful blooms every morning.  If you follow me on FB or Instagram you are probably sick of the daily bloom bombs. 

 

But maybe you are also inspired for notice a few of the B words in your day too.

 

 



Speaking of Teeth...

If you popped by for yesterday's post, you know I was talking about teeth.  Dogs teeth.  And my desire to keep them off of my legs, arms, face, what have you.  Well, now I've got a new thing to worry about biting me and it's called

 

The Ring.

 

I just shouldn't be left alone.  While the super secret spy is off saving the world I decided to live vicariously through my running friends.  During the summer I usually don't race much since we try to fill our available time with family adventures and kid activities.  I usually feel really good about it since the family has supported me the other 3/4 of the year while I am training and racing.  But something happened last week and I found myself really missing serious trail running.  I was doping myself with little fixes of race reports and running club pages when it happened.  My MMT pacer, D commented about a great training run she had.  I asked her if she and signed up for the Ring which is a pretty big deal since she has another big race shortly after the Ring. 

 

One brief chat later and

 

Cannonball!

 

 

I'm in.

 

Go ahead and check it out.  The Ring has everything that challenges me, no race markings, rocky technical trails, 71 miles, limited support.  There are times when I wonder, "who do I think I am?"  And then there are days when I try and find out.  August 31st will be one of those kind of days. 

 

What have you jumped into lately?

 

 

It Has Teeth

There I was running in my favorite place, powering up one of my favorite hills when I saw him. 

 

A new dog on my route.

 

 

 

Luckily I saw someone in the yard mowing as the muscular creature trots toward me.  The owner hears fido barking at me and yells no.  To this command fido appeared deaf and continued to leave his yard to rip my leg off get a closer look at me.  I see what I think is a shock collar and ask the owner if the dog has one, aka asking if they turned the dumb thing on.  Not that the shock collar was going to stop this particular creature given it's size.  The owner replied to my question with my favorite thing owners say, "No don't worry.  He doesn't bite."

Seriously. 

 

As rover's warning beeps sounded he was in the middle of the road one quick lunge away from ending my running streak.  Being the smart ass that I am I asked the owner if her dog had teeth.  Because if he did, he could bite.  And he clearly was not obeying her or his shock collar.  The owner was not amused by my statement and continued to explain that rover would lick me to death but would not bite. 

 

 

Okay.  I figured I am not giving up my favorite route just because of one new dog.  I'm running in Heaven so nothing bad could happen, right?!  Plus fido was wearing a shock collar and the owner was right there so I would just see how friendly he was.  If he did bite me I would be rethinking that smart ass comment with my life hanging in the hands reaction time.  So as the owner continued to reassure me, I took two steps closer to the creature whose head was as big as my pelvis.  Fido took one sniff of me and began to bark vigorously.  It's not the dog's breed that gave me extra concern, it was fido's build.  He was a solid, huge headed, massively jawed biting machine.  So maybe this particular canine hasn't used the qualities he was breed to have, that doesn't mean they aren't there.

 

I had enough information to know that I will be very aware when I run by this house from now on.  Situational awareness.  That's all.  A little recon to make it safer when Biking Sherpa is with me since she has a fear of dogs and bikes seem to bring out the chase -  run down and maim -  instinct in canines.   

 

 

I doubt I made a new friend in this pit bull's owner.  Yeah fido is a pit bull.  A big one.  But his breed really doesn't have anything to do with my concern.  It's simply his teeth.   

 

What's your favorite dog owner saying?

 

How do you handle new dogs on your routes?

 

Who wants to bet Biking Sherpa is up for a long route that doesn't involve passing the new dog?

If you liked this post check out THIS one about dogs.

Why I Want Massanutten

When I realized the date yesterday, and how could I miss it with the world celebrating the "longest" day of the year, it dawned on me that it has been a month since I left Massanutten unsuccessful in my attempt to return to the meadow and cross that famous finish line.

