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.

WIWTW

What I Wore This Week

In a effort to change my habit of wearing the same thing day after day

and not washing it nearly enough

I bring you WIWTW to help keep me accountable.

Unlike T HERE who is being nationally accountable for her running wear!

This week might look a bit like a fail on the success chart for switching up my running wardrobe but I was reviewing the two tops and only running singles most of this week so I couldn't really keep from having the tops on for the photos.  I did however test out the top's perma-stink resistance by wearing them so much.

Both tops scored wonderfully.  No stink.  Great washability.

Sunday run in VA ~ 7.5 miles

after driving through the night back from TN

Monday p.m. run back in PA ~ 7 miles

Tuesday p.m. run ~ 7 miles

Wednesday p.m. run ~ 7 miles with the crew

Biking Sherpa's return to Insanity!

Thursday p.m. run ~ 6.5 miles

Friday a.m. run ~ 3.5 miles

I followed my evening runs with Beachbody's Insanity.  I really dislike the lower weekly mileage but I am loving the results of serious cross training.  I'm sure I'll have EMZ abs in no time.

yeah right!

Let's see it.  What did you wear this week?

A Confident Woman Runner

On a recent post I received the following:

Jessa commented; I'm a regular reader and find your blog so inspiring; thanks!

As a mom of young children, I would love to run in the early morning. Unfortunately, I have anxieties about running alone as a woman, especially on quiet roads or if it's dark. So much so that it keeps me from going, or I just go to the fitness center and run on the boring treadmill.

My question is: What do you to to feel confident and safe as a solo woman runner?

First off, Thanks Jessa for reading.  I am so happy that my adventures in my version of normal can inspire you.  Jessa doesn't have a blog currently so I was unable to answer her question directly and after some thought I realized that there was more to the answer than might first appear.

What do I do to feel confident and safe as a solo woman runner?

The answer goes back to my version of normal and your question is a reminder that it often goes unsaid that my path through life (and all those I read and am inspired by) are not to be copied.  That is not my intent in sharing.  I wish to inspire others to realize that whatever their dreams are, they are achievable.  It's not about everyone running every day.  Or about everyone giving up road racing and hitting the trails.  Or a 5k being a race that's too short. 

My journey and what I want to share is the reality that there is no limit to the number of roles you can own in life.  Your dreams are not limited by the adjectives you can use to describe yourself.  Neither are they excuses for not reaching for the things you want for yourself.

Just because I am a mostly-single-parenting-full-time-working woman does not mean that ultra-trail-running-adventure-racing-AT-hiking athlete can't join the list.

Now that we understand that the description woman does not create a limit to what we can do or how we can do it.  I will remind you that what I do to feel confident and safe may not be sufficient for you to feel and BE the same. 
But here are a few things that help me.

Familiarity

Having lived my entire life in my small hometown I have the luxury of knowing nearly everyone who lives along my typical routes.  The majority of those road routes do not cater to "through" traffic so even the passers-by in cars a typically neighbors and cause me little worry.  I run at night in the dark and often turn off my headlamp because I can usually see better without it, I run in the snow, I run in the rain, I run in the fog of the morning.  All because I am so familiar with where my feet are landing.  I know which cars I will encounter at 6 a.m. or 6 p.m.  Familiarity.  I can be confident and safe because I know my area having lived there so long.

Awareness

  One thing to remember is to not allow familiarity to lessen your awareness of your surroundings.  Simply because I know who should be coming or going for work at the times I run does not allow me to be an unattentive runner.  I run into traffic when I am running on the road, in that I mean I run against the flow of traffic.  It is my job to make eye contact with that driver.  I don't allow it to be their job to notice me.  I keep alert for things along my way that are out of the ordinary.  But the number one way to stay aware is listening to my gut.  If I get a feeling of uneasiness about a road I am on or a trail I want to take, I listen to my gut and get out of that situation.  Even if it means calling for a ride home.

