Beautiful Weekend, Virtually No Running Though....

Well, sometimes it just happens that way when you have friends and relatives out to visit. And that's okay, I'll roll with it.

We celebrated an Auntie's birthday with a surprise party. The MIL came out to stay with us and we all had a blast. Today, the last day of the adventure we went on a great trail hike at the Edgewood Preserve.

Unfortunately the Hubby was laid out with a bad cold, that I'm hoping to avoid. So he missed the hike.

We saw a big rattlesnake on the trail. I trail volunteer warned us about it before we came up to it. So I walked up to it for a closer look. I thought I had the zoom on, but I guess not...I'll clean up the shot for a better look. She was a little perturbed about the trail clean-up guy...but ya know, it's her home.

Hurts so Good

It was a track Tuesday and again, nothing blew up, tore or siezed. Yesterday's workout was 4 x 600m & 300M. I even went hog wild on the last 300 and did it in 1:14, which isn't bad for little old ultrarunning, pulled hamstring me. I've figured that that works out to a 6:53 mile. Which means there's hope.

When I got home I pulled out the foam roller again. I'm using it several times a day, whenever I feel my glutes, lower back, ITB, and/or hamstring tighten up. There were some brutal spots I found on my glutes that made me swear like a sailor and almost cry. This morning I work up feeling the least creaky and stiff than I've felt in months! I highly recommend this form of torture. You won't be smiling like the chic in this picture though while you're doing it.

I wrote a check for my part of the Reno-Tahoe Relay and now I'll sign up for a room with some of the gals on the team. Our team is called The Venetian Skunks. I'll let you wonder about that for while before I 'xplain.

So it's official - I get to escape from the rugrats for a weekend. That weekend will involve running at all hours of the night and being carted around by a van. I'll do anything to get away for awhile.

Today's Obligatory Workout Report - Easy run of about 3 miles or so. Crossfit type weight workout. And stretching and foam roller stuff.

On the Trails

So after a looong time away I finally made it back on the trails. And so did everyone else apparently. When I got to Wunderlich I immediately started kicking myself for being so lazy and getting up late on a Sunday. The lot was packed. The Trail Gods did smile on me though and a kindly Prius left soon after I arrived.

Since the trail was crawling with humans it was pretty unlikely that I'd see any rare wildlife. The critter sightings were largely restricted to sparrows and a few Stellar's jays. But it was kind of nice to see other people out enjoying nature. Especially since trails tend to be asshole filters - you meet mostly nice people out there.

Subspecies of humans sighted -

Oldmanus Backpackus -

Usually seen toting a backpack and/or walking poles. Wears floppy fishing hat or old trucker cap. Always similing. Clearly enjoying retirement by getting out on the trails frequently. Often hikes over 10 miles a day. Nine times out of ten asks me if I'm coming back from or heading up to Skyline (top of the park).

Lovebirds -

Couples clearly on their first date. Totally interested in each other. Often wearing inappropriate footwear, like pointy heals. Clearly didn't plan on coming up here. They don't notice me or the mud on their shoes.

Other Couples -

Anywhere from youthful to middle aged. Guy walking in front. He says a happy hello to me. Woman glares at me like she thinks I'm out for her man. Really lady, I have my own at home and he's way hotter than yours. I'm really, just running. I saw at least three groups of these on Sunday, and it's always the same thing - first the hello and then the glare. Facinating.

Packs of Twenty-Somethings -

Often wearing unneccessary high-tech alpine gear. Large heavy hiking boots, poles and daypacks. The group is usually exchanging nervous glances with each other since they've realized too late that they are way over prepared and schlepping pounds more gear than they need. The guys give me the same look that men gave me when they walked their wives miniature poodles and I was running with my doberman. Utter embarrassment. But they are still happy and having fun and that's what counts.

Two Ladies Together -

All ages. Chatting happily. Don't even notice that I was there at all. Which makes me worried about them. What if I were a cougar?

Headphonus Oblivious -

Lone hiker with headphones. Freaks out when you come up on them. Either seems miffed or is embarrased. Why do you wear those out here? Don't you want to hear nature...or the approaching puma?

Anyway, it was a successful run. Only about 7 miles but good nonetheless. It's a pretty rugged up and down so I didn't want to overdo it the first time out and so soon after the hamstring/IT band fiasco. Nothing was injured and I felt good. Next time all the way to the top and back!

Feelin' Frickin' Productive

I went to the track last night. It was cold as a witches t*t. That's one of my 78 year old dad's favorite sayings, and one of the only ones I could use without extensive editing. It was about 55 degrees, which I KNOW isn't THAT cold. (I did live in Minneapolis for 3.5 years). But around here it's the freakin' wind, people. It's wet from the ocean/bay, icy and it cuts right through your clothes. I swear I'm colder here than I ever was in the Midwest.

So I wasn't THAT slow considering my time off of intervals. I managed to eek below the 8 min mile barrier. Intervals were 1200's and 600's. Some ugly distances, I think. But I persevered and finished all of them, even running my last 600 the fastest. Not due to any awesome fitness but because I held back on all the others somewhat. I had my left hamstring and IT band taped from my ART session earlier in the day, so I looked the part of the walking wounded. I felt that hey, this chick's bandaged so you can't make fun of her slowness, at least she's out here. My pride gets outta whack on the track, I keep living in my faster days.

So I've decided. I'm going to sign up for the Pacifica 50k. It's far enough out for me to get back in ultra shape for it and it's far enough away from the relay so that I don't mess that up for everyone. This weekend - I'll hit the trails for some nice distance running.

So not only have I decided on a race today, but I turned in an article already this morning. I can now go out for a run with a clear conscience, since I'm ahead of the game on my assignments. And it's sunny and not windy for a change. It's of course a baby jogger morning with the youngest one. Right now she's looking for rolly polly bugs in the yard...her new obsession.

Spring = New Beginnings

The IT band was bruised all week, it still is. But although it looks craptacular it feels much better. I've added my crossfit strength training back into my routine again and it's made all the difference in the world. After only one weightlifting session I was already starting to feel more balanced in my hips. So my advice to all of you - never stop strength training! I'm now the poster child for squats. Seriously.

And so suddenly I have a bunch of freelance work and new avenues for future work. Whatup! I wasn't even looking, it found me. And it feels so right. Now I needs to find me a laptop (which I will write off on my taxes). And amazingly I get to write about one of my true loves...trail running! Following your bliss is the key to happiness and happiness in your employment. Looking back now I see how miserable I was in the corporate world. I was totally unsuited to be trapped in the 9 to 5. I'd rather work harder but be free. By taking the time off to be with me and the kiddos I hit the reset button. Then things started to fall into place. As soon as I stopped fighting things and going with the flow it all fell into place.

