With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams...

Got to go for a beautiful outdoor run in the south's 60 degree winter weather.  Now that's more like it!!

Short sleeves, knee length bottoms, and Wyatt was sporting her cowboy hat for protection from the sun (or so she says...I think she wears it because it is totally cool looking).

We walked a couple miles at the end- so that made our average pace rather slow...didn't even bother to check it.  I'm pretty sure we stayed under 10mm, so I'm a happy camper.

Tried the p90x stretching dvd today.  It was good to stretch, but that guy is a little obnoxious, don't you think?

Ah, the call of the early morning alarm clock.  Too bad Christmas break had to end.

It was dark outside this morning.  No clouds, no moon.  Just that bright plant shining on me..I'm guessing it's Venus, but my astrological chart went missing & I'm not sure.

Did my PT first to warm up, then went out and ran in our balmy 34* weather.  I think there was a glitch in the matrix, because one of the loops I run on had a rabbit run across the road right in front of me two different times in the exact same place.  Guess he already knew how deep the rabbit hole was.

Had a very small progressive, but progressive run.  The last mile felt the best- bringing it home strong with the Pet Shop Boys.  I enjoy quiet runs sometimes, but most of the time, I love my tunes.

Knee didn't hurt at all, but after the run I could feel that it felt different.  Not in pain, and not really even sore...just different.

On a "glad I didn't run there" note, there was a dead body found on the trail I love to run on.  I haven't been on the trail in a while- guess I'll stay off of it until they figure out what happened to that poor guy. 

It was cold, so I did the Jillian Shred level 1 for my warm up, then did 2 miles of speedwork.  .5 regular,  .5 fast, repeat.  

Probably should have done more, but I don't want to over-do it with my knee.  A fine line between being too cautious and not being cautious enough.

9:40, 7:48, 9:06, 7:32

wonderful run. It was really dark out, and for some reason it seems like people aren't as nice to give me road room when it's cold outside.

I ususally get 80-90% of the cars to pull over the yellow line & give me some space when I'm running in the morning dark.  But today I only had 10% of the cars pull over & give me room.  Most of them acted like they were ready to run me over.

The run felt amazingly good, but knee twinges after.  I iced & stretched.  Re-evaluating plans for Feb.

decided to go easy & not push my knee into an injury trying to train for a mid-Feb marathon.

Kind of a let down, but I really don't want to hurt my knee again & it was sore a bit yesterday.

So today I slept in & did Jillian's shred 1 and my physical therapy.

Not quite as fulfilling as a run, but my knee felt better by the end of the day.

Did my PT before my run for a warm up.

My first mile I felt like I was running a good strong pace.  I couldn't believe it was a 10:25 pace...I thought for sure it was more like 9:40.  Funny how things seem different some days.

I eventually progressed and increased my speed so I was actually running a 9:40, but it took a couple of miles.  I'm trying not to over-do it or push too much so the knee can strengthen & heal without being abused.  The run felt good, and I feel great.  No knee problems today.

Update on the man shot on the running trail.  The trail was actually closed to runners/walkers/bikers (there were signs posted) for hunting that day.  A couple of hunters had just "jumped" a deer and it was running out of it's hiding spot when they shot at it.  Except one of the guys didn't shoot the deer, he shot the runner.  They called 911, but the guy died.  I guess it's his fault for being on the trail when it was closed. 

physical therapy exercises

work

run with Wyatt.  It was windy & cold, but I needed a therapy run like nobody's business.  Just what I needed, no one had to walk the plank today.  Thank goodness for Wyatt!

3 Words: Krispy Kreme Challenge

It's featured in the back of the newest Runner's World magazine.   And just so you know, I've already been registered for weeks.  It is ON this year!!!

I even had a dream about the race last night.  I was with RAD and Allie & we ran to the donut stop point, and they sat and watched in horror & amazement while I managed to eat all 12 donuts.  Then we all headed back, only I couldn't keep up with them, and I got seriously nauseated and lost my way back.....    I was trying to run around the city looking for the finish line.

It was still a good dream, because it's the only time I've eaten donuts and not felt guilty about it.  The ones in my dream were good too....chocolate iced donuts & glazed ones....mmmmm....nom, nom, nom, nom.

It would fun if RAD & Allie could come out for the race, but when Allie said she wanted to do more "out of state" races, I don't think this is what she had in mind.

School cancelled, so I slept in.  woke up to snow everywhere.   Big beautiful flakes.  Doesn't happen much down here & it looks beautiful.

I did 45 min on elliptical, then tried the p90x plyometrics.  It was my first time & wasn't sure what to expect.  It kicked my trash.  wow, what a workout.

I decided to go for a walk around the hood in the snow.  we had almost 4 inches at the time.  It was a beautiful walk.  I decided to run a little, and went slow because of the snow.  after a mile, I just went back to walking.  It was easier to enjoy the beauty of the falling snow when I was walking.

cut my ankle on the ice walking out to the chicken coop today.  there's 4 inches of snow with 1/2 inch of ice on top of it.  Sharp stuff, evidently.  So that put a stop to my idea of running in the snow today. 

45 min elliptical - then I baked pumpkin biscuits, pumpkin bread & sweet potato muffins -

then, I got super brave and tried the Shred #2.  It was good to feel like I was getting a workout. 

went to Wyatt's in the afternoon to do laundry (washer's broken) and make carmel corn!! 

did physical therapy while our family "The Office" marathon continues.  What else do you do on your 2nd snow day in a row?

Looking for a good way to spend day #3 tomorrow. I believe I will be trying another p90x.  why not? 

physical therapy for warm up, then ran 7 miles. ap 9:20.  Just a little ice on the roads in the shady spots.  The trees looked like they were glistening with diamonds because the ice all over the branches was starting to melt in the sunlight.  It was really pretty.

Later, I did Kenpo (I loved it).  My kids knocked on the door & asked me if I was okay because my Kenpo shouts sounded more like "injured/constipated mom" shouts.  I told them it was just Kenpo, and "there's more where that came from."

Went shopping and bought the Wii Just Dance 2.  It is so much fun!!!  I don't do well, but I get a giggle out of trying.

After dinner I did my mat pilates.  Get to back to school tomorrow!!! 

Shred level 2 for my warm up (it actually kicks my heiney), then I had time for a quick run, so I tried 2 miles fast.  little warm up/cool down before & after.  1st mile: 8:23, 2nd mile 8:03. 

My legs can feel the burn from all the extra cross training stuff I've been doing, but I feel strong.  It's a nice kind of sore feeling.

I had to throw in one quick iko iko dance before getting ready for work.  it's my favoite one on the Wii just dance game. 

Now off to the magical land of work!

did some quick PT and then went for a 4 mile progressive run.  9:50, 9:14, 8:52, 8:30.

P-town 9 mile loop.  The sun was out, but it was windy.  Usually the wind is in my face the whole 2nd half, all the way home.  Today I was lucky and went out into the wind.

Avg pace 9:11.

I had to rearrange the furniture so it's not in the way when I do the Wii dances.  My children say the new arrangement is "unacceptable." I told them to walk the plank. It's good to be the Pirate Queen!! 

1.2 mile walk around the hood at sunset.  I needed something beautiful today, and that was my ticket.

up till 3 am worried about teenagers and their dumb ideas.  Made me wonder how my parents ever got any sleep at all.