I spent some time in the days after the race checking out other options to still make 2013 my 100 mile debut year but with concerns for my knee those hours were merely a means to use the energy and excitement I still had for wanting to have "done it."  I found myself seriously considering a looped 100 in PA in the middle of July only to present myself with a dozen reasons why I couldn't do it.

All this left me with a question I had been asked ringing through my head,
"Why do you want Massanutten?"

Biking Sherpa had asked this question while we filled miles with endless chatter.  She didn't exactly want an answer when she asked it.  She had wanted an explanation for not only her but for, maybe everyone who clicked refresh dozens of times that beautiful Saturday in May.  She wanted to know why another 100, any 100, couldn't be worked into the fall schedule and I could have that buckle.

The reason to me is simple, I want the real deal.  I don't want to run around in circles to say that I can run 100 miles.  Honestly the distance isn't the attraction.  I'm drawn to those climbs.  I want to see what is on top, around the next corner, down the next trail.   I want to know those rocks just like I know my favorite country routes that I grew my running on.  Wanting Massanutten is a little like being able to get any boyfriend in your school but wanting to date the teacher. 

I think back to what drew me to wanting Massanutten when this 100 mile dream first started.  I want to be honest about my reasons so I will admit that in choosing MMT I was making a decision based a bit on a preconceived idea of just how far I could reach...and couldn't.  I was giving myself such a big challenge that if I failed, the mere attempt would be a success.  In that way, it felt safe to want such a lofty goal.  Another thing that drew me to MMT was my running club.  The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club.  This is a group of the best people I have ever met.  In my trail running world, they are the in crowd.  But in my case I felt like the kid always picked last and I wanted to show this amazing group of people that I did belong on their dodge ball team at recess.  But there was one other thing rattling around in my head as I was encouraged by my trail brethren to do MMT, it was the thought that I actually could do it.  I didn't need loops or a flat course to join the club.  I simply could complete Massanutten.  I believed I could.

As it turned out, I didn't quite make it.  MMT slipped through my fingers - this time.  But I still believe I can and I will.  Now MMT is to me like many of my double day runs when I run a certain number of miles plus a point five.  I've run this way for years to leave something to finish.  MMT is now for me that half mile I left undone this morning, I don't have a choice but to finish it.  And how could I start another 100 before I finish this one.

 

A Runner's Sin

 

The radar map this morning told that story.  It was going to be a day in the house.  While I already know thanks to FB that there are those that did not welcome our current weather, I am thrilled by it. 

I miss my treadmill. 

I realize I probably just committed a runner's sin but I really do miss it.  Those regular long runs without the worry of carrying water or where I might need to duck if I have a corn field emergency.  I'm thrill at the thought of watching something I want to watch while I run in one place.  Thanks to my mom I now have a treadmill here in VA to use until I decide what I want to do about a permanent one that can handle my abuse.  Thanks to the weather and the inability to get up and run before the super secret spy goes to work today I will be running on my dad's old treadmill.  Even if the miles gets hard and awkward I will enjoy knowing that my dad used that same machine. 

 

So today while LBM rides his hot wheel around the basement, builds imaginary worlds from cardboard boxes and scatters a million toy cars around the floor, I will be happily running in one place and thankful I get to do it every single day.

 

How do you get your sweat on when the weather doesn't cooperate?

Are you happy for the change or use it as a rest day?

 

Reasons

Yesterday's One Word Wednesday was the above photo and the word Reasons.

Every runner who laces their shoes or toes the line has a list of reason why. 

This would be a start to mine.

To be happy.

To get rid of stress.

To find amazing things that get over looked.

To see the neighbors.

To reach goals.

To show my kids that staying healthy takes effort.

To inspire others.

To make sure he doesn't trade me for two 20 year olds.

To allow my family to support me.

To maintain a healthy weight.

To get to pray.

To burn off those sweet tooth cave ins.

To get outside.