Today? We have intervals in the evening. I had an ART session in the morning, so I'll run what I feel. My Reno-Tahoe Team is all registered on Active.com. Now I'll have to figure out my next trail ultra for later in the summer.

Oh and the picture in my header is from just beyond Berry Creek Falls during the Skyline to the Sea 50K. Pretty, huh?

You Paid Someone for That!?!

That's what Irish Frank said to me yesterday at the track when he took a gander at my bruised leg and saw the aftermath of the Graston treatment on my IT band. It looks like someone laid a two-by-four across my thigh. But I know in a day or two the results will be evident in a much looser IT. And yes, yes, yes, I'm continuing the yoga and adding the foam roller into the routine, religiously. It'll be the only way to keep my running "career" on track.

My chitlins had their performance dance class yesterday. I'm so proud that they weren't the worst behaved kids in the class. I was really thinking that we were going to be that family but surprisingly the honors went to two other little girls. One blond chubby girl who pouted and stomped off when she found out she didn't have a wand to twirl with. The other was a spunky little Asian girl who upon starting the dance routine eyeballed her brother, stomped off the stage to beat up on him in the audience.

I was so glad it wasn't my kids, for a change.

It's supposed to be a nice sunny day today. Here's an early spring picture from Maya's school yard where the bees are buzzing and the flowers are blooming.

Runnin' on....


It rained all weekend so I decided to postpone the trails. I don't need to slip and sprain my ankle before I even get restarted here. So it was misty, rainy, neighborhood runs (with one small trail section) for the weekend.

On Sunday I ran into one of my track people (figuratively, not literally). It was obviously meant to be. I'd just been thinking about what I should do in the next few months runningwise. He needed one more woman on his Reno to Tahoe Relay Team. Well, you know what happened next!

A long while back I did the Hood to Coast Relay. It was one of the mose fun things I've done. I can't wait to do another relay and especially one that is in Tahoe. It's going to be gorgeous and fun. I miss the cameraderie of other runners, this will be a way to experience all that again.

So in preparation I'm making sure that the left leg/hip thing gets fixed totally. I saw my chiro/phys therapist this morning for a Chiro/ART treatment. Just as I suspected there's some ITB problems and a general imbalance over there. But it's being taken care of. I'll dutifully do my excercises and get some treatments. so there are no problems.

So tonight is track night. I'll be gentle on myself, again. In a week or two I'll ramp it all back up again.

I'm still waiting on one of my possible freelance gigs. But I'm not waiting around because of it...I'm going to look into more new work possibilities, and maybe opening a business in the future. I feel ready to move forward.

Back to the Trails

Since I'm itchin' for some more ultra action...I'm also itchin' for the trails again. There will probably be a new trail post (with pics!) this weekend sometime. Am I emerging from my long winter's nap? Methinks so.

On other good news after months of SAHM action and no gainful employment I was approached by two different companies out of the blue on the same day this week. It looks like I'll be writing for one for sure and hopefully (puhlleezzzee pray/think good thoughts for me!) the other too. It will totally help out the financial situation at Casa de Coyote.

Refreshing Evening

I got out for a pleasant evening run last night. I even worked on my technique, reverting back to some POSE method stuff that I had thrown out the window a while back. I'm rethinking my decision on that since maybe my hamstring problem stems from over striding. I have a habit of running with huge loping strides. It really does feel more natural to me....but maybe it's not so good for me afterall.

I concentrated on all of the usual pose stuff - forefoot landing (got that down) fast turnover, (harder for me), free falling (feels so neat when you get it) and lifting your foot right underneath you. I think I ended up running faster than usual, but I can't be sure because I did a new loop and I didn't time my run. It doesn't matter anyway. I can check it out on the track next Tuesday or on another run.

And yes, I'm still doing yoga and stretching religiously. I won't stop doing that now, ever.

It was chilly again out there last night. I ran in long sleeves and capris, kind of feeling like a wimp since fer godsakes this is California. But it wasn't my imagination, that wind was cutting and it continued to blow right through my old Hind running top (maybe the age of that weather beaten thing had something to do with it! Hind doesn't even exist anymore.) I started out in the light and arrived back home in the dark. A nice way to end the day.

Ultras?

I'm starting to feel like doing an ultra again. Hmmmm.

Tuesday Track

There was no scheduled track workout due to a lacrosse game on the grassy area, so a bunch of us went for a run around the 'hood.

I know it's Cali here, but dang is the wind cold and damp. Hate that. Makes me want to move to the tropics. I was afraid that I'd never warm up, but I managed to get the body temp up to comfortable as long as I kept moving. Chatting with the others was great - I don't get to talk with other people much when I'm running anymore since I run alone except for Tuesdays. Sadly, one of our bunch just got laid off and I fear that she'll be unemployed for a while in this climate. Luckily her husband is still working and I think that they have enough money saved up to last them for a while. She just got her road bikes tuned up so I don't even have to wonder at what she'll be up to in the next few weeks. I just hope that she (and others in her predicament) take the opportunity to actually enjoy the time off. That's been my downfall in the past when I was unemployed. The new job does eventually show up, and then if you have been fretting over not working that whole time that you were off you're not even rested up for your new adventure. Such is the dilemma.

I still haven't been able to get up early for my runs. The Hubby messed with the alarm last night and we woke up late this morning. So now I have to run this evening. Tomorrow that damn alarm is going to go off ON TIME and I WILL be out that door 6ish.

I've been having a nagging irritation of tightness in my left lower back, hip and side and back of my left leg. Anyone else have this problem? Yoga seems to help for a while but in a few hours it comes back. I think it may be due to my SI joint, but I can't keep going back to the chiropractor over and over again (too expensive). Does anyone have any miracle cures? Ideas to the cause? Let me know.

Sunday Musings

Sunday's run was good. A little under an hour long and on a nice loop that I improvised as I went. I planned on running all the way up through the canyon but opted instead for just the lower part through the Mercy grounds. I was pretty sure that up by the creek crossing it would be very muddy and slippery. It requires a bit of climbing to get down to the creek and up the other side. Later this week it should be more passable.

I can definitely feel the time off in my lungs on the hills. Wowie! I was huffin' and puffin' like a chain smoker.

On the last few blocks home I let my stride open up. I held back in the beginning to guard my hamstring. But I felt like my stride was unnaturally clipped. And it was. It felt so much better to speed it up a bit. Even better that my hammie wasn't annoyed by it.

The spouse and I spent the weekend mostly continuing the cleaning out of excess stuff. I brought a trunk load to the Goodwill and felt ten pounds lighter for being free of it. This cleaning out seems to be the running theme for a lot of folks these days. The Zeitgeist for the season. It was good, but I'd like to go back to having weekends set aside as time to enjoy with each other and the kids. The kids didn't seem to mind as they rode their bikes and played in the yard on both days. It was a productive weekend, not full of fun and games, but we accomplished some things that we needed to do.