So sleeping in till 9 wasn't really sleeping in, but it was nice to have the day off so I could sleep till 9 instead of 5.

Did my Wii dances for a great pre-run warm up, then Wyatt came over and we did the p-town loop with the blackbridge rd extension to make it 10 miles even.  A handsome looking fella pulled up in a truck while we were running and offered to tinker with our heaters. 

Came home and did 40 more minutes of the Wii dance before showering & doing errands.  My claim to fame for the day is a 9330 on the Charleston and a new high score on Rasputin.  Now if I could only get the Rasputin song out of my head!!!

Plyometrics in the morning (with a few cool-down dances).

Then I spent wwaaaaayyyyy too much time dancing after dinner, but found it keeps my mind off my worries, so it's like a drug for me.

Then I got the dumb idea to try the ab ripper x.  I tried.  I really tried, but it was impossible for me to do all those exercises the way/speed they were doing them.  I'm sure that won't stop me from being sore in the morning.  Hooray! 

PT warm ups then a nice jog in the rain.  Love my day-glow yellow rain jacket!!

Shred level II with Jillian, then a speed workout. 8:31, then 7:58.

pm- dance, dance, dance....  I may need an intervention

Up too late watching TV.  Finally got my office fix!!

So I only managed 3 before I had to get ready this morning.  If I'm good, I'll do something more after work.   But my pirate-like tendencies may keep me from doing anything good.  Probably just stir up some trouble somewhere instead.

(pm update) just when I thought both kids would be gone for the night, someone hijacks my evening of splendor and decided to stay home!!  I would have started a mutiny, but I decided to make him do all his chores instead. That way, I won't have to nag him all week-end to do it!  Take that, Blackbeard!

I tried the p90x core synergenistics workout.  meh- not my favorite.  RAD can have it.  I'd rather do kenpo or plyometrics.....or dance. 

late afternoon run with Wyatt.  Chilly out today!

My back muscles are sore from the core synergestics last night.  Nothing is hurt, they're just sore from the new kind of workout.

Did a little dancing & made some ricotta blueberry pancakes with a homemade honey syrup.  Nom, nom, nom, nom......

6 miles 9:13 avg pace.

Loving the moon..still bright in the morning sky :-)

pm- kenpo & dance magic

stayed in bed & spent the morning with the Wookie

danced in the afternoon

Great Day!

6 miles in a light rain. avg pace 9:11

Ab ripper after- this is harder to do after a run than when I do it in the evening when I'm not tired.

shred level 2, then a 4 mile run

recovery run speed.  What am I recovering from, you may ask? All the cake I've eaten this week I guess.

Elliptical and ab ripper.   Kept my feet up for ALL the mason twists today.  That crazy video may actually be working!!

1 hour warm up on the dance floor.  MR kicked my trash..again.  But I'm still claiming that I'd win if he were actually moving his feet and dancing, not just doing the arm movements!!

Then we headed off for the P-town loop.  Wyatt is entertaining her parents today, so we went without her.  After about 5 miles, we did some walk/run/walk/run stuff.  It was beautiful out today- 50's & sunny.  I didn't mind the extra time out in the sun enjoying the world.  Just chores and errands to do at home, so I was enjoying the journey.

2 mile walk- it was beautiful!  almost 70 degrees :-)

dancing & then some Pilates

PT for warm-ups and then an early run.  avg pace 9:08.

Little buckaneer got up early and went out for a quick run this morning.  I'm not sure what motivated him to do it, but I'm glad he's interested in doing something. 

wore the big knee brace & my knee feels fine today.  The run/walk on Saturday really seemed to irritate it. 

The cafeteria brought in some fresh baked cookies & asked us to help them "take care of them."  How can I say no to that?  They were still warm :-)

Tempo run- 8:54 avg pace.  Dark..no moon.  No tunes..just quiet time to reflect on what an honor it is for me to be voted the most horrible mother in the world award this week.

Finished with 20 minutes on the elliptical to round out an hour of sweating.

Boss man brought in Bojangles bacon, egg, & cheese biscuits this morning.  Bless that man!!

Restless night - heard the rain all night and started resenting it instead of loving it like I usually do.  So when it was time to get out & run, I didn't want to go out in the rain.  I stayed in & did plyometrics.  Probably a better workout than if I'd run anyway. 

It's 70 degrees here today..but overcast & rainy.  I'm hoping to get a run in after work...even if it is raining.

Another dark morning.  A little chilly, but as I went out, I was grateful that the wind had died down from yesterday.  I didn't realize it was at  my back...because when I turned around- BAM! there it was at my face the whole way home.

I had a treasure hunt on my run today..made it fun & interesting.  Good think I have big pockets in my running jacket!!  I ended up gaining 4 pounds in treasures this morning :-)

Treasure hunting made my pace slower, but I was okay with that.  Felt so icky yesterday that I was just happy to be feeling well enough to run.  Forecast for Fri & Sat are rain & icy rain.  That's going to make the Krispy Kreme run a little soggy, but what a story we'll have to tell!!

Rainy dark run.  Really just perfectly wonderful.  I wore my old shoes so my new ones will be dry for the race tomorrow.

avg pace 9:18

This was one for a feather in my pirate hat.  Ick.

It was rainy and cold (by NC standards) with temps around 35 and it had been raining since Thursday night...so everything was wet.  We woke up at 4 to drive to Raleigh.  Got there in good time and found a super close parking spot.   No lines when we went to pick up our bibs & tshirts.  The motto on the tshirt this year read ->tighten laces, <- loosen belts.  4 miles, 2400 calories, 12 donuts (150 fat grams too).  I feel sick just remembering it.

There were lots of great costumes, and a few folks who seemed to have forgotten to finish dressing (no shirts, string bikinis, tiger print negligee with a pink cowboy hat on a man, a hot dog costume, a gorilla costume, Elvis costume, Masked men wearing "legal superhero" capes, and on & on).  It took place on NC State campus, so lots of red & white along the way too.

My shoes ended up walking me into a deep water puddle on the way to the race start, so I was sloshing around to being with.  There were 7500 runners.. we all had to run 4.3 miles to the Krispy Kreme store where boxes of cold donuts waited.  Once at the store, we had to eat all 12 donuts, show them our empty boxes to continue as an official challenger (the lesser runners could take their donuts with them and finish, but wouldn't be considered as Krispy Kreme Challenge runners).  It was downhill 90% of the way to the store.  The crowds were really bad, so running around people was the hardest part.  Once at the store, we grabbed a box and started in.  I felt icky after my first donut.  By the time I was in the middle of donut #2, MR had finished 3 and started #4.  I was going downhill fast in the competition of donut eating.  They were cold and the thick glaze was crusty.  No water could be found (saw people with water, but couldn't find where they got it).  I tried...I really, really, really tried.  When I was on #8, MR had finished his 12.  He was itching to go, and felt bad for me, so he helped me eat 2 donuts so we could head back & beat the 60 minute time limit.  Every bite I took was scary, because I wasn't sure if it was going to result in me vomiting all over the place.  I felt sooooo sick!!!  As we showed off our empty boxes & bib #'s, I still had half of an unfinished donut in my mouth.  After we got the "all good" to run back, I went 1/2 a block and spit the last donut out.  I never want another glazed donut in my life!!