To get to play in the rain again.

To sweat.

To be able to keep up with my kids.

To talk with my niece.

To see just how well I can suffer.

To make time to think of others.

To get dirty.

To see the Christmas lights.

To make sure the jogging stroller is put to good use.

To make sure he still finds me sexy.

To explore a new area.

To set a healthy example. 

To be alone.

To make friends.

To help educate those who will listen.

To know what pushing myself feels like.

To know what success is.

To know what failure feels like.

To be able to say I did everything I could to stay around as long as I could when my children ask me on my death bed why I have to go.

When you consider all that, Why wouldn't I run?

What about you?

One Word Wednesday

____________

What one word does this photo say to you?

I need a favor...

I do.  I need a favor. 

Somehow I have gotten out of the habit of getting

my increasingly big butt

out of bed in the morning.

The morning is seriously a great time to squeeze in a little exercise and start the day right.  I know all this stuff.  I lived the double days for years.  Lately I have gotten tired.

Tired of fighting with LBM. 

Tired of dealing with weather. 

 Tired of not getting my sleep again thanks to LBM. 

Tired of feeling, well tired.

The odd thing is that the days I do get up even for a short run or workout I always feel better throughout the day.

So this morning if you haven't seen me post my run on DailyMile by, let's say 9 o'clock feel free to

completely call me out, say I'm lazy, remind me that I'm letting myself down...

 leave me an encouraging comment.

I'll be happy to return the favor because 

that after run smile...is always worth it.

Ending the year on a high note

Last night I was figuring out my yearly mileage.  I keep my workouts recorded in several places. 

I am old school and still write it on a paper calendar.

I use an spreadsheet based program on my computer.

I also use DailyMile to record and network with other runners.

The numbers didn't add up.

I thought at first the error was due to DMs lovely rounded but I actually forgot to enter a run in June into my computer database.  That is usually where I get my totals.

So this morning I knew I only have to run 7.4 miles to hit 3000 for the year.

I did what any runner would do.  I ran 9.

While the number of miles really doesn't show anything about my running year it was a fun way to not slack as if the HBBC wasn't keeping me going enough!

Now the next milestone will be on the 30th when I hit 600 days on my running streak. 

Always something to look forward to, right?

What are you looking forward to as the year ends?

Or are you just glad to have 2011 over?

How many popsicles

Day # 437

How many popsicles does it take to fill a handheld?

You can't see it in my phony-smile photo but I'm hold two freezer pops in my other hand.  It has been HOOOOT to there lately and after enjoying the cooling surf on my runs all of last week the temps and humidity are quite a challenge.

After a run it's no longer a question of IF I have a popsicle, it's a question of how many.  That got me to thinking.  I wonder if I could keep my core temp down on the run if I cold enjoy my frozen treats WHILE I'm running?

Tonight I may have to put the theory to the test.  Until then what flavor do you want?

Extra Life

I always wanted to make my parents proud but lately I've been feeling a bit like a thief.

There is nothing like the feeling of an early morning run.  That stillness as you slip out of the house while everyone else is asleep.  The quiet as you moving along the road or trail seemingly the only one alive.

It feels a little bit like stealing.

Like stealing a little extra life.

I believe that running will allow me to live a longer life but I've also come to believe that running will allow me to live more of the life I have already been given.  Those stolen hours that I might have otherwise slept away.  Those evenings spent not in front of the tv mindlessly watching someone else live their lives but spent sweating, working and loving it!  Some times with kiddos playing around my feet.  Some times after their asleep in their beds, I'm stealing more life from the time I have.

When my non-running friends want to tell me how I am missing out on life by all this running I just smile in response knowing that I'm living far more life than they are probably dreaming of!

....AP...Breaking News...

....it has been confirmed that as of June 21st, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. EST a previously held belief has been disproved.

The famous Biking Sherpa known for her works in educating the minds of the future, tormenting her siblings and encouraging runners to nearly die of heat stroke.

has actually sweat!