We did Netflix Into the Wild. Very good movie. The main character reminded me of Treadwell, the grisly guy who ended up being eaten by a rogue bear. Both of these young men thought that they were leaving civilization to live a more natural life. The irony is that living by yourself in the wilderness is not a natural life for a human. We are social animals. It seems that before his tragic death Christopher from Into the Wild came to the realization that human interaction was needed for a meaningful, happy life. It's unfortunate that he didn't make it back alive.

Next movie? Juno. Yeah, I didn't see a lot of movies in the past few years.

Mourning Run

So I got out at 9:30. Not exactly the crack of dawn run I was fantasizing about, but it's a start. 43 minutes on a usual loop of mine. Not the fastest run but not the slowest either. My left hip felt a little tight, but not dangerously so and the hamstring survived. No nasty twinges there. The tightness does still concern me. I'll continue working diligently on it with yoga.

About halfway through I got a little choked up thinking about recent revelations and events. The random selection of music on my iPod didn't help any either with songs that just reminded me more of my sadness. I stopped to walk and sob for a minute. Then I decided to choose happiness. There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way. Things are as they are and I should just pick up my life as it is and move forward. Who knows what I will find tomorrow? I switched to an upbeat running playlist and carried on. The day is sunny and bright. I can run again. My kids are happy and healthy. Life is for the living, so get on with it.

The rest of the way was beautiful and good. Some muddy parts by the golf course but I managed to avoid a big messy fall. At home I did an outdoor yoga session on the nice green grass. The girls had their bubble machine going. It was something like yoga with a dash of Lawrence Welk. My utadasana is getting more bendy and my bridge is getting bridgier. It's so nice to see progress.

My life lesson for this season? Letting go and moving on. From many things. Arbitrary expectations, labels for myself, negative emotions, fear and procrastination. I found that cleaning out my closet was almost a religious experience. So much of what I was holding on to had old memories and emotions attached to it. I got rid of anything I hadn't used or worn in a year and especially if it held memories of a past job, a certain time period in my life or a relationship. Getting rid of the emotionally charged items was freeing - even if it was a good emotion. I was hanging on to some maternity wear that had some wonderful memories, but I'm not ever going to wear it again. Getting rid of this stuff clears out the way for the future and mentally enabled me to let go of all of my past, good and bad. I'm not forgetting it, I'm just cleaning out emotional space for what lies ahead. Letting go is freeing, it lightens your load and releases old grudges. It is a cornerstone of Buddhist thought and akin to the Christian idea of forgiveness. I think these two exercises come to accomplish similar spiritual release and revelation. I'm far from being totally free, but I've made a start. Spring is a great time for new beginnings.

Tomorrow? A longer morning run.

No More Lazy

I've been sleeping in way too much, and enjoying it way too much.

I really fell off the running wagon. I used to get up at 5am to get my runs in. Now I can barely peel myself outta the sack at 7am. I have to put myself back into running bootcamp. It will make me feel much better about myself and about life in general. I'm feeling rather blue. Hopefully my hammie will put up with the running.

And for those of you with kids you'll know what I'm talking about with the stress of two little tykes. I have NO time for myself, and I'm wearing really thin. Work was way easier than being a SAHM. I think that the endorphin rush from morning runs will help me cope a bit more. And all this worry about the economy is starting to gnaw at my mind too. I need to release the pressure valve.

The Meaning of Life



No, I don't have a clue what it is, I'm just really wondering about it. I've been smacked in the face by mortality. I just found out that an old friend died.



He was someone who I had a special connection with. It wouldn't matter how long we'd go with out seeing each other - we'd still be friends with that strange connection you only get with a few people in your life. Even if we didn't see each other very often it was just nice knowing that we were still sharing the same beautiful earth. Now that I know he's gone, even though I haven't seen him in a long time, it just feels like there's a hole in existence. And there's that nagging feeling of loss and a sense of no closure.



So if there's meaning...what was the meaning of our friendship? And will I see you again? Vaya con Dios my friend.

Running Lite

Wow, I'm down to two runs a week. That's really weak. It's all I can do to fit them in. And I won't be going to the track because the local high school girls have a lacrosse game there tonight. My lazy ass is happy about it actually, because I didn't want to crowbar myself out of the house for a run. It's been raining buckets and I don't want to go out there. Although I know that once I'm out there I'll love it and have fun and all that. It's just getting out there at night in the dark, those first few steps that are the worst.

The kids are cranky, restless, whiny and tired of being couped up. Ugh.

I have been working on the yoga. I almost have my heals down in downward dog...that's a major accomplishment. And in standing forward bend I'm much more forward with my fingers on the ground. There is progress. I don't feel as tight, although I still am tight. But every class I take myself through makes me feel so much better for a few hours. I still need to work on inversions...they are a little scary but they offer so many benefits.

I've been trying to keep to a yogic diet. Trying is the word. I can manage about three days of vegetarianism and then I fall off the wagon. Anyone else a vegetarian out there? Any advice? Or should I just give up already?

Back to the Track

So I did end up going to the track on Tuesday. I ran with no expectations...just jogged around the track and said hi to all of the good peeps there. My hammie didn't blow up and my mood lifted. Running actually felt relaxing and soothing to me. I need to slowly come back.

I run to and from the track. It's almost exactly a mile each way and is a great warmup/cooldown. Running home was wonderfully soothing in the dark. I love to see the glow of lights in houses and think of all the happy people cozy in their houses after work. Everyone attending to their lives. I ran past where one of our small streams plunges under the street and heads out the bay; it was rushing and tumbling like a small river after all of our rains. It was safely after commute time by the time I ran home from the track so I took to the middle of the streets and ran in virtual silence home. I startled one house cat with my headlights (a little clip contraption on my hat). I guess she thought I was a three-eyed monster.

I haven't run since. But I'm not beating myself up about it. We had another storm, and I was busy with the kids and their school functions. Maybe tomorrow I'll run again, or maybe Saturday.
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I did a great yoga dvd this morning. It's an intermediate level Rodney Yee class. I've had the dvd for a while but felt a bit intimidated by the description of it. It has inversions..and I'm fairly nervous about going upside down. I didn't get to a total handstand, partly since I couldn't find a proper bare wall to hoist myself up to, but even just doing the preliminary excercises really had a positive effect on me. I also practiced inversions on a "chair" that I have that is specifically for yoga inversions. It sets you right up on your shoulders with your head hanging freely below. Inversions do seem to help the psyche...and the back! I felt wonderful after my morning session. I didn't get to finish the dvd, I ran out of time. So tomorrow I'll do it again to completion and report when I actually do that full handstand by myself. (I might ask The Mister to spot me on one tonight.)