The Plan

Preparedness

Although this applies to when I run solo it also applies to when I run with the kiddos.  Even at 2 1/2 years old, LBM knows the plan.  What's the plan?  The plan started when I used to push my oldest in a stroller and it has been shared with each child as they have taken their turn going with mommy.  The plan is what to do if mommy is hurt during a run.  Sound like a creepy thing to talk about with an almost 3 year old but I'm from Mennonite country where kids are driving tractor at 2 slight exaggeration.   LBM is honestly old enough to understand what to do if something goes wrong.
We have a worse case scenario plan.  It's simple and straight forward.  I have talked with the neighbors along my weekly routes about what my kids would do if.  This simple plan helps them and me feel as though we are safer by simply knowing how we would handle an emergency situation while "on the road."
I'll bore you with the details of The Plan in a later post.

Equipment

In my early days of my running, safety equipment was usually leaving a note behind with my scheduled route and anticipated times on the range hood of my stove back at the house.  Although I still do write a note if I am leaving an empty house I also typically carry my cell phone, wear my Road Id and have told at least one person when and where I'll be and confirmed a check in once I am back.   

The Reality

The reality is that no amount of planning, awareness, equipment or familiarity will ensure that as solo women runner we are always safe.  Additionally, there are many things that you as a runner can do that I do not do. 

Because why?  Because we each are running in our own circumstances.  Remember what works for me may not work for you so keep an open mind and ask for advice from many runners.  You can run with a group or a partner.  You can choose to run only in the day time.  You can choose routes that will put you in populated areas.  You can carry a whistle or "pepper" spray.  You can take classes on self-defense.  There are many options to help you feel more confident and safe. 

I think the best way to stay safe is to be confident. 

Run with Confidence!

Run like you know you should be there. 

Run like you know where you are going. 

Don't allow what might happen to keep you from making your dreams happen!

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!

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.

CLICK HERE

Thanks!

Wondering on Wednesday

While I have been putting in miles on the treadmill due to the lack of motivation to go outside in the dark day light, I have been wondering.

S'ghetti girl just got her report card.  She did amazing by the way.  But I noticed something as she was digging through your book bag.  Her book bag has gone from looking like this....

...to this!

It is so overstuffed she needs a children's backpack to be able to carry it all without breaking her back.  That got me wondering why text books are still not available on line.  Why do they need to have a children's backpack to carry all their assignments around? 

Don't get me wrong, I have even been in the market for a new backpack for our hiking adventures but I don't think my daughter should have to carry a children's backpack to simply manage her daily homework.  And if I got her a children's backpack for school, I doubt she'd be very excited to use it when we were actually hiking. 

Have you noticed your child's backpack to have grown since the start of the school year?

Does your school district handle text books and homework differently?

I can help but wonder if there isn't a better way.

Day # 185 ~ a wonderful morning

One thing there is no wondering about, there is no better way to start a day than a foggy morning run!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Day 180

This is what Day # 180 looks like.

Exhausted and Exhilrated.

I got my foot back into my trail shoes (the only ones that didn't hurt my still slightly swollen toe) and did my normal morning miles....OUTSIDE!

3.5 miles ~ 27:58

It was so great to be outside and I was thrilled to see my pace was back where it should be.

I am still waiting on race photos because of course I didn't take a single one until after I peeled out of my drenched race clothes and huddled around the fire.

BUT

I will hopefully have some photos and insights to share with you soon.

Until then check out these giveaways all at the wonderful

Running Diva Mom!

She is one crazy busy runner mom.

Unless you've been under a rock you all know I have been running everyday without a rest day, 180 to be exact. so I NEEEED to win some compression socks to ease my tired legs! Luckily my Friend Running Diva Mom is hosting a giveaway! head over and tell her I sent you!!

Running Diva Mom is also hosting a Flashbright giveaway. 

Gee I could have used that when we were trick-or-treating!

Running Diva Mom is also hosting a giveaway from Treasured by Holly. 