We passed piles of donut vomit, and one very squished all over the road dead opossum, which was actually nastier looking than donut vomit!

Since the way out was 90% downhill, the way back was 90% uphill... and it wasn't easy with a sludge of donut sugar goo in my gut.  We slowed down toward the end, but still finished in plenty of time.  Couldn't get to the port a potty fast enough after crossing the finish line :-)

Haven't really felt like eating much at all the rest of the day.  Wondering what tomorrow will bring... hate to even consider it.

Paces were:

1st mile: 8:24 (really crowded)

2nd mile: 7:57 (better)

next .25: 2:001

next .10: 12:00 (waiting in line to get a box of donuts and eating them all...or having someone who loves you enough to help you eat them all)

3rd mile: 8:33 (going back up hill)

4th mile: 9:05 (still going up hill and starting to feel it)

last .36: 9:26 (still going up hill & the donut slude is winning)

I'm NOT interested in doing this again, but I am so glad I did it once.  I'll be happy to drive anyone who wants to try it next year.  I'll even run- but I'm not eating any donuts!!

Then, super duper news, my favorite Mizunos are now back in a narrow toe box, so I've got a shiny new pair of shoes!!! 

2 mile walk around the hood, some dancing, and too much super bowl junk food

So happy to back in the Mizunos.  Love those shoes!

Progressive run today.  Avg total was 8:59.  I'm trying to not watch my splits as I run, and just let the way I feel determine my speed.  Seems to be going okay overall.

Foggy run.  New batteries in head lamp & all the mist made it hard to see, so I stayed in the hood & played it safe.  We've got too many stray cats around here....they're just popping up all over the place lately.  At least they don't chase & bite me!  Their glowing eyes just creep me out!

Ab ripper X to follow.  Aaahhhhh.... my favorite....NOT.

Wanted to run, wanted to sleep.  Want to be strong, want to be easy on the knee.

Chose elliptical today for 45 min on a tough course.  Not the same as running, but it felt good.

Dark chilly run this morning. Found one more treasure I must have missed last week.

Avg pace 8:56.

Recovery run.  left the garmin on the charger & just went out to enjoy my SNOWGLOBE RUN!  Yeah!!!   We had a 3 hour delay, and there wasn't even enough snow on the ground to know that it was snowing.  So I got to sleep in 2 hours and run in the daylight, with the snow.  It was fabulous :-)

MR went out with me.  Found out yesterday he has bone spurs on his heel. :-(

He's going to get an orthotic insert/cushion for his shoes, but didn't have it yet.  Made it a tough run for him.  He started running in the VFFs 3 months ago and he's wondering if they're the cause of the bone spurs.  I hope not, because he really likes the shoes.

We went treasure hunting too, and found 5 more treasures and...(drumroll please)...as we were running, a shotgun shell casing rolled out from under the tire of a truck that drove by and landed right in front of me!  So a bonus treasure to  boot!  What a great morning for a run!!!

am: rest- ball crunches

pm: 4 mile easy effort run

sunny but windy afternoon run with Wyatt.  The gentlemen stayed back and discussed important things like firearms and barns.

We had so much to talk about, the run was over before I knew it.  Looking forward to longer runs as the spring warms us up a little more.  Some crocus buds are already up & ready to open very soon.  Yippie!!

Took the littlest buccaneer and went out to dinner with Wyatt & co.  Laughed so much we cried.  What a great day!

2 mile walk around the hood to enjoy the sunshine & warm air

Realized I need to start eating better..maybe tomorrow.

Got to run in the dark with MR this morning.  His heel is really bothering him & I feel bad.  The cushion they gave him to wear just makes the pain worse, so he's not wearing it.  Seems like he needs something else, but I'm not an expert.

6 miles, no treasures to pick up, but the day dawn breaking through the dark of night and pouring a rainbow of color into the sky was treasure enough.

Lots of sugar cookies with icing and chocolate covered fruit so far.  I'm thinking the eating better goal will start tomorrow....

p90x plyo in the morning with MR.  He said he didn't do it full effort, so he called it his p45x workout

bleachers after work- I loved being outside getting some sunlight while I was exercising!!

Post note: calves sore from the plyo, quads & glutes sore from the bleachers.  but it feels so GOOD!!

Did a speed workout, but took a while to warm up because I was cold..it was below 30 this morning & I was thinking it was more around 40. 

Paces were: 9:11, 7:55, 6:46 (last .2)

still sore from plyo & bleachers.  Going to take it easy the rest of the week for Saturday's run. 

45 min on elliptical. Still more sore from the bleachers than I'd like to be.

p90x stretch video

wanted to be stretched out & ready for race Saturday morning

Beautiful day for a run in Myrtle Beach.  The full moon was up and waiting for us at the starting line.  I hadn't trained for the full because I didn't want to push my knee recovering, but I'd signed up for it last March along with some friends (who also hadn't trained for it).

So we had a plan- we'd run the 1/2, then walk/run the rest.  The course had an 8 hour time limit, and we felt like we could manage to finish and earn our medals this year.  Last year, when we'd all trained and were ready to run the full, the race was cancelled due to snow. 

MR had signed up for the 1/2 and although he wasn't ready for it, he decided to run it anyway.  There's a difference in being able to pull a 1/2 out of your pocket and a full.  I am certain there are more long term physical consequences to running a 1/2 when you shouldn't and running a full when you shouldn't.  Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. 

We ran together until the 1/2 split off after mile 11 to go to their finish line, and the full kept going forward.  I tried pacing easy for the first few miles because I thought I would be running/walking the second half.  If I would have known I was going to be walking the entire second half, I would have increased my speed at the beginning. 

I also failed to start my garmin when we crossed the start line.  I pushed a button and it beeped at me, but I guess it wasn't the start button, because when we were approaching mile 1, I went to look at my garmin and it was all 00:00, 0.0s.  oops.  When we ran past the mile 1 flag, I pushed the real start button, so everything was off by a mile.  MR had his watch on & he had us at 10:20 for mile one, so I'm just going with that.

Our splits for the half were: 10:20, 9:53, 9:43, 9:32, 9:36, 9:30, 9:17, 9:07, 9:09, 8:48, 9:08, 8:53, 8:36, (and an 8:02 pace for the last .17 to the 13.1 split). 

After I got my 1/2 split time, I walked back a quater mile to my hotel, used the bathroom, took off my jacket, put on my big knee brace, and waited for my friends who were going to finish the 1/2 with me.  They said they were going to be running a slower pace, so I figured they weren't far behind.  At this point, I was feeling really good.  I know I had another 6 good miles left in me, and wondered if I could have finished if I'd really tried.  But I thought long & hard about what the consequences would be of pushing myself and my dear little knee too much.  I didn't want to have to wait 2-3 weeks for recovery or re-injure my knee and wait even longer.  So I decided it was in my best interest to just wait for my friends and run/walk the rest with them and have a great time in the beautiful sunny weather.  I'm certain I made the right decision now, but oh, how I wanted to run & run & run.

I ended up waiting 29 minutes for my friends.  This .51 miles was a whopping 57:44 pace :-) because I walked to the hotel, stood around & walked back to the 1/2 point.  One of my friends wasn't doing great and needed to walk, so we started walking.  Lucky for us, her husband had peanut m&m's.  That is super fuel, by the way! 