We have photographic evidence and an eye witness account that Biking Sherpa, though previously thought incapable, has perspired.

Testimony from the eye-witness who requested to remain anonymous; ..."she didn't at first but by the end she was actually sweating!  I saw it on her face and back.  I don't think she was used to it."

What is the cause of such a revelation?

Beach Body Insanity - Pure Cardio

 Remember you heard it here first. I'm just a country runner returning you to your normally scheduled running news.

In other running news, Biking Sherpa has been charged with attempted heat stroke induction by forcing encouraging a runner to push her pace during a severe heat wave.  At press time charges were being dropped due to counter charges being filed citing the alleged torture of Biking Sherpa via forced extreme exercise following the run.  Both parties agreed to drop charges.

That's the running news at this hour. 

I'm just a country runner and I'll see you next time on the trail.

Day # 409

How'd May Go?

I really dislike Blogger for deleting my entire post...barring the top line!!
This is my second attempt at my May Totals.

Monthly Miles Ran:  253.9 (Year total: 1349.7)

Highest Mileage Week: 5/02 - 5/06 (DM Weeks) 63 miles Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: April 30th was Day # 387 of the streak ~ 3200.09 miles,


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


Races:


None.  So sad.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:


Light Carmal Vanilla Brownie Ice Cream


Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:


Skipping my a.m. run for no reason at all

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

What We Are Watching:


With the Kiddos: Surf's Up


My Viewing:  If it's been released, I've seen it!
On the treadmill.  I guess I'll be movieless for a little while

Funniest Kid Quote:


When my treadmill broke I cried.
I am a sissy.  I attach feelings to the memories around "things."
So when the treadmill broke, it wasn't just the treadmill broke.
The kids quickly came downstairs.
S'ghetti started offering her loving reassurance.  LBM gave me a hug and then looked up from his embrace of my legs and said,
"Mommy, you nee' a ban'aid?"


Current Triumph:
Not having a complete meltdown when the treadmill broke
Not allowing the streak to end

Current Goals


Personal:
To stop not dealing with work that needs done at our houses
To stop not dealing with issues with Hubbs
To stop not making the kids follow the rules
To stop not dealing with issues

Running/Fitness:


To work on my overall fitness
To keep a minimum of a 50 mile week
To lose 15 pounds

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


Current Excitement:

Family: We are getting a pool!

Running/Fitness:  Starting Insanity


Current Concern:
 Family:  Finding a way to merge the needs and wants of our diverse family


Running: Figuring out a plan to reach my 100 mile goal
and have my family support it.


How did your May days add up?

I didn't ask for a wrench.

Life sometimes gives you what IT thinks you need instead of what you know perfectly well you DO need. And what I needed was not a wrench in my schedule!


Here is sit under this laptop. It's 9:28 p.m. Have I ran. NO. Have I done P90x. NO. Color me NOT a HaPpY cAmPeR!! This in my world means I somehow???? will squash it all into tomorrow. I have alll day, right. Grrrr! I am not very flexible when it comes to what I have; planned and written down in time line fashion no less, to do.

The Reason.

Yeah, yeah. I hear it all from here.

'"He's so cute."
"Awwww."
"That's a good reason to take a night off."

Okay, listen here.!

That's not what I want you to say. I come HERE for people who understand the obsessive need to run/workout. I can find LOTS of people who will agree that family comes first. Lots of people who will tell me it's okay to sit on my butt. I mean, look I have the cutest littlest ever, smiling his silly little I've-got-6-teeth smile at me with his arms reaching up to me, making his sweet little talking sounds wanting me to do nothing more than...Pick him up. Put him down. Pick him up. Put him down. Pick him up. Put him down. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.


Luckily for my littlest, I have all day tomorrow to complete today's list and tomorrow's list of runs and workouts. Or else he'd be in really big trouble. No. Not really. He is far too cute to get mad at.