She has these awesome knit hats!  S'ghetti girl will love them.  I'm afraid my crazy curls won't smash down enough to fit under there.  I'll have to review them to see how sturdy they are.

How she can find to the time to do everything she is doing baffles me!

Have a wonderful weekend.

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??

It sure wasn't ole yeller

Day # 142 ~ 3.5ish miles

I need more sleep!

I have two dogs.  Medium sized canines. 

Both will bark at you as you apporach my house with their tails wagging like a leaf in the breeze. 

That was the biggest difference in my dogs and my doggie encounter this morning.

A wagging tail.

The wonderfully larger dirty yellow lab-ish looking creature that I saw about a quarter mile past my first mile marker was NOT into wagging his tail.

Raising the hair on  the back of his neck.  Check.

Baring his teeth.  Check.

Pacing back and front on the front to keep me from passing.  Check.

Growling loudly.  Check.

Tail wagging.  Not so much.

Once I realized all these things were going on and I did not know this dog at all I attempted to back away from it.  It simply got closer.

And closer.

Until it had changed positions on the road with me.

Now I was closer to the nearest house and farther away from my return route.

I figured I would try to slowly back away towards the house.

The dog, growling loudly, closely followed.

Luckily a small truck came.  Yeah!  I knew the driver. 

Although I would not have given the driver the opportunity to get past us.

I asked him if he knew the dog.  (He is a local farmer)

Nope.

Into the truck we piled and he drove us back up the road a safe distance to finish our run.

And I thought it was going to be another run of the mill morning run.

How do you handle canine encounters?

100 Runs ~ The Words

100th run - 07.21.10

My 100th run did not hold the celebration that I might have hoped it would.  Biking Sherpa wasn't able to be part of it, no shirts were printed to commemorate the event, no one was waiting at the end to hand me another medal.  I simply laced up my shoes, got LBM in the jogger and headed down a familiar road, much like the first run 73 days ago.

In a way I prefer it that.  My running has for the most part been just that, My running.  I have not enjoyed the comradery of fellow runners sharing a common interest.  I have passed countless miles on foot simply to enjoy being out in nature, seeing what was around the next corner or over the next hill, pushing my body to do things that were challenging and uncomfortable simply to see if I could. 

So I didn't need a big production, although your many well wishes did add to my accomplishment and I thank you all for them.  I want nothing more than to enjoy the sport of running and to show those who don't have as many miles on their feet that there are many ways to go about running.  It doesn't always require a training plan.  Running doesn't have to be for any goal or race. 

Running can simply be for the sheer joy of running.

I won't ever be an Olypmic runner.  I may never see the trail without other's footprints.  I may have already had my fastest mile.  For me that is all okay.  Because I know that I will continue to have a relationship with running for many years to come.  Like a faithful friend it's there for me, every day if I want it, ready to listen to my joys and sorrows; ready to challenge me and encourage me; ready to give me far more than it ever takes. 

So this morning day 74, I still heard that morning air calling to me.  I heard the road welcoming me back and I put on my shoes and....

I ran.

Run # 101 ~ 3.5 / 28:24

...98, 99

Run # 98 (6.5 / 52:07) Tuesday p.m.

How the morning dawned

Run # 99 (3.5 / 27:08) Wednesday a.m.

Wow.  That's it.  My next run will be 100. 

I think back to that day after Mother's Day when this all started and I wonder how it spiraled into 73 days later.  I look forward and wonder if there are 27 more days in me. 

With a racing ban in effect for awhile (a la Hubbs) I need goals to challenge me.  Although the truth is I would be out there running (mostly twice a day) with or without a goal or race in mind.

I just love to run.

So for now I am content to see where this takes me without any firm desire either way.

I have some races to check into and maybe secretly register for.  You know they do fill up!  And until race day, Hubbs may have come back around and see the excitement and pride in supporting me. 

Next up, the 100th run.