Motivation = Zero

I have no desire to run. It's all come to a screeching halt. I find it stressful to think of going out for a run when I have so much to do at home. The housework is neverending and shuttling the kids to fro to different activities is tiring and stressful too. I've been getting many aches and pains all over in the last few weeks that just makes the thought of running, well, ugh. Yoga makes me feel better, and calm, so that's what I'm going with right now.

I will force myself out for a jog at the track. No expectations and no speed work since I'm totally off the training wagon. I actually don't want to go at all...but I think I'll feel better if I get out to do it. I'm tossing my 5k goals out of the door...I think that any goals or expectations about my running at the this time are just counterproductive and too stressful for me. Running becomes a job and not an escape. I can't pile another stressor on at this time. So running with no goals and just for fun is for me now.

Chuggin' Along in the Rain

I finally got out for a run today. Nothing fell apart and my leg didn't sieze up. I'm going at this very cautiously. I'll continue the Yoga religiously from now on. I don't think that I can expect to continue to run without it. I'm just so tight and bound up. More than looking forward to running again I'm looking forward to gaining flexibility from Yoga and maybe feeling more like my younger self. From now on caution and balance in all things are the name of the game. So maybe my sub 20 min 5k won't happen this year...or maybe it will. Either way I'm not going to fixate on it or make it a priority in my life. Health and balance will be the priority.

This weekend we're enjoying a big rainstorm that is much needed. Running in it was refreshing and fun actually. It's been steady all day long and is expected to continue all night and into the morning.

I'm Still Here

Had a cold...so running wouldn't have happened anyway. Still doing Yoga. The hip/leg are better but it is still tight. It will probably take months to loosen it up so it's a long term project fo' shore.

It's back to workin' on the house a bit too. I'll report on the hammie when I get out for a run. Probably this weekend peeps.

Cabin Fever Hamstring

I haven't run in over a week. The last time I ran my hamstring tightened up and then gave me a nasty sharp poke. I decided to take the warning seriously and just stop. Totally.

I already feel fat. I know that I'm not, but I mentally just feel the flab gathering....

So I've started doing yoga. Religiously. I got out one of my Rodney Yee DVDs and gone to town with it. I have a number of yoga DVDs from different teachers so they'll keep me busy for a while. And I'll try to get to an actual class at some point, it's just really tough with the kids. I'm ridiculously tight in the hips. Obviously this is why my hamstring revolted. I realize that I'm going to have to keep up the yoga forever now if I ever hope to function the way I want to. It's not such a bad thing really, I DO like yoga, it's just that it was easier to be lazy and not do the stretching and yoga that I need and should do.

Maybe I'll try a very, very easy run on the weekend. We shall see.

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In other news, yet another good friend is moving away from the area. He's headed to Tacoma, Washington for a new job. He was laid off a month or two back and luckily landed a great gig up there. But again, one less friend/relative around here. It's getting lonelier and lonelier and there are fewer people here that we feel comfortable with. It's become very "privileged" in our hood and well, we don't measure up in the earnings department. We're only here because we've always been here. Home has picked up and left when we weren't looking. I'm ready to go look for where it went.

Recouperation and Something Really Gross

So how's that for a title?

I took the baby jogger with little N to go get Maya from school. I'm sorry to report to my East Coast friends that it was about 70 degrees and sunny yesterday here. I made a very careful foray into running and it was a good, but small success. There was some soreness and I did take it VERY easy, you could hardly call it a run. But I was out there and the leg did not seize up and stop me in my tracks. I just have to learn to be careful with my aging self.

During the day I noticed a lot of flies in the house. This did not bode well. I couldn't figure out where they were coming from. I couldn't smell anything bad....

At about 7 in the evening the stench began. Something was dead somewhere and it seemed to be emanating from the fireplace. I made the Hub check it out. There was fur sticking out from above the damper. Some poor squirrel met his untimely demise up there. There was no way that this was waiting until morning because the Creeping Death smell was slowly making it's way to the bedrooms. There was no way I was going to sleep thinking about that thing in there and how hideous the house was going to smell in the morning. So we spent the evening riding ourselves of a stinking carcass....well mostly the Hub did all the work because I did NOT want to get a good look at that thing. So much for our usual Thursday pizza night, at least The Office was a rerun so we didn't miss anything.

I'm just very thankful that there is nothing dead in the house today left for me to deal with.

I'll be heading out in the California sunshine in a few minutes for my run and Maya pickup. Wish me luck with the leg...I'm hoping that things go smoothly.

Happy B-Day to Me

And just to make me feel like I'm 40, last night at track my hammie decided to tighten on the last 400. I'll take full blame for it tho....I couldn't keep myself controlled and I probably pushed it a wittle too much. I'm 40 but I'm still dumb like 16.

It's not TOO bad. I'm being very good to it today, RICE, some heat, ibuprofen - the whole nine yards. But now I will NOT do track for at least three weeks to a month....just to make sure that it's all better. Plus I'll be doing all the stretching and strengthening rehab for it and I'll go see Angelique again. I'm keeping her in biz fo' shore.

So what's up for tonight? A little family B-day with the 'rents and rugrats, some sushi (my fav) and some nice authentic Teutonic cake. Rock on.

Track Tonight...B-Day Tomorrow



Tuesday is a day filled with running around. Maya has a science class in the afternoon and THEN they both have a dance class right afterwards. Then I go to track. Tuesday got overscheduled, unfortunately. But that was the only day that their dance class was offered. I hate running around like this, I don't dig the idea of overscheduling, it's so yuppie.



Here's the workout for tonight - check it out on the blog that I keep for our Tuesday night workout group. I'll be vewwy careful on the hammy and run these a bit slower and smoother.



Playing with the bubble factory.

Back on Track

I took the hamstring out for a spin yesterday...and all systems were go. The rest and the ART did the trick no doubt. Not even a glimmer of the problem. That's not to say that I'm not going to be extra careful (especially at track) for the next week or so. Dr. Angelique suggests continued stretching and strengthening to repair the damage and keep it from happening again.

But I'm oh so happy! The freedom of running is mine again. I was so afraid that this was going to be a nagging problem...but with care and maintanence I'm free to run again. I guess I'm extra worried about it because the big 4 OH birthday is THIS WEEK. I'm really not so worried about being forty, it doesn't really bother me, except the fear of nagging injuries and the old bod not responding to my commands as it used to. Other than that, being forty is just a number.