Disclaimer: This post was a lighthearted attempt at some laughter to help me and maybe you through another evening if your day was challenging. Because of course, as a mom and a runner it's a delicate balancing act but my family and most importantly my kiddos come first.

Muscles, why are you yelling at me?

Okay now I am into P90x for 5 workouts. I have been running along with my typically one hour to one and a half hour long cross training workouts. To be honest, I went into this realizing I am NOT super girl so I tried to dial back my running expectations a bit. Going from 13 miles a day to hoping for 7 to 10 miles a day.

I thought that would keep me happy because I really don't like to miss a day of running. Running is my release from all the stresses in my life. And I am obsessed with running, use it as my control point in life, attach a whole lot of self-worth in whether or not I am successful in accomplishing what I set out to do via running. BUT. Today after two days of 3.5 short runs (yesterday my littlest was not cooperating in a.m. so I had to shorten my run) and last night's hour and a half of yoga courtesy P90x, I am beginning to see that I am going to be forced to...darn I say it...limit my running.

Deep breaths. Remain calm, Shelly.

I am attempting to comfort myself with thoughts of longer runs on the weekends and the possibility of a long run through the week when energy allows. I know that I WILL be a stronger better runner by completing this cross training. I know I will be healthier overall. The difficulty stems from letting go of my need to miles. And adding up those miles and keeping track of those miles and meeting a certain number of miles for each month....

With the rural region I live in racing opportunities dry up as the weather gets colder. So all the running will soon be only for me and the upcoming spring season. All these words to try and convince myself that I am doing the right thing with cross training. B.E.C.A.U.S.E., let me tell you running is easier!

Anyone out there who thinks an hour and a half of yoga is a night off has never done this program. I was thinking, 'great, yoga. I love yoga. OOOAAAAAMMMMMM.' Yeah, right. Trying going in and out of plank for 30 minutes and then realize you still have another HOUR!! Oh My GreatGoodness! I was shaking so much I thought I was on one of those old exercise machine that were supposed to wiggle the fat off!!!! Thank goodness no one saw me. And I thought I was fit.

I thought that. Not any more.

So. That is where life is at. Tonight is a hopeful 3.5 miles with littlest in jogger and then a hour of legs and back and then 339 sit ups.


Run strong to all those getting to race this weekend.

A Sampling of Days to Come

The amazing view from my run

in the moonlight

Now that the wonderful time change has set in, I have the opportunity to run by moon light. Which is AWESOME!!! I ran an a.m. 3.5 mile and a p.m. 3.5 mile run on Monday since I wouldn't be able to get a long run in with my work schedule. Only to realize that we had a full moon! Even though it really got chilly once the sun went down I didn't let that stop me from getting my second run completed.

Don't get me wrong. I love to run in every season but there is just something about being wrapped up in your self-created envelope of warmth, feeling like you are the only one alive, seeing the world so quiet and still. IT IS THE BEST! The only way to make it better is to add a light snow fall - which I know will happen this winter.

I ran Monday's p.m. run knowing that with my oldest soon to be off to Basic Training (he has been doing his running & PT. Yeah!), I will have few opportunities to indulge in my love of solo running in the dark-ish. When my hubbs is home from work he tries to support my running need but doesn't always agree with how much or how often I run. He believes less is more. This probably stems from his understanding of fitness via weight training only, i.e. if he can push up a bar with twice his body weight on it then he feels he is fit. (okay, maybe a slight over statement but hubbs is not in love with running. He is more of an acquaintance of running.) I don't hold it against him. Not everyone can understand the drive to run long distances or lots and lots of miles...just for fun.

I digress.

So my weeks will feature more shorter runs done in a.m./p.m. doubles to attempt to keep me happy and my miles up for spring marathon racing season (looking at March & April).