We had a wonderful time walking & talking and enjoying the day.  My friend's hips didn't allow her to run at all, so we just walked (except for a couple of times when there was a photographer taking photos & we acted like we were running).  We got passed by all kinds of people, all ages, shapes, and disabilities.  Our pride was gone, we were only there to enjoy the journey.  More than once we were grateful that we'd left the cash & credit cards in the car because we were walking by deli's & restaurants that smelled delicious from the road. 

MR had a nap & a couple of beers & met us around mile 25.  He said he'd run in with me, so I started running to the finish line with him.  The he left me because he had to run to the nearest port-a-potty, and I decided to keep on running.  I managed to pass the dear sweet grandmother wearing a mechanical knee brace that had passed us a couple miles earlier, and finish in just over 6 hours.  It was certainly the most fun I've had being a participant in a marathon.  My official time was 6:00:11.    It's my new ru-ck PR.  I forgot to stop my watch at the finish line, and remembered only after walking & getting my medal, then walking back to the finish line to get pix for my friends. 

Splits for the second half were: 15:23, 15:35, 16:06, 15:21, 16:03, 16:02, 15:40, 16:35, 17:46, 18:23, 18:16, 17:30,  (started running again) 8:53, (last .15 had a top speed of 6:34 but I think I only ran .07 of it and walked the rest after I finished).

I managed to finish the marathon and have a good time.  Those two don't always go together, so I feel like a winner!  We spent a long time in the hot tub the rest of the afternoon and ate too many crab legs for dinner.  Perfect way to end a great day. 

I'm looking forward to planning more races this year.  I'd like to do the ultra again in September, but doing it in September cuts out training for anything in October or November since I need a long time to recover from 50+ miles.  Choices, choices.  I think I might actually get MR to commit to a full sometime too.  Lots to look forward to!

hot tub & 2 mile walk.  taking it easy for the day.

knee feels good- quads are sore.

Back to life, back to reality-

p90x stretch and ab ripper in the morning.

feeling great, thinking I'll try and run a little or elliptical tomorrow morning.

Went out to get a couple in with MR in the morning.  After .5, he had to quit (his heel is really sore).  So we walked the rest of the 2 mile loop for a nice morning run.  Saw someone else running in the hood.  It took me by surprise, but it was a pleasant surprise.

After we got home, MR jumped on the bike and I managed to get 2 miles in before I ran out of time.  Probably a good thing to start back slow & easy anyway.

legs & knees feel great. :-)

What a slow run.  It took me 4 miles to feel warmed up.  My legs were tired too. 

My paces were all over 10mm.  MR rode the bike along side me.  Didn't see any other runners out today, but it was back down in the low 30's so maybe they were smart & stayed indoors.

Signed up for a 5k next Saturday.  Rumble on the Lumbee...race entry gets you free admission to the chili cookoff afterwards.  I'm starting to see a theme here...running & food.  2 of my most favorite hobbies :-)

I think as long as I can get my legs back from being sore from the marathon that I might do well.  It's a fine line between recovery and being lazy.

A little warmer & a little later today so I caught a fabulous sunrise!  The trees are getting ready to explode with blossoms & the daffodils are all up with the buds prepped to open.  I am so glad spring is coming!

MR went running with me & wore his VFFs.  Less heel pain with them than the running shoes.  We ran 4 miles.  paces were (around) 10, 10, 9, 8:30.  The last .09 we raced and I had a 6:43 for my pace.  No way I'd be able to run that fast much longer than I did, but it's cool to have a fast pace somewhere on my blog :-)

I noticed when he was racing me, his turnover was at least 2x as fast as mine.  He looked like the roadrunner.  It made me laugh because it was comical, but it really seemed to work (he beat me) with speed.  Something to think about for my speed workouts in the future.

We had a short little dance-off later in the day and I actually won 2 of the songs!  I'm not singing the "comeback kid" song yet, but I did feel fantastic when I finally beat him!

Took the day off to get caught up on necessary evils of yardwork.

Literally spent 830 am-300 pm doing yard work. MR was out working with me and we never did get everything done.

At 330 I got a short run in. My first day running in shorts this year!

It is taking me a good 1.5 - 2 miles to get my knee warmed up.

Tomorrow I will ride bikes w MR and run on Sunday.

Another hour of yard work after the run then we took buccaneer b to see a movie and ate more popcorn than I thought

Was humanly possible. Hooray for me!

Ab ripper x in the am before lawn duty.

30 mile bike ride with MR.  Beautiful early spring day.

Afternoon run with Wyatt.  Shorts & tshirt weather.  Beautiful trees all full with buds ready to explode any day now.  Fields full of green winter rye or tiny purple weeds- promise of good things to come! 

MR rode along on the bike.  The worst part of the run was that it had to end.

We spoke of planning another road-kill run this spring.  Hooray!!

Realized I've double booked my Saturday morning this week.  I'll either have to skip the pre-paid race or skip a special program my little buckaneer is in.  It should be a no-brainer, but I'm having mixed feelings!  Bad Mother Pirate of the year ;-)

Lazy bum day.  Went shopping all over NC looking for bikes.  Found out the ones we wanted were at the first store we'd gone to up the street.  Go figure.

Officially started my Road Kill Run training today.  Run is scheduled for April 30th!!

ran a 9:07 average pace.  Progressive run all the way except the last .1 which was 5 seconds slower.  I'm not even going to count it!

Ab ripper in the am to follow.  I can actually tell I'm getting better at some of those exercises!

After work MR and I got to try out our new bikes.  How Fabulous they are.  They're hybrids, so not as fast as a street bike would be, but compared to the walmart specials we've been riding, they are amazing :-)  We were so excited to ride them that we forgot to push start on the garmins when we started.  Around mile 3.25 we started them.  For the next 5.75 miles, we finished in 25 minutes.  I think it was around 16 mph.  It doesn't sound fast, but it felt like we were flying.

Then we had a little dance off.  I think it was a 2-3 score.  I'm the 2 obviously.

Not a bad way to start my "back to work" after a 5 day holiday.

Someone turned off my alarm.  It wasn't me.  MR said it wasn't him, although he did admit to touching it yesterday.  So it must have been the cat or the chicken.

Either way, I got 1.5 extra hours of sleep.  Only had enough time for a 20 min shred video.  I thought of Carolyn while I was doing it.  It is a good quick indoor workout.

I'll have to do my Road Kill Run training after work.  Speed work!!  Can't wait.

PM run: 1 mile warm up, 1 mile @ 7:58, .5 cool down, 1 mile at 8:06, .5 cool down, 1 mile at 7:57, 1 mile cool down.  avg pace was 8:44.  Pretty happy with it.  The first speed mile felt tough, but towards the end, I was feeling really great.  Could have gone another round or two.

I wasn't sure how this run was going to go this morning.  After the shred yesterday and then running speedwork last night, I thought I was going to be KO'd.

I wriggled on my cheetah pants and did my pt warm ups.  MR got up and went out with me.  We averaged a 9:44.  It was 1 min slower avg pace than yesterday, but the effort felt faster than it was.  Tired legs I think.  The cheetah pants are awesome- I can feel the support while I am running.  Legs felt better after a few miles (as usual).

pilates and core (slash) ab ripper X

then stretching.  lots of stretching.

Wriggled into the cheetah pants early this morning to get my miles in early.  Lots of things to do before lunch time today.