The Art of ART



So I had an ART treatment today from Angelique at Health Logic. ART is not a nice relaxing massage but it sure works. Halfway through the treatment today I noticed that the golf ball at the back of my leg had dissappeared. Angelique believes that what had happend was that my IT band and my biceps femoris came to some dissaggreement on the curve of my last 200 and the BF solved the situation by siezing up. My IT band was probably a bit tight and there was friction between the biceps femoris and it.

So now we're trying to work things out. There will be lots of stretching, foam rollering and icing.

Maybe a little bit of running on the weekend. And then back to Angelique on Monday. HOPEFULLY, that will do it.

Resting Is Okay Too. I Guess

So it's Tuesday evening and the sky hasn't fallen in and I haven't gone completely insane yet. My hamstring feels relatively normal, although I have done zero testing of it. I'll stick to the the week off plan and NOT do any running (thanks Stuart, I'm taking your advice!).

I have an appointment for an ART treatment tomorrow morning. I'm all about fixing any and all problems when they crop up. I can't just sit around and wait for it to go away. Or hope for it to go away. I have to do something about it.

I spent the day carting kids to and fro, doing dishes, cooking, some cleaning (tho definitely not enough). All to the background of the inauguaration. I love this new beginning. I have hope for our collective futures. And I'm ready to get to work. Hamstring or not!

A Glorious Workout...then...Sidelined

So my marvelous track workout was just that. Marvelous! I was 15 seconds faster on my 400 than just a few weeks ago. I felt the old joy of speedy running, of whipping around the track. Then it happened. Some tightness in the back of my left thigh in the final 200. My run home was hobbling.

I've tried to run in fits and starts all week long, thinking that it was getting better. What to do? Hubby suggested a full week's rest. I'm grumpy and pissed off. Why does this have to happen JUST when things start getting smooth?

But I'm also afraid that this is the beginning of bad things. Is this the start of a nagging injury that won't quit? Hubby again says that this will heal and go away. Ugh, I hope so.

Now for a week of ice, ibuprofen, rest and stretching. To be continued....

What Up?

It's 72 degrees outside in my backyard. Fabulous. I'm really, really, really sorry for my midwest/eastern/Canadian friends, I know it's craphola cold where you are. But I have to admit that I'm-a likin' this weather.

I stuck to my 5k training schedule last week even though I was suffering from some wierd exhaustion. I felt better yesterday, but all in all I mostly felt like I was out of gas. I'm adding some more carbs into my diet and I think it's starting to help. I know, I'm the only person who actually has to add carbs into my diet. I'm not a big sweets or bread person. You could throw me a raw steak and I'd be happy. Seriously. I'm wierd like that.

Today is a rest day. Tomorrow will be speed work. My favorite. Short intervals. 600-400-400-200 repeat. I really DO love short intervals, I'm not being catty I love tearing it up fast and furious (or in my dreams fast and furious). I like the short intense pain, and then it's all over with sort of feeling. Plus they really get the endorphins going!

The New Schedule

Ouch. 4 x 800's on Tuesday night (plus warm up and cool down) nearly killed me. A few weeks off of intervals is deadly. Wednesday's easy 4-6 mile run turned out to be a painful, tired, huffy-puffy 3.5 mile. Yikes. it felt like 7 miles, but was ONLY 3.5. I'm just hoping that all of the quality work plus adequate rest will translate (quickly) into some decent speed and fitness.

So tonight will be pace intervals.... 2 x 1200m with maybe a 400 at the end and warm-up and cool down of course. I wish I could've done it this morning but the Hubby had to leave for work early in order to get his cycling in. It's all about teamwork if the two of us are going to keep in shape and get to our fitness goals!

Tomorrow will be another rest day (happy happy, joy joy).

The Plan for 2009

So here's the deal. Training for ultras just takes TOO long for me. It isn't working out with my family commitments. Instead of being a positive, it becomes a negative stress for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved my long runs in the woods. It's just the wrong time in my life for that.

Plus, I hate how slow I've become. It kinda hurts my ego to be so S-L-O-W.

So....here's the new goal for 2009 -

A sub-20 minute 5K.

That's an attainable goal, with plenty of time and wiggle room to accomplish. My all time 5k best is 17:09 - so I am capable of it. And there's all kinds of added benefits, it'll speed me up at all distances. I'm probably better suited physically for the short stuff anyway. Plus it'll be something that's more family friendly all around. I won't be gone long for training and they'll be able to hang out and watch the races without it being too long.

I'll be starting the advanced plan for a fast 5k after the 1st of the year. I'm now doing some get-in-shape for the training cycle runs. I'll shoot for a 5k after the first 8 week training cycle. That one will be a test run to see where I'm at. (If I accomplish my goal then, great! But probably pretty unlikely the first time out that early in the year).

I'm pretty jazzed about this goal. I'll get in great shape, have fun and find my speed again!

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The kids are just going stir crazy with these holidays. Ugh, I can't wait until school starts again and they are back on a schedule (and so am I). They are in each other's hair and just driving me nuts. They are set to start some fun classes after the first of the year so that should keep them busy.
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Yesterday I ran a moderately paced 4.28 miles. My time was 32:00. I threw some fast surges in there (6:09 pace) and some bounding plyometrics and such. I'm letting my stride open up again as I'll be concentrating on speed. I've been constricting my stride (marathon shuffle) and I think that has caused some problems, both physical and performance-wise. I think I just have a naturally longer stride. I'm just going to run "naturally" from now on and not mess around with my style too much.
Today I'll run a little longer, 6-7 miles at a slower pace. Maybe a hilly route. I have some new running clothes to wear that Santa brought to me! :)

Hibernation

I haven't felt much like blogging. The holidays are, well, busy as they are for everyone. And now all the kidlets will be home with me for a while. I'll be cleaning constantly.

Everyone at Casa Coyote currently has a cold. Mama and Papa Coyote are going to be missing the one holiday party that they were going to to go to this year due to said disease. Funny how it hardly seems to phase the pups. They just continue to run around, scream, fight, play and drip snot. We on the other hand drag ourselves around like zombies.

So, no running to speak of. I'm hoping that I'll be well enough to sneak out for an early morning run on Monday before the entire clan wakes up. That would be nice. If not Monday than Tuesday hopefully.

Hope that you all are having a wonderful holiday season.

Try This Workout

My new coach is relentless. As soon as I've achieved a new fast pace she yells at me to run faster. And she doesn't allow stopping for anything. Plus, I have to push her in a baby jogger throughout my whole workout!

Little N is brutal, unforgiving, destined to be a high school PE teacher or the dictator of a banana republic.

She does LOVE the baby jogger and going for runs with me. It's quite motivating to have a happy little cheerleader. And if I'm lucky she nods off for a nap during the run, allowing me to take a break.
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No running today. I'm all knotted up. We'll do some yoga to get the kinks out.