Then there is P90x. I started it on Sunday. Just for those who might be interested in a report of progress, I COULD use my arms on Monday morning but I was aware of muscles that usually don't talk very often. I was very happy with how I felt given how hard the workout was...and that was Day One (Back & Chest & Abs)! Day Two was all Plyo! Sweat, sweat, sweat! Jump, jump some more and then jump some more HIGHER!! That would be a good title for Day Two. I thought my legs were very strong until I was 40 minute into the Plyo workout. I am hoping for a 6.5 mile run tomorrow morning. That may be the real test. Day Three is more upper body work and abs. Oh, I didn't tell you about the 339 sit ups. ouch. They were awesome! ouch. Really.

Overall, (3 days) I think P90x is going to kick me butt! I am going to keep plugging away at it. And yes, there are before pictures. But they will have to wait until I have 30 day pictures to put up and compare them to. Oh boy! I am sure you are excited to see those.

It's only Tuesday and it's been a busy week already. Gee, I hope my energy holds up! Thursday and Friday the littlest goes to work with me. It's been a month since he has gone to work with me. I am sure there will be pictures of his antics to look forward to.

Oh what have I done!

Today was a much better day for me than yesterday. I got up with a plan for the day and stuck to it! Even with the time change, I got up early and got the kids ready for Sunday School and church. Which has been something we have struggled to accomplish lately. So, yipee for me.



After church my oldest watched the two little kiddos so I could run a solo 6.5 mile loop (48:51). When I got back oldest was sitting behind his gaming computer with littlest asleep in his lap. Noise and all, littlest slept. I had to take a picture.


My oldest has joined the Army and will be leaving January 11th. (a.k.a. sad day for mom!) He is hoping to pass the Army PT to complete the work he has been doing (tests and finishing his associates degree) to elevate his rank and pay grade once he starts. I told you all that to explain why after the 6.5 loop and waiting for the littlest to finish his nap on big brother I ran another 2 miles with my oldest while pushing the littlest in the jogger.


He has to complete 2 miles in a minimum of 15:54 to pass the 2 mile. He does(unlike me, where does he get this?) NOT like running. We ran in a little slow. He was about 15 seconds off passing. Littlest and I were 16:21.


So for me I had a good run day. Not the 10 I wanted by close enough. When I push that jogger I always feel like I should be able to count each mile as a mile and a half!


After all the running the kiddos all joined in for the rest of the PT test. Push ups and sit ups. Yippee! To pass my son has to do about 45 of each in 2 minutes. He has a long way to go on push ups and is on track to pass the sit ups.


The rest of the day was productive and busy. Getting things done, preparing to head back into the work and school week. Just like always trying to fit way too much into a day.

As it started to get dark outside super early (yuck), I realized that today would be the perfect day to start my P90X workout program. I wanted to use it over the winter after my oldest leaves for the Army and I lose my daily support for running without any littles with me. But I thought why not?


What have I done? I doubt that I will have use of my arms tomorrow. Which really won't matter because I fairly certain that my stomach won't allow me to stand up completely after all the ab and core work I just did!


And to think I am supposed to do more tomorrow.


Maybe I'll just run, instead.

When Routines get interrupted

This week was really an off week for my running. It started so strong with a fast half marathon and then kinda dried up. Which maybe I should have seen coming after the recent races every weekend.

My husband is state side working out of VA. He has a terrible schedule that changes quite frequently. It makes it hard to plan races and to get all my runs done. (Having to put the baby in the jogger is often weather contingent.)

I did however get three runs done all at a easy just putting in the miles pace.

Sunday 13.1 - 1:33
Monday 6.5 - 51:07
Wednesday 6.5 - 52:35
Friday 3.5 - 27:43

I don't make very good use of my last week of evening daylight. I feel really bad about the lack of mileage for another reason. The time change. Talk about routines getting interrupted! It will be dark by 6 p.m.! That doesn't offer much running time in the evening when I don't get home from work until 5:45. It's time to look into some lights for that jogging stroller. Maybe a little maintenance on the old treadmill.