Started off slow, just wanted to get the miles in.  Felt good and just plugged away.  MR rode his new bike along side of me to keep me company.

ran into knee troubles. had to walk & stretch quads a couple of times. disappointing, yes.  Glad I was able to finish.  I thought the cheetah pants & small knee band would be sufficient, but it looks like I might still need the big brace for longer runs.

I'll be working on leg strength more this week too.  Don't want any more knee troubles.  Ever.

Rainstorms this morning.  We went out for a walk this afternoon when the rain had stopped & the sun was out.

I had on a sundress and my suede sandals.  1/2 way around the loop, the rain came back.  Torrential downpour with rivers running down the streets.  What could we do but laugh & finish walking home?  We were drenched from head to toe, but what better excuse do you need for some hot cocoa  in front of the fireplace?

Did my strength work first.  p90x legs & back.  I don't have any upper body strength, so instead of hanging from a bar & swinging like a mad woman, I use my weights & try to do other arm/back stuff.  I'm sure it's not the best, but my legs got a good workout.

Then I did my 3 mile run.  That's what the training plan said, so I just did 3.  Which was good because I was out of time.  It was later in the morning, and I enjoyed the sky lighting ceremony in the east.  Always a good day when I'm greeted with a rainbow of light.

My plan to do elliptical and p90x was hampered by the warmth and comfort of my bad this morning.

So I worked the core synergestics and brought it on in the living room for an hour.  I feel ridiculous doing it & I'm glad no one is watching.  Luckily, when the kids left for seminary I was doing lunges and not rolling around like a fish out of water trying to flop a superman/banana on the floor.

Followed up with physical therapy exercises.  Not as easy to do after working out and it is before.

I want to run, but I'm really trying to put my faith in the "low miles" training plan.  Lots of cross training & making the miles I do run count.

speed/tempo today.  Wasn't sure I could pull it off, but ended up exceeding my expectations...so I'm the winner.

Training plan said 6 miles warm up, 4 @ 9:09 pace & cool down).  My first mile was around a 9:30, and all my miles after that were under 9.  Avg overall pace was an 8:45.  I didn't even need the last mile to cool down; I actually ran it faster than all the other miles.  Felt good all day. 

Wore the bigger knee brace & didn't have any troubles, so I'm happy for now :0)

up late at night & rain in the morning.  I only had 3 miles on the training plan & it didn't seem worth it to get wet for only 3miles.  So I did p90x kenpo instead.

I'll run later today when it's (hopefully) not raining.

After-noon, after-dinner run.  not a good idea.  hamburger helper burper upper.  slow run, but glad I got it done. MR ran with me in his VFFs- I think it looks silly when he runs & I have to try not to laugh.  A big grown man tip toeing along the road.

Another plan B day. Wanted to do elliptical & then a shred. I had to set up the elliptical because it'd been folded up when MR cleaned the garage a couple weeks ago. I don't know what he did to it, but it's not working.

So I did p90x plyo instead. I kept wondering if it was a good idea or not, because I don't want my legs too sore for my long run tomorrow. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

I woke up with sore calves from the plyo Friday.  They were sore, but didn't get in the way of my run.   We drove the route first to make sure I had my miles right, but somehow my brain and the car didn't work together the right way and I ended up having a 15 mile route instead of 14.  It was fine, and I ended up running a negative split.  My last couple miles were pretty fast (for me) so I think that's a good sign that I can do more miles. 

I wore the big knee brace, and I'm glad I did.  A few times between miles 4-9 I heard my knee grumble at me a little bit, but the brace kept it in check and I only stopped once to stretch my quads (which seems to give my knee a little relief).

I've been on the look out for a treasure box to adorn with my road treasures and to store other treasures I find in. We saw the perfect looking crate in the ditch.   MR was on his bike and stopped to check out the crate.  When he went to pull it out of the ditch, he found that it was actually holding a dead animal.  Half the animal was in the crate and the head was hanging out of the box drown in the water in the ditch.  It was NOT good.  We named the dead animal "Treasure."  Because my treasure box was now "Treasure's" Box.  Had to leave Treasure and the box in the ditch.  It didn't smell good at all!!

Yes, I have photos, but I don't think they're nice at all.  I sent one to RAD and her response was, "now that's just nasty!"  It really is.  We did however conclude that Treasure looks more like a little dog than a cat based on the teeth that were exposed in it's mouth.  Poor Treasure.  Who puts a puppy in a wooden crate and throws it in a ditch?  Unacceptable.

Good run, overall pace was 9:35.  Beautiful day.  I'm so happy spring is here!!!!

It is so beautiful outside here!  I couldn't stay indoors and miss being out in the wonderful world.  We went on a bike ride.  Found a new back road route that took us on a 3 county trip. 

We rode by and saw "Treasure"....still hanging out in his box.  Then around mile 9 we rode by a field where they were flying model planes.  It wasn't easy riding in a straight line while my eyes were on the plane flying around.  It's nice to see people out enjoying spring.

We ended up going around 24 miles.  The ride home was into the wind which wasn't as much fun as riding out, but it was all good.  Enjoying the new bikes and lovely rides.  We don't really go very fast, our avg pace was 12.9 mph.  A guy passed us on his bike at one point...he was really going somewhere.  We were enjoying the day.

Oh my.  4:30 am is really tough when my body still thinks it's 3:30 am.  So I slept in till 5.  We had to compromise.

5 miles.  First mile was slow...10:18.  Then I had a 9:08 and progressed up to an 8:20. 

No time for abs rippers or shredding... I needed a nap after my shower, so maybe I'll get something else done later.  Maybe not.  We'll have to see what the gods have in store for me today!

cardio X and ab ripper. 

I really wanted to sleep in because I'd been up all night and I don't know why!

But I got up and did the workout & I was glad I did.  It's not really a tough workout compared to the plyo or the kenpo, but I was still sweating like a pirate by the end. 

My husband sent me to bed early last night because I was walking around like a glossy eyed zombie who hadn't had enough sleep.

This morning I look like a glossy eyed zombie that has had enough sleep!

It had just finished raining and was humid, but only 55 degrees, so it was perfect weather for a light jacket.  My glasses fogged up, and I ran in a couple of puddles, but what the heck, it's all good.

The cow pastures smelled like manure today.  Some days I don't smell them at all, but today was a different story.  Maybe the rain and the warmer temps.  So that was my treasure for the morning :-)

Avg pace 8:56.  My legs feel so strange running in the cheetah pants- the compression feels strange.  I wonder if it's the extra blood flow that's been giving me headaches... maybe it's not allergies after all.... hhhhmmmmm...

Went with MR to run laps at the park while the littlest buccaneer went to seminary.  We only got .46 in when his heel was hurting too much for him to run.  I decided I'd just walk with him and run a little after school while she's in art club.  Maybe I'll try the bleachers.

Cooler morning today, but clear skies- the stars were a treat to see.  It's easier to enjoy them walking on a paved path than when I'm running on the road and need to keep my eyes on the pavement.

Well, I finally got those miles in from yesterday.  Had to head out early so I could be ready in time to pick up seminary buccaneer and take her out for breakfast.

I do not recommend arby's breakfast hash browns.  Oh Ick!  No amount of arby's sauce could kill that mess. 

Avg pace was 9:09.  I tried to keep my pace between 9:30 & 9:00.  Mission accomplished. 

