About the dishes...

This weekend while the family was all in Virginia soaking up the warmer weather I got to check out the neighborhood a little more during my run.  You might remember that I did not like the lack of shoulders on the roads in VA. 

Quite often the roads are lined with a ditch.  Not too runner friendly.  In fact I don't think it would be very tire friendly either if you had to get over for a road hog while driving.

But back to my point.  The run was feeling hard from the start but I set out to do 8 miles so I kept running trying to make that switch from treadmill to road and trail.

The miles ticked away and I was finally feeling comfortable with my pace and stride

and then I started finding these.

Now it's not for everyone to carry four porcelain dishes, one cup and a stoneware serving tray the last two miles of their run but for me I think it added a little extra upper body work to the run.

Day # 219 ~ 3.5...so far

Now back in PA and on the treadmill as we are having another winter storm, I think our family is going to do a litter pick up along our road in VA next weekend. 

Sunday Hubbs, LBM and I went back out for a walk while S'ghetti girl was playing with a friend the trash along the road is terrible!  But we did enjoy getting out in the drizzle and gathering the rest of the dishes that I believe had be thrown at trees and utility poles by teenagers.  (I hope they didn't steal them but I think they probably did)

We found 2 dinner plates, 5 desert plates, 4 cups, a large stoneware serving plate and 2 porcelain tea pots.  S'ghetti girl is already planning her next tea party.

File this under....

...kids say the darnedest things.

After a long busy day at work I was eager to get home and pound out some frustration through my feet.

My daughter was her usual chatter box-self.

"Mom, I can tell what natural animal every person has inside." she tells me.

"Oh really."  I say

"I am a kitty, brother is a turtle and you are a dog." she says.

"I'm a dog?!  What makes you think I am a dog." I ask.

"Your short hair cut."

I ask, "What about my hair cut makes you think I am look like a dog?"

 After a pause,  (considering whether or not to be honest ?)  "Your hair makes you like you have puppy ears." she finally says.

She could have a good point!

After that confidence boosting exchange I feed her brussel sprouts for supper and headed out for my run with LBM.  I enjoyed his baby jibberish the entire run.  But wondered if he was agreeing with his sister about my haircut.

It was so hot and humid and I DID take water!  See I can learn.  My shirt is completely soaked and I was exhausted when I finally got to stop.  6.5 miles of sweat (51:32)

After my run it was LBM's turn to rack up the miles.  He decided to do some speed work with Mom chasing him. 

How great it would be to have him running beside me in the years to come.   S'ghetti girl would not join us for a run.  She was hiding inside enjoy an entire evening with NO homework! 

LBM says, "Mom you don't look at all like a dog.  Now let me win!"

One, Seven, and Thirteen point one

One more day.

Tomorrow will be our last day as a household of five.

  I will miss my eldest son, now to be known as Army son, simply being here.  I took comfort in his presence within our home.  Like many teenagers he spent the majority of his time in his room or behind his computer gaming not discussing politics or social views with his mother. 
I will notice the void created by him not being here. 

Why mention this personal issue on my running blog?  If you have been a reader long or even not a reader for very long you know that my Army son is my biggest running supporter!  He encourages me to get out the door when I'm tired or the weather is less than ideal.  He watched his little brother more times than I can count so that I didn't have to push the jogging stroller.  He was a cheerleader for me while I was trying to be an example for him.  I wonder who taught whom more?  I have been blessed to be his mom.


Seven Random things about Shelly

I was tagged by Heather Here to come up with seven random things.  So here goes

1.  I won a blue ribbon for square dancing at the State Farm Show.

2.  I have never put my hands inside a turkey and never will.

3.  When I was younger I lost the ability to walk.

4. I named my children to spell my father's name.

5.  I make up words all the time and use them as if they are real.

6.  I laugh dozens of time everyday.

7.  I was tackled during a highschool football game.

Thirteen point One

Today I was in need of some mood elevation; I decided that (after reading about everyone who is going Goofy at the Disney Marathon today and tomorrow) I was going to run a half marathon today to be there virtually with those lucky enough to be able to be running.  Since life rarely allows me to participate in destination races, I will have to settle for doing them in spirit.  That is what I did. 

I imagined all the characters cheering me on as I ran!  I was holding a great pace because I was WAY out in front of all the other runners.  At least in my mind that's how it was going. 

To all those who ran the half Congratulations and Run Strong tomorrow.  I won't be running that with you but I will be thinking of you and eager to read all the great race reports! 

We will be taking Army son to Harrisburg for his processing and signing on Monday.


Welcome to all the new journey joiners!  I will make a better effort this week to make it around to say Hi!  Thanks for sharing in my little path.  Hopefully you will find some inspiration or at least a few laughs to help you along your journey.  Thanks so much for all your comments.  They really help me stay motivated!