Momma's Got a Brand New Bag

Back home and it's the first week of the new schedule, aka - no preschool/daycare and mommy at home. So far (3 days) so good.

It's settle back in time after a pleasant trip to AZ and Grammy's ranch. The girls have no idea yet how lucky they are to have a Grammy with HORSES. I'm sure it will sink in when their little friends get jealous.

We were welcomed home by the kitties AND a broken water heater. Yay. Just what I wanted for Xmas. So I spent some quality time with my dad and little N installing a new water heater. Of course it turned out to be 10x more difficult than anticipated because we had to jerry-rig earthquake straps, solder a new pipe into place for the pressure valve and the hot water pipes to the kitchen sink became clogged when we used it to bleed air from the water tank thus creating a whole NEW project. I just reassembled the faucet before plunking myself down infront of the 'puter.

The Hub and I got some quality runs in in AZ. We actually ran together once, first time in literally years. Someone always has to be home with the kids ya know.

We checked out some of the properties for sale. Fabulous ranch houses three times the size of our little bungalow for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than what our tiny little place is worth. It was nice to dream of more than one bathroom...and luxury ones at that! I've never seen anything in the Phoenix job listings that would be suitable for The Hub or I.

And then there's summer. I'm not sure how I feel about three months of 115 degree weather.

November is deceiving in AZ - the weather is just about perfect, tricking you into thinking that moving is a distint possibility. I'll have to visit again in July to see if it's really possible.
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Little N and I are going to saddle up the baby jogger and head out on an afternoon run. Hopefully she'll nap too. Tonight is M's winter concert at her school. I hope it's not too long.

A Life Less Feral

It's little N's last day at daycare/preschool. I've told her about it, I think she gets it and it seems like she doesn't care. I hope so. I have fun plans for her so that she should be happy post-preschool.

Me? Well, I certainly haven't been hitting the trails much as of late. I've actually been doing things like baking, which is totally unlike me. I've also been doing some heavy duty home repair like refinishing walls and the deck. Makes me feel all macho and useful. And kind of domesticated...eeek.

But change is good and getting things done is good too. I'll post before and after pics when I'm done. As for the running - the more intense workouts I'll do in the early mornings and on track evenings. During the day I'll bust out the baby jogger for adventure with the N.

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Running today - A little run around the 'hood with some tempo in for good measure.

Pirates?

How can there still be pirates?

You've probably heard about the pirates cruising off the coast of Africa. They've been big news since they took over a Saudi oil tanker.

I love cartoony pirates. Like these guys - and this hunk. I'm sure I wouldn't like these guys at all.

A few years back I spent some time in Kenya. I stayed for a while in a city called Mombasa on the coast. I spent a lot of time throwing rocks at monkeys to keep them off my balcony and out of my food. I encountered the most spider infested public toilet there near the beach and I actually used it because I had no choice.

I remember going down to the beach for the first time when I got there and I encountered...NO ONE. Completely empty. Not a soul on a pristine white sands beach that met the bluest water imaginable. I walked up and down. No sunbathers. No fishing boats. There are lots of open spaces and wild places out there, even close to relatively large city like Mombasa. You could get away with a lot. Pirates are not out of the question.

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Great run around town with some of the trackmates. It was Trackarchy! My pace is improving. Did about 6 miles in the dark hills around town chatting with a few of my running friends. The weather was crisp and cool but I could have worn shorts instead of my tights (wimp).

Ditchin' Daycare



We chose this daycare because:



1. the facilities were beautiful, clean and safe.

2. the teachers were great

3. they served hot fresh lunch meals

4. the price was reasonable



We're leaving because:



1. I'm not working outside the home anymore (mostly this)

2. it's too darn far away

3. the administration is a bit harsh



The secretary at little N's daycare hates kids. She just can't hide it. We call her Ms. Sunshine. Why do people who hate kids work in schools and daycares? It's like why do people who can't manage become managers? The Peter Principle in action.


Ms. Sunshine scowls like the grim reaper and barks hello to every kid as they get to school in the mornings. If they don't say hello back she yells hello at them until they do. She's not happy to see them, so why does she bother to say hello?


Both Ms. Sunshine and The Director expect little kids to act like adults. This is my biggest complaint. But they are fiercely protective and watchful of the kids. So I've never been worried for either of my little tikes there and I've always felt that they were safe.


I called to give little N's required two-week notice. Ms. Sunshine was noticably surprised. Her voice jumped an octave and she nervously exchanged pleasantries with me. I'm sure that she's wondering why we're leaving and thinking the worst. It's just in her nature.

Ms. Sunshine amuses me in an ironic, dark way.

I wonder if Little N is going to miss her preschool and her friends, if she'll be sad. I'll sign her up for some classes and take her out to the parks and reading circles at the library and such. Hopefully we'll meet other kids. I also wonder if she'll miss some of her favorite teachers, heck I'll be kinda glum about not seeing them again.

Or maybe it'll be like the nummie. We thought it was going to be a battle royal to get her to kick the habit but it only took one evening. I'm hoping for a smooth transition.

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Went for a nice 3 miler in the sunshine this morning and then did a crossfit workout. I was too lazy to change the weight on the bar from when the hubby worked out. It was 10 lbs heavier than what I've been dealing with. So now I've upped the squats, thrusts and pushes by 10lbs. Go me.

Go With the Flow


Words to live by.

I've been trying to force things into happening lately. We'd do well with my income...if I had one. But maybe that's NOT what I'm really supposed to be doing right now. The job hunt not only is exasperating and apparently futile...but it FEELS that it's that way for a reason. It's not meant to be. I ignored my intuition when I took that last crappy job from which I was laid off. Now when I search for jobs and send out resumes it just leaves me feeling more stressed than if I hadn't done anything at all. My intuition is banging me over the head with a hammer. Maybe I should listen this time?

It's not meant to be. Something ELSE is supposed to happen. I'm supposed to be doing something else. So I'm not going to continue doing what I think I should be doing. I'm going to to do what I'm lead to do. Again, that intuition thing that I've been too afraid to follow.

Ah fear...there's my old enemy again. Ignore fear and follow intuition. Easy to say, not so easy to follow through with.

This means taking little N out of daycare/preschool. That will free up a HEFTY amount of money that we've been paying to keep our spot there for when I got another job. We can use that money for so many other things. And I'm so tired of driving her there. Little N will be able to take some dance or art classes instead for a mere pittance in comparison to the cost of preschool. I miss her during the day anyway, it'll be nice to have her around.

Then I can shift my workouts back to early morning before everyone wakes up. A guarranteed way to get them done! And a way to get some valuable quiet me time.