Six easy miles.  Beautiful last day of winter!  Ran with MR, so he set the pace.  9:50-9:00 was our range.  I was disapointed that my knee started popping around mile 3.5.  It did it a couple of times and I stopped to stretch out my quad and I tightened my knee band.  Still popped a could of times more on the way home, but not as bad. 

Tired of knee problems.  Want to run free.

After a quick break at home and a wardrobe change, we headed out for our 4 county bike ride.  I've been wanting to do it for a while now, and today was the perfect day!!  Beautiful ride out in the country among the farms and fields.  We went from Cumberland, to Robeson, to Hoke, back to Robeson, then through Bladen, Cumberland, Robeson, and finally back to Cumberland County.  It was 40 miles in all..just around 3 hours.  We weren't breaking any speed records, just enjoying the ride.

My legs were tired and sore though.  Felt like mile 20 in the marathon when we still had 5 miles till home.  And for some strange reason, we were in some kind of twilight zone vortex where no matter which direction we were riding, the wind was blowing in our faces.  It was always blowing head on...and we rode in a circle!! 

It was a productive treasure hunt day, however.  MR was the treasure hunter extrodinaire.  The first find was a broken statue in the field.  He was able to rescue the part that had the head with a basket on top of it.  Fit in his backpack perfectly.  That would have been treasure enough, but fate had more in store for us on this trip.

I was headed up the overpass and really focused on pedaling strong into the wind as I went uphill, so I never heard him yell out, "What the CRAP is that?" I didn't see that he had stopped and turned around to pick up another treasure.  All I knew was that when I had finally reached the bottom of the overpass, I turned around to see where he was, and he was just cresting the top of the hill.  It made me mad because I had to pull over and stop and wait for him.  I was feeling really grouchy about all of it, and was ready to make some comment about "thanks for making me lose my momentum" when he rode up on his bike, and as he passed me, I saw that there were 2 long barbie legs with white stiletto heels poking up out of the back of his bag.  It made me laugh and I just couldn't be grouchy looking at those silly long legs poking out the top of his bag.  He'd found a Spanish Dancing Barbie..complete with a wire hoop skirt and fan.  It was certainly a perfect treasure and I'm glad he got it.  He rode the rest of the time with those barbie legs sticking out the top of his bag. 

We stopped for a snack at McDonalds at mile 24.  Nice break.  Want to get attention?? Wear biking shorts to McDonalds.  It's like wearing a huge red blinking light that says "Stare at my legs!"

We saw a few other treasures on the way home that wouldn't fit in the backpack.  There was a stuffed my little pony, a bratz doll head that you can style the hair on, and 1/2 a lazy-boy recliner.  (It is important to note that he wanted to make sure I got the mattress in the background).

My legs were sore the rest of the day, but it was all worth it.  I'm not sure I'll be going on rides that long again for a while, but I'm glad I had a chance to do it when it was so beautiful outside.

1.2 mile walk through the hood.  All the pear trees are full of leaves, the dogwoods are sneaking out now, and the wisteria is ready to pop a purple show on us.

Early morning.  Did my physical therapy before my run & had no knee problems, even with the smaller knee band. 

shred level 2 and 45 min on the elliptical

after dinner, went for another walk around the hood with MR.  Wisteria is out and smells so beautiful.  Love the spring, but there's so much yellow pollen now.  The pine trees are showering us with their love.

Speed/Tempo today.  Did my physical therapy exercises again before starting my run.  I'm thinking it helps keep my knee in check.  It cuts 15 minutes out of my workout time, but it really is working out, isn't it?

the plan was 7 total, 4 at a 9:09 pace.  My first mile was 9:48, and every mile after that was under 9:09.  The last 1.5 were going to be my cool down, but I felt so good that I just kept running at the faster pace.  My last mile was the fastest of all (around 8:10).  Avg pace was 8:46.

There is so much pollen in the air right now.  My headlamp was lighting up all the particulates in the air, and there was so much pollen that it looked like I was running in a smoky or foggy cloud.

63* outside this morning.  Warmest morning we'll have for the next week, but it was delicious!

PT warm ups, 4.1 miles at a 9:02 avg pace, then ab ripper x.

Just another Thursday.

Kenpo X.  Then I had to call it quits to make the coconut/chocolate/macadamia nut bread pudding in honor of Chocolate Appreciation Week.

MR took Wyatt and I on a long run around the airfield on base. He was going to run a while & then ride, but threw in the towel before we left the parking lot and rode the whole way. It must have been a long 3 hours for him, but he was a good water boy & never complained. I've read that it's good to run slow on your long runs because it takes longer and gets your body used to running a longer time. If that's the case, then it was a good long run today. Our pace was pretty darn slow, but the distance didn't seem so bad. We had a lot to talk about & catch up on. What is amazing is we both ended up back in town a couple hours later at the same restaurant. We hadn't even planned or discussed it. We were there texting each other & didn't know we were both there!!! My knee isn't in a lot of pain, and I didn't have pain running today, but it feels sore tonight. Probably just from the distance. Nice run on a beautiful spring day before the rain started. It started raining on the drive home & it's rained all day. Dogwoods are all in bloom and the trees are beautiful with their green leaves. Wisteria are all over the place and the holly tree blossoms smell soooo sweet.

It was a cold (for me) 37* outside this morning, so I had to drag out all my cold gear that I'd been so happy to put away 2 weeks ago.  It looks like we're going to have a week of cold weather, so I'll leave the gloves and fleece out for the week.

Running felt like I was clomping along and looking like an oompa loompa.  Just one of those "off" running days.  I eventually got my groove, but it wasn't until the last mile or so. 

Did my PT for warm up and wore the small knee band.  I didn't have any pain, but I can feel some soreness.  Aleve to the rescue. 

Paces were 10:10, 9:08, 8:53, 8:50, and 8:32 for the last .83 miles.  I had a route I wanted to run today rather than an actual distance (I just wanted over 4.5).  Avg pace was 9:10.  That's faster that I thought it would be.  I didn't check my paces as I ran, I just ran how I was feeling.  I don't feel like it's a bad run for a clompy/stompy Monday morning run.

Today is supposed to be a teacher work day & the kids are supposed to be home, BUT we are all here at the school making up a snow day.  The only consolation is that it's a crummy rainy day outside, so I'm not wishing I was home taking in the beautiful spring sunshine.

Plyo X.  Knee is twanging today.  Not pain, but sore, achey & twangy.

Today is MR's birthday so I spent the morning (after plyo) making lasagna.  That is a valid excuse for being late to work, isn't it?

Speed day and longer run day. I had to get up on time this morning again. 2 days in a row - I feel like a winner in a competition that awards finalists nothing but tiredness.

I did my pt warm ups and headed out for my 8. It's been a long time since I've run 8 miles in the mornings. I ran 1.5 warm up, then 1 mile at an 7:58, 1/2 mile easy run, 1 mile at 8:03, 1/2 mile easy, 1 mile at 8:03, 1/2 mile easy, 1 mile at 7:32, 1 mile easy. Avg pace was 8:40 (if I remember correctly).

The fast paces were tough & I felt like I was working hard. I'm glad I did it & exceeded my goal paces. Since my knee bothered me so much yesterday, I wore the large knee brace- probably a good idea. I didn't have any pain, but the knee is still sore today. Taking Ibuprofen and trying to ice when I can.