Big Lessons, Small Fairy

After work Monday LBM and I hit the road.  Usually LBM naps a bit while I run, last night however he was a live wire.  He chatted his way along our usual 6.5 mile loop.  He threw goldfish to the cows that we passed along the way, threathened all manner of wildlife with his no-longer-glowing glo stick, say dozens of songs as a medley, discharged three packages of gummies in an attempt to ensure the local insect population is thriving, and added half a cup of juice to the ground so the insect would have something to wash it all down with.

He is so ecologically aware!

Run # 96 (6.5 miles / 53:02)

After our run s'ghetti girl joined us for a walk to cool down.  She had been suprised by the tooth fairy.  It seems that TF came while I was running (she's sneaky) and left a little stuffed animal in exchange for s'ghetti's tooth.  TF doesn't come during the day, you say?  Well she can't fly in the rain so she had no choice but to attempt such a risky delivery during the day. 

I know at s'ghetti girl's age it is a wanting that keeps her "believing" in someone beyond what she can see.  In this case the TF.  It is hard to let those things go.  They serve such a good purpose when teaching children to believe in the absence of "proof."  It's the beginning of faith.  Believing without seeing.  It's the beginning of knowing that somethings are possible even when others think they are not.

Big lessons from such a small fairy. 

After the TF suprise!

This morning dawned with fog.  Oh how I LOVE fog!

I wish I had more time in the morning to go farther.  There is little as sweet as an early morning fog run.

A beautiful foggy morning

But I only had time for my out and back of 3.5 miles followed by a walk and stretching.

Three more runs and then I'm done....

Run # 97 (3.5 / 28:08)

...or am I?

A Morning Run

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments on my last post.  It helps to know that others have dealt with support/family issues and found ways to make it all balance.

This morning I was out for a short run (3.5 / 27:42).  It would be nice to say I got out before the heat but it seems to not cool down anymore.  I did enjoy getting out in the morning to start the day.  

I didn't like the thought that 6 a.m. seemed early to me, knowing that Saturday will be much much earlier!

Is it odd that my biggest worry for the race on Saturday is the start time?

Not the hills.  Not the heat.  Not the distance.

Just the super early morning.

Recovery Mode, just not the running kind

No no, I'm not in recovery mode.  Well, I am since I spend the majority of the day in bed sick Sunday but that was after I ran my 3.5 miles (29:19).

I should back up a bit. 

Remember s'ghetti girl was sick all day Saturday.  So that meant I was nearly knee deep in barf  sickness all day.  Of course I knew I was a bit run down from all the 27 days of running but I was hopeful that I would make it through just fine.  In fact I knew that given my superior conditioning, I would easily handle mounds of germ filled yuck-ness and come out healthy - yeah, right!

By Saturday evening I was feeling a bit touchy in the stomach.  I figured it was fatigue and general gross out from being a mommy to a sick one while trying to entertain a healthy one and manage her visiting friend. 

So after the bestest friend #1 was picked up, LBM and I went outside to play in the rain - of all things!

LBM trying out his hydration system.

He couldn't decided between plain water or enriched fluids

We practiced running hills up and down the road in front of our house.  We had loads of fun while staying within ear shot of s'ghetti girl if she woke up and needed us.

Did I mention I LOVE my sweaty band that I won! 

LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  Thanks Katye!

That brings me back to Sunday morning when I decided to use my 3.5 miles to see if I was just sick or injured.  I can run when I am just sick but not when I am injured.  (play football much?)

Do you use something to know if you are "just sick" or "injured"?

I got the run in but felt pretty bad after I stopped running.  In fact I felt good while running it wasn't until after that I thought I was going to meet the ground one way or the other so I spend about half of the day in bed sleeping but still got miles in for my 30 days of running.

I'm sneaking like that!

I woke up this morning after a night of sleeping the whole night through. 

Yes, LBM slept all night long! 

I feel so much better and s'ghetti girls says she is almost 100% again.  Yippe!

So of course, I ran.

Day 29!

3.5 miles (27:27)

What wonderful things filled your weekend?

The Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday we celebrated s'ghetti girls big 9th birthday.