Time...and Large Cats

It's already 12:30pm and I've hardly accomplished a thing. I've updated my resume and added a few samples to it for easy sending and more visibility, so that's something at least. And I have sent out a few to some job prospects. But it's nothing that I can see or hold in my hand. And probably nothing will come of it but sadly I must keep at it or give up entirely. It such a dismal, time consuming process.

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Another large cat sighting in the area. This one is amazing. I Google mapped the intersection where said kitty was spotted crossing the street and leaping into a suburban yard. It is a quite well manicured area and not at all wild. Why don't I ever get to see anything like this? I'd probably pee my run shorts...but still it'd be worth it if I wasn't eaten.

Workout today - will be yesterday's CrossFit and CrossFit Endurance workout. Yeehaw.

Veteran's Day

It's 5pm and I think that this is going to end up being a rest day workout wise. Because of the holiday the girls were home and we had to get out and find something for them to do so that they wouldn't tear the house apart.

So we picked up Omi (grandma) and drove over to Princeton Harbor just north of Half Moon Bay. Omi and Opi own some property out there so Omi got to check out what was going on out there and we got to have fun at the seashore at the same time.

I've been going back and forth with two possible job prospects and waiting, waiting, waiting for them to get back to me. I'm at a point where I need an answer because I have to make some child care decisions pronto. I need an answer from them to get be able to make some changes that I've been wanting to make. Job prospects always take much longer than they estimate they will. I hate job hunting, it's terrible for the ego.

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. It's become my favorite holiday.

Good Outcomes

Well, my guy won and I am happy. I hope if your guy didn't win that you're not too upset. It's going to be okay, really it is. I'm confident that this positive change will improve our standing in the world. As my mother, an emigrant, said, "This isn't the country that I fought so hard to come to." I'm looking forward to more diplomacy, less bombs. More thinking, less knee-jerk reactions. More oversight over institutions that need it. More work on infrastructure, education and health care. We need to clean up our own house. I'll pick up a broom and start, wanna help?

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On the workout front -

I'm now following CrossFit and CrossFit Endurance. Yesterday I did both WODs. They are ass-kickin' but fun. Today is a rest day for Endurance, and I'll do the main WOD for CrossFit in a little while. It is -

"Lynne"
Five rounds for max reps of:Body weight bench press & Pull-ups



I've been doing a lot of pull ups lately on these WODs. They are getting easier everyday plus I'm getting some pretty nifty definition in my arms. I like these short and explosive workouts. I'm done quickly and I'm seeing and feeling results quickly. It probably has something to do with my muscle make-up (I do think I have more fast-twitch fibers). I've also cut down on my sugar intake. That has made a dramatic difference in my appearance. I look much more cut. When I really paid attention to the garbage carbs that I was taking in and cut them way down I immediately lost five pounds. I'm adhering to more of a paleolithic style diet now, which isn't that tough because I love veggies and meat more than breads and sweets.



This is all an experiment of course (an experiment of one). We'll see how I react to it. I'm supposed to get my cholesterol checked soon. I'm very interested in how the "Caveman Diet" will effect my levels. From all of the research that I've read it should have a good effect on it. I'll report the results. I haven't had my cholesterol checked in years, I just remember that it was normal before. (Something like 170/53 I think. )

Votebama

Landslide for Obama at Dixville Notch.

So now you know how I voted. Voted weeks ago by absentee. It's the only way to fly, seriously because I live in Murphy's Law Land. If I were voting today both my kids would have food poisoning and the roof would cave in on the polling place. I highly recommend voting absentee so that you can sit in the comfort of your own home, have a nice relaxing drink and figure out all of those damn propositions in private.

I can't believe that it's almost over. I'll probably be up all night watching election night coverage. Yes, I was a polisci major in college.

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The creepy little kid, my three year old, pitched the biggest fit this morning on the way to preschool (see what would have been happening if I had been going to the polling booth!). It was all about the lack of snacks in the car. I knew it was bad because both shoes and socks were yanked and thrown. Somehow this is a punishment or an indictment on me, whatever it means...it's BAD. I ended up having to leave her at preschool screaming at me barefoot in a hallway. I was shooed out by the teachers and directors who know (as I do too) that as soon as the parent is out of sight the kid calms down. It's tough, but they're right. She's such a bullheaded little thing. I'm hoping that she channels that righteous indignation to effective study methods for med school and effective training for the 2020 Olympics. It's possible.

Tonight is track night. 8 x 400m. I love 400 meter repeats. Really. It's like the perfect distance. And at some time today I'll do the CrossFit WOD. Maybe at the track. I know you're supposed to do them separately but who has the time???

Post Halloween

Well, it's done. The girls had a great time although I think they were exhausted before we ever even got out to do the trick or treating. Maya feel asleep at dinner time and had to be poked awake.

Our neighborhood has a few blocks that go ALL OUT for Halloween. Every house does a haunted house thing. One of the haunted houses reported to me that they had over 1000 trick or treaters. They made multiple candy runs throughout the night.

Nadya was quite taken by the creepiest devil decoration I'd ever seen but terrified of the goofy cute skeletons. Go figure. She kept saying, "But I LOOVE the devil monster!" to everyone who would listen. I think she really freaked some moms out because they had to ask me, "Ummm, what is she saying?" So we had to go back to look at the devil monster that was up on one of the haunted houses' balconey. She proclaimed him her friend. She's a creepy little kid.

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So with all of the family stuff going on I'm woefully undertrained for ultras. There will be no Stinson 50k...and that's okay. I'm really enjoying the family things and the upcoming holidays. I just don't have the time or the inner drive for the training. I've started doing Crossfit and Crossfit Endurance. It seems to be doing something for me! I've lost about 8 lbs and firmed up. I' definitely have more definition in my arms and abs. And I have more time to do other things. I'm hoping that Crossfit Endurance will help me regain my lost speed as it involves a lot of interval type training. I'm going to do Crossfit workouts exclusively throughout the winter to see how it affects me. I'm banking on it being a good base that I could spring off of easily and do an ultra or two from it. I find the philosophy to be interesting and I'm predicting that it will do well for my body.

Since I'll probably regain some speed I'll try my hand at some shorter races again. I haven't done a 5k in many years. It might be fun, it will definitely be painful I'm sure. But at a 5k I won't be gone for hours and my kids can watch me barf at the finish line.

It's Soggy Outside



Or so my kindergartener says. And that wasn't even coached, she came up with that all by herself. Yep, we're back to the early morning fog. I can't decide if I like or hate it. It's beautiful, but it's chilly. After a few miles, it DOES feel good...but it takes some time to get used to. And I hate that first step outta the door into it. I end up putting on capri running leggings when I really should have just worn shorts because I get too hot half way through the run.