My legs (the hamstring areas) are sooo sore today. I guess that p90x plyo put a hurting on me yesterday.

There was a light rain this morning on my run, but I had my ball cap on & it didn't get on my glasses. And that my friends, is my treasure for the day. Running in rain covered glasses in the dark stinks! My were dry today :-)

Well, the snooze button won round one today, so I was 10 minutes late getting up & out.

I ran almost .5 and stopped to stretch out my quads to loosen up my knee a little. It was really dark outside, and I thought I'd passed mile one and couldn't figure out why my mile chime hadn't gone off. I looked at my watch, and I'm not sure what I was/wasn't looking at, but I realized I hadn't started my watch after stretching, so I pushed the start button & then the lap button-

Trouble was, the watch was already on, so I actually turned it off. Didn't realize my mistake until around mile 2 when it didn't go off again. The watch read .96 miles. Oh well. I just ran a little further & waited until the turn around point to re-set the watch and start over.

It was foggy outside, so I think my brain got full of the fog too.

I wanted it to be a slow/recovery run. I have no idea what my pace was for the first 1/2 of the run. I was over a 10mm at the 1/2 mile mark, so I had a good, slow start. The last 2.66 miles were 9:28, 9:33, and 9:09.

Looking forward to sleeping in some day.

Let myself sleep in today!  What a treat :-)

1 hour p90x stretch, and then ab ripper x, because I needed a little adrenaline boost.

I'm like a junkie & need my fix every morning.

Trail run with Wyatt while MR rode his new bike and filled in as water boy.  It was a beautiful day to run, got to see the sun come up and there were some beautiful spots of scenery along the path.

We park at the stop in the middle of the trail.  Good news: there's a port-a-potty there!  We ran 4.5 miles out, turned around & came back to the car for a re-fuel & stretch.  Then we ran out 5 miles and back 4.  The last mile we walked for a cool down.  The last mile is all uphill, so we liked not having to run it at the end :-).

Slow, slow pace, but we did our miles & got our time in.  Had a little nap in the afternoon- so nice.

We are considering changing the plan a little, and instead of running 2 20 mile training runs, just running one of them, taking a week to recover, and running the 26 the next week.  It's our personal marathon, so we can change it if we want to.  I think it may be better to do it this way. Any thoughts?

1.2 mile walk in the morning (I slept in till 9:50).  I LIKE SLEEPING IN!!!

Good morning, starlight!  The big dipper was the first thing I saw when I walked out my front door.  Pretty cool.

Out of bed at 4:30, PT warm ups & on the road by 5:10.  I wanted to run somewhere between 5 and 6 miles.  5.55 worked out perfectly.  I wrote down my paces so I'd be sure to remember them...but I'm not exactly sure.  Here's my best from memory: 9:47, 9:12, 8:50, 8:35, 8:16, 7:40 (the last 5.55).  My avg pace was an 8:48.  That I do remember.

Got to saw the light creeping into the sky this morning...reminded me of the conference talk yesterday.  It was beautiful- as always.

shred level 2, 30 min elliptical, p90x ab ripper.

sweat fest in the house!!

Glad it was a crosstrain day because there was a thunderstom rolling through this morning during my normal run time.

Knee didn't bother me much when I was exercising, but now, 3 hours later it's not happy. I need a knee fairy to fix it.

In order to get 9 miles and my PT warm ups done, I have to get up at 4:00.  I snoozed it till 4:10, and drug myself around trying to get ready.  It was a little chilly, but felt good. 

3 mile warm up, then progressive speedwork.  It all ended up being progressive in the end, except my .18 mile cool down at the end.  Stopped to stretch after 1.5 miles.  Seems to be a good thing for my knee when I do the quad stretches after a little warm up running.

avg pace 8:48.  splits were 9:45, 9:20, 9:04, 9:02, 8:57, 8:38, 8:34, 8:11, 7:39, and 9:24 for the cool down.  Then I walked .2 miles home & stretched a little more.

I've been feeling good at running at the 9:00-8:30 pace when I'm warmed up.  It feels like I'm really "running" at that pace, but I don't feel like I'm dying.   I really pushed the last mile, but felt strong at the end.

Just me & the dipper out again.  Wondering when the moon will show up again.

recovery run.  wasn't sure my knee was going to let me run at all today. did my PT and started out really, really slow.  After half a mile, started feeling warmed up and more comfortable. 

avg pace was 9:45.  Just perfect.  Happy to see the sunlight creeping into the sky in the morings again while I'm up. 

I hate waking up early, early, early, but I hate not having enough time to make a good, healthy breakfast either.  One that fills me up & doesn't make me hungry again in 2 hours.  I may need to just cook oatmeal at night.

knee aches less today than yesterday.  happy day.

p90x stretch and ab ripper

worried about the knee.  hoping the day off and the stretching help so it'll be strong for tomorrow.  somthing's just not right with it.

knee troubles have got me down.  trying to cut out running for a quick recovery.

48.8 miles on the bike with MR.  2 different loops.  Had to go home & put on some warmer clothes on.  The last time I'd seen the weather, it was supposed to be 80* on Saturday.  Something had changed since I'd seen the weather forecast. 

Beautiful bike ride.  Mr. found a one handled aluminum blue hooker and put it in his bag.  It kept banging him on the head the rest of the way home.  Which reads better if you replace "It" with "his hooker" !!

Then he found a flag to put in the bag so the hooker became very patriotic looking, and when we were almost home, he found a red flowered lei.  Seriously.  so of course he lei'd his "you know what."  

I'm so glad he's around to amuse me, otherwise life would be dreary & boring.

I guess you could say he's my treasure. 

I'm not sure you can even call it 2 miles of running.  some running, some walking.  Just trying out the knee.  Didn't want to hurt it, but kept hoping I could just get it warmed up enough to get comfortable.

before going out, I did my p90x ab ripper and my physical therapy for...my knee, of course.

Found a treasure in the middle of the road today.  I don't think he was playing opossum.  He just was. 

We tried watching the utube video on KT tape for the knee. Then we did our best to tape it up. It's not the same as the way the physical therapist did it, but it seems to be working it's magic.

I did the P90X legs & back this morning, as well as doing my physical therapy exercises after. It was tough doing my pt after the video workout. I think that's good for my muscles, though. Which will be good for my knee.

Hoping to run tomorrow or Thursday just a little bit.

two sessions on the elliptical 45 and 20 min.

p90x ab ripper.

kt tape still holding on for the most part.  going to try a little run tomorrow morning. can't wait!

Progressive run.  Started easy then just slowly increased.  Avg pace was 9:03. 

splits were (around) 10mm, 9mm, 8:50, 8:22. 

I felt good starting.  Had a knee twang just after mile two.  Then 2 more during mile 4.  Do I just keep running through them, or am I doing more harm than good?  It feels great running, except when I get the "twangs."

I wish I had a good, reliable, knowledgeable knee doctor that understands a runner's mindset.  I might as well keep wishing on the knee fairy.  Yes, I'm mad.  I'm going to allow myself to be bitter today about the fact that I can't get the help I need and I have to waste days going to referrals and waiting for appointments. Pirate pity party.  Bring your own drinks.

Okay, I decided I'd take some action instead of whining without action.  Because we are men of action, and pointless whining does not become us.