It was exhausting!

I got up early and squeezed in some miles once back home I showered, made breakfast, did laundry, cleaned out the car, washed dishes and generally attempted to clean up the house since we were heading to VA Saturday afternoon.

See.  I'm tired already and the partying didn't even start.

S'ghetti girl with bestest friend #1

Bestest friend #1's mom and dad rock!  They brought her to our house and saved us a bit of running around.  She would be spending the entire extended weekend with us.  Once she arrived we loaded up the car and dropped LBM at the sitter for the day so mom didn't have a complete meltdown from kid control s'ghetti girl could have her friends all to herself.

We picked up bestest friend #2 and headed to Slinky's Action Zone for a day of serious money wasting play. 

They ran, they climbed, they jumped.  They played game after game after game.

They won a pile of tickets for cheapy toys

We stopped for ice cream before heading home since mom needed the sugar the kids had worked up an appetite.  It was so hot most of our ice cream melted before we could eat it!

It was a great exhausting day!  Once home with only LBM, s'ghetti girl and bestest friend #1, LBM and I went for run number #2 of the day.  I figured I usually feel more energized after a run even if I start out tired.  And it worked, that run carried me through the swimming with the kids and supper that followed.  Although I fell asleep on the couch after the kids finally went to bed!

They crawled through miles of tubes.

Saturday morning brought a change.  The Plan was to take the girls to their last soccer game and then head to VA however, what a difference a day makes.

S'ghetti girl looked a little more pale when I returned from my morning run then her typical self. 

(I didn't pause for a photo)

I got the kids breakfast and all seemed fine until....

s'ghetti girls runs for the bathroom and it begins...

yep, throw up.

At first I thought it might be a ploy to get out of the soccer game so we could get to VA earlier but after the third time I knew she was really sick.  And embrassed that it was happening in front of her best friend.

I mean NO ONE like to get sick in front of someone!  I felt so bad for her.

We talked about what to do.  S'ghetti said she felt better and that bestest friend should play the soccer game and she would just join me in the cheering section.

That was wishful thinking.

What it looks like to get sick in the car before the soccer game

I knew I hadn't done a good enough job of cleaning my car and thanks to my poor judgment in taking s'ghetti girl to the soccer game at all, now I will have the opportunity to really do a complete wash and clean job! 

She felt just terrible; about getting sick and because she was sick.

Her team won the game.  We got home quickly and tired our best to help her feel better.

S'ghetti girl and bestest friend #1 decided that they would cancel their "big weekend of fun" and reschedule.  Bestest Friend #1's mom came and picked her up (see, they are super great!).

LBM tried to help sissy feel better.

S'ghetti girl is feeling better after a soak in the tub and an afternoon of sleep but still not tip-top.

This reminds me that I am always so glad when I take advantage of my running opportunities and not fall into an "I can do it later" attitude. 

So today my miles are low but my mommy skills a top notch! 

I can get 7up and a cool cloth faster than most moms.

Thanks to all that running!

A little Ketchup

With all the activities celebrating s'ghetti girl's birthday and another big weekend I am playing catch up.  I know you are all dieing to know if I am still at it for my 30 days of Running.

Of course, I am.  Day 27 in three more to go!

203 miles so far.

I know many of you are racing today and tomorrow.  Run strong and have a blast!

We will be enjoying some time between PA and VA on our long weekend.

A few photos because I know you love them, of the last few runs.  Have a GREAT weekend of running!

Thursday's p.m. run (6.5/53:13)

LBM rocking his shades before his run

Another sweaty run.  When will the heat break?

LBM ditched the hat for his race.

Friday morning I got out for 3.5 miles (26:53).  No photos from Friday's p.m. mega sweat-fest of a run (6.5/54:32).

I still can not get my morning schedule adjusted now that school is out. 

 Do you have trouble adjusting between your school year and summer running schedule?

Friday morning run.  It gets hot very early!

My mock pear.  It always blooms before school lets out.  It smells great!