But what I'm a complaining about? I didn't even go running this morning. Only because I'll be hitting the track tonight for Tuesday Night Track. I'll run there and back. In my capri tights.



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Only a coupla days 'till Halloween. I got a sh*tload of candy for the event. I won't need as much as I got but I'm buying for leftovers for the kids. We'll have candy treats for 1/2 a year now. Seriously I need to fill them up on something because they seem to be in growth spurts now. I can't believe how much a skinny little kindergartner can put away. Where does it go? Hubby suggested that we rebuild the house gingerbread style so that they can just break off pieces when they are hungry. I'm considering it.



Oh and I saw some lawn fairies a few nights ago....

So I've Been Tagged



Angie tagged me. That means I have to list 6 different things about myself that others may not know. Here it goes -



1. I love bagpipes. I don't know why, but I love bagpipe music. I really dig running to it. Some of my favorites are a band called Enter the Haggis, and The Great Big Sea.


2. I haven't been anywhere in ages but in my earlier life I traveled to 32 different countries. Mostly to archeaological and nature sites. My dad worked for an airline so my folks took advantage of the benefits.


3. I almost was a ballet dancer. I had been a dancer since the age of 3. I was really good and I performed a lot through my highschool years. Decided it was better for me to go to college and to stop starving myself.


4. I love pirates and ninjas.

5. I speak German

6. I'm arachnaphobic but I appreciate and I'm fascinated by spiders. This leads Hubby to show me every picture and movie on uTube of large exotic spiders that he finds. I won't kill them - if I find a tarantula I'll shew it across the road...but I won't touch it.

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Running Report - Very little. But actually it kind of feels good to take a break. I went out for an hour on Saturday. Maybe I'll get out this evening for a bit. Right now I'm putting family first and it's taking a lot of stress out of my life. But I do miss the trails! I'll be back, I promise!

Down Time

I had a super fun run with my littlest one (she was in the baby jogger) yesterday. We checked out all of the cool Halloween decorations. The most amazing one is a two-story high spider in a web covering the entire front of a house. I kid you not.

That run really left me wanting more. I wanted to get out there and get those miles in that I need for Stinson. I was ready. I was able.

Then I woke up this morning.

Sniffly. Sore throat. Achy.

There's not a damn thing I can do. I have a hot cup of tea, a book and the TV. I applied to some jobs...

And then the weather! Does it have to be scrumptiously perfect out when I'm sick? I thought of laying down outside on the grass for a nap in the sun...but I feel a bit vulnerable out there. I could get a nut buried in my ear or something.

There's nothing more aggravating than forced rest.

Home Improvement

Well, if I haven't been running lots at least I've been getting SOMETHING done. I just completed a two day oven installation extravaganza. I got to spend a lot of time with my dad who is Mr. Fixit, owns every tool known to man and knows how to build anything and everything. Seriously. I haven't found a mechanism that he can figure out and fix. He's a "retired" mechanic.

Next it's back to replastering my walls and then painting them. Then I'll rip out the carpets and refinish the floors.

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Today I also picked up Simba the cat's ashes. That opened up wounds all over again. I still miss him everyday and catch myself looking for him. I can't believe that all I have left of him is pictures, ashes, some saved fur and a clay pawprint. He was too young to go, I fully expected him to be with us for a long time. It's times like these that I'm really banking on an afterlife to keep myself sane. (Picture of Simba sleeping peacefully in the backyard a few weeks before his untimely death)

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Running today? Dunno. We finished the stove thing rather quickly, so maybe I'll get out before I go to volunteer at the animal shelter tonight. The whole Simba thing has gotten me down. I'm sure that going out for a trail run would make me feel better, it's just a matter of actually getting myself out there.

Always When I Don't Have my Camera

My hubby, (to be known as Hub from this point on) is baffled by why I carry a camera with me on my runs. Hub was looking for pictures in my files this weekend and saw all of my trail pics and was perplexed. He couldn't believe that I carried a camera with me on my last race. Hub is officially out of the loop and on his way to geezerhood.

Yesterday I went on a 6 miler or so in the neighborhood. I was trying to get something in with some flats, as when I run trails around here it's only hills or mountains all of the time. It's great for training, and I'm glad that we have such rugged terrain but sometimes the bod needs a break. And I wanted to work on some technique and maybe a little bit of my non-existant speed. I didn't bring my camera. I thought about it because there are some cute decorations up around the neighborhood, but the less to drag around with me the better.

So up in the hills (I can't avoid them totally) in one of the woodsier neighboorhoods I passed by a house with a long walkway to the front door. Right near the street in the middle of the walkway stood a large statue of a buck. I thought it was a wierd place to put a statue...then it turned its head and watched me trot by. I stopped. He was quite lovely. Beautiful healthy coat, shiny wet nose and multiple points on his antlers. Behind him stood a more nervous doe. The three of us admired each other for at least a minute before the buck was startled by a walker coming down the road. It's been a long time since I've seen deer in the neighborhood, it was so nice to see them again. And it would have been an awsome picture, so of course I didn't have my camera with me.

Still Not Really on the Wagon

Well I did go for that 6 mile run. And it was good. But I didn't go for that trail run the next day. Nor for a run today either. And I just don't feel like it.

I'm hoping to cattle prod myself outta bed tomorrow morning for a run. At least I've been productive in other ways, lotsa house work and even some freelance writing (woohoo!). But I'm going to start getting fat and lazy soon if I don't do something.

I wish I had decided to end my seaon after STTS. But Noooooo! I had to sign up for Stinson. So I have a little wee bit over a month to get ready for another 50k. Gah.

On a happier note it appears that little N may be potty trained. Finally. Well, that's something good at least.

Gettin' Back on the Wagon...

I haven't blogged since my race! I've thought a lot about blogging and what I'd say, but just didn't get around to it. Didn't want to turn on the ole 'puter for awhile.

Running has been sporadic in the past two weeks. First the family got hit by the first back-to-school virus, so that slowed everyone down for a few days. And then we tragically lost one of our dear kitty cats when he was hit by a car. We're still devasted. He was quite a character and we loved him dearly. It's hard to write about. I just haven't felt like doing much, running included.

But, in a few minutes I'll get out for a morning run. I've shoved everyone else off to work and school. I'll probably get in a 6 miler or so. Tomorrow I'll get out on the trails again.

Last night we had a thank you dinner for Frank our volunteer Tuesday night track coach. He's "retiring" from this duty.

So many things seem to be changing - changes in the the track group, loosing our dear kitty, etc. - and I don't like it. I crave some stability and sameness. I know that nothing is permanent but change...but I don't think I'm coping so well with it. All of the changes in my life are piling on top of each other and I'd just like them to stop. I've always been one to roll with the punches pretty effectively but I'd just like to call uncle on them for now. Enough is enough!