First available appointment with ortho is May 2nd.  Wow...that's only 2 and 1/2 weeks away.  I just want to cry.  Now I'm entitles to my pity pirate party because hey, at least I tried.

For all of you who think National Healthcare is the answer to our health care problems, let me enlighten you that it's not the answer to anyone's problems.  Unless you like waiting 2 1/2 weeks (or more) for appointments on a regular basis.  AAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

Stayed up late to watch Will Farrell on the office.  Only saw the last few minutes, so I'm looking forward to watching the whole thing later this weekend.

30 on elliptical and then ab-ripper X.

hoping for a good run tomorrow.

Got out early with Wyatt & the water boy.  9 mile p-town loop.  I was singing praises at mile 5 when I hadn't had any knee trouble (it was taped & I had the big knee brace on), and then at mile 6, I had a snappy kink.  It hurt, but after the initial POW, I ran on it without any pain.  Had another kink/snap around mile 6.5, and then nothing else the rest of the run.  No knee troubles for the rest of the day.

Helped with Fayetteville Beautiful (City wide clean up) for the morning hours.  Then in the afternoon, tornadoes tore through town and everyone's been cleaning up since.  At least the side of the road for the 1.5 miles was clean :-(.

Prayers for those who lost their homes/family members. 

No knee problems today.  Felt like my running groove was off a little, but I know there are going to be days like this.

We had a 2 hour delay due to tornado damage from Saturday.  One high school has 2 million $ damage to athletic fields, and one elementary school is closed for the remainder of the year.

Got to run with MR since we both had delays.  Nice to run in the sunlight during the week.  Just a taste of what's coming during spring & summer vacation :-)

30 min elliptical- tough workout

shred level 2- really starting to sweat

ab ripper x- my yoga mat was so wet with sweat it turned into a slip & slide

good times!

Nice run..70* outside at 5 am. 

Trying to go easy.  Not sure if we're going to try the roadkill run this weekend or not, so I'm trying to run/taper at the same time.  My training plan turned into a soup sandwich. 

Knee was good (taped with brace). AP 9:05

Moon was finally out with me- beautiful sight.  Making everything better, just having my morning friend out with me.

shorts & tee shirts today.  Got out late, but it was ok since I was doing a shorter run. 

beautiful scene running home.  Sky turning pink in the east amid the clouds, fog settled low on the fields, and the mood behind me lighting my way.  Left my music at home, got to enjoy the sound of the birds singing their morning salutations.  Made me wish I had left more time for running so I could have enjoyed it longer.

p90x ab ripper.  I hate it, but I love it.

Did I mention my inlaws are living in my driveway for the next week?

Shred level 2 and ab ripper x.

Good Fry-Day. 

p-town loop with MR and FIL on bikes.  No knee problems (wore lrg brace).  Humid!!

4 miles, then ab ripper

spent the day at wrightsville beach- perfect weather

buccanner #1 & his friend (I'll call him "Beavis") thought it would be fun to not wear any sunscreen all day.  I told them to put it on, i asked them if they put it on (they said yes, because they did...in a small X on their chest), reminded them to put it on again & told them to put on shirts when I saw they were getting red. 

They thought they were SOOOOO funny. 

Took the in-laws to the Cape Fear River Trail and we all biked the 8 miles together.  Not really a trail, more of a paved path, but beautiful.  Some nice hills made it a good workout.

Finally got to run with Wyatt today.  Looking forward to her "Red Neck Olympics" birthday party bash on Saturday. 

MR rode the bike.

Rain, rain, and more rain.  Thunder kept me inside today.  In no mood to be swept away by a stray tornado coming through the area.

MR did the Kenpo X with me.  We had fun.  I love shouting along.  Walked the hood in the pm with the MIL.

Wanted to do 9.  At mile 7 my knee starting snapping again.  The first 3 times, I just kept running and it was okay after the initial shock of the snap.   After the 4th time, I had to walk.  Achy pain raidated up my quad.  That was around mile 8.  I walked 1/2 a mile and then ran the rest of the way home.  Felt good & thought the snapping was over until .05 miles from my house, and it started again.  Glad I've got the ortho appt on Monday.

I threw in the towel & did some upper body strength by raking dead thatch out of my lawn.   Got an awesome inner thumb blister!!  Not as awesome as my buccanner's 2nd degree burn blisters that opened up into weeping sores on his back from his terrific Monday at the beach.....but still awesome.

Now that the weather is warming up, I'm pleased to announce that there was plenty of fresh road kill to treasure on my run today.  Most notably were the  tortise and the hare.  Neither one of them are finishing that race :-)

After my disappointing knee troubles yesterday, I took a break today.  It was different having a Saturday not being spent/scheduled around a run.

In Laws have pulled out of the driveway & are off on their way.  It was a nice visit, but I got tired of hearing how "horrible, ugly, unhealthy, hurtful," etc,  family is.   I love my family; every last crazy sob in the bunch.  ;-)

Best part of the day:  RED NECK OLYMPICS.  Wyatt's b-day party supreme.  The cake was a single wide trailer with horses in the yard (mini choc chip poops under them), a rooster on the roof, and a toilet in the front yard with fresh roses in it.    We played relay games involving opossum tossing (blindfolded), digging up animals from the pet cemetery with plastic spoons, shooting at plastic police men with a bb gun (aka "pop the po-po"), and duck-hunting rubber ducks.    I can't wait for next year's games. 

I think I did run a little when it way my turn in the relay race, which somehow makes all of this relevant to this blog!

2 mile walk around the hood

Wanted to try & re-create my knee pops because I had my ortho appt this afternoon.  Everytime I've tried running over 6 miles the last few weeks, it always happens.  So of course, it didn't happen today.

Got a nice workout in anyway.  8 miles, 8:50 avg pace.  Started slow & sped up. 

Dr wasn't able to identify what the problem was.  Ordered another MRI and told me I could just continue business as usual until then.  Sounds good.  I also got a spiffy new knee brace.  It's not the thick neoprene stuff.  A very thin one...nuskin or some name like that.  Looking forward to using it Wednesday.

45 min on elliptical and ab ripper x.

Tried the new brace today.  I can tell there's a brace on, but it is easier to move in than the older one and it doesn't rub the back of my knee raw....so I like it!

No popping again today.  I'm guessing that's good.  Less worry for me.  I tried some interval training. 1.5 warm up then speed for .2, recover for .2  (for 2.5 miles).  Then I ran .25 speed off/on for 2.5 miles, and .5 speed with 1 mile recovery.

My ap was 8:50, the same as Monday's progressive run, but I got there an entirely different way, and I felt more exhaused today than yesterday.  It really felt like a good workout. 

easy miles today.  Just out enjoying running with my new knee brace.  No pops or snaps, just some sore muscles from the sprints yesterday.  Good feeling soreness, not bad.

Enjoyed a beautiful sunrise.  9:32 ap.  Tried working on form, but I find when I really work on form, I speed up - and I didn't want to do any speed today.  Slow form is difficult.

Saw a rabbit running with me on the opposite side of the road.  he'd run, then stop, then run, then stop.  He was faster than me and grew tired of our game, so he ran off into the bushes.

Took a nap before going to work this morning, and slept so deeply I didn't hear my alarms go off.  Good power nap!

did some stretches,a few strengthening exercises, and a very slow and short run.

Good easy recovery day for my long run tomorrow