For those who have to deal with day light savings, what do you do to keep up with your running over the winter months? Cross train, treadmills, simply running less miles? Does the lack of day light effect your motivation?

With all that Halloween candy I just helped my daughter eat, I am going to need to put in some miles tomorrow. I can't wait!

Am I The Only One?

I love to run. I don't so much like to follow a training program. That's the problem. I know that I could probably run much less and be far faster if ONLY I could stick to the plan but I don't. I think if I'm schedule to run 4, 6 would be better.

And am I the only one who knows that if you run morning and night, you never get sore because you just simply don't allow your muscles time to. Oh boy, the feedback I am going to get over that one. But it's true. I typically run 6.5 in the morning and 6.5 in the evening. Almost all the time. I run longer distances when I have races coming up and a bit less over the coldest month of the winter but for the most part, that is how I run - when I get my way.

How wrong is that?

I know that I have put in some really fast times since I have not been able to get my runs in. My mileage has gone from 50-80 miles a week to 25-50 miles a week and I am getting faster. (No extra speed work other than a few races). Any thoughts out there on why?

Does this mean that if I want to get faster I am going to have to give up some of my runs? And actually put up with getting sore? Seriously, marathons aside, I am never sore. I have been running this way since...hmmmm, well racing since 2003 this way.

I know there are a lot of busy racers this weekend but I'd appreciate the feedback and opinions if you have one.

p.s. Before you ask, Yes, I have sort of followed marathon training programs. But honestly, I put in my life time marathon PR by simply running and following what I already know works for me. Should I change now?

Agggghhh, this weather!! We had a record breaking snow fall. It is the earliest snow since...since they started keeping track of snow falls, I guess. I mean can you believe it. October 16th and some areas had 5 inches of snow! Which wouldn't be bad except it wasn't just snow, it was rain too. Which meant this morning's run was cold and wet AND that there was no evening run. Grrrr. I just couldn't take the baby out in this weather with a clear conscience.

After a day at the office, I am always eager to get on home. Tonight's drive home featured a black bear at the edge of a corn field. Must have been a vegetarian. That was exciting! I quickly parked my car, jumped out - cell phone in hand attempting to get a picture to share with you all, only to press the button and find out that I had no more memory for another picture. And with that the bear decided that he did like the paparazzi and he ran across the road and into the woods.

After that excitment, I picked up the kiddos and we headed home. Abby was unimpressed with the bear story (now if I had procured that picture I just know she'd have been excited!). Arriving home we found our contractor, Steve finishing up the day's work on our soon-to-be second bathroom. Yes, we will be joining those people. You know, the people who don't have to fight over how long someone stays in the bathroom or complain about why there are always blow dryers and makeup on the bathroom counter. Yes, we will finally after 20 years have two bathrooms! ....for me to clean. Oh yeah, that's the down side. Anyway, we checked out the latest work and chatted about how much we like the bathroom thus far. Then we settled in for the evening.

So instead of my normal evening run, I had planned to attempt to start my 90 days with P90X (more about P90x in the days to come)but that didn't happen either. I realized that starting the new program probably wasn't a great idea the night before a race. All be it a short just for fun 5k race. I have not fully set my mind to running the 5k race. I'd honestly like to get in more miles than that but...I laid out my race clothes for the morning just incase.

But I spent time with the kids, talked with my niece, my hubby and my mom, made supper, bathed the baby with Abby's help and still had to time blog with you. Not what I'd planned but a great evening and maybe just what I needed after all the races the past two weekends.

There were a few things I learned during from my evening I thought I'd share:

1. When you see a black bear along the road, running toward the bear may not be the best idea ever.

2. When your 8 year old daughter offers to help bath your one year old son, always ask what soap she'll be using and how much of it. pictures on that one coming soon

3. Stay flexible. Some days no matter what you plan to do life may have something else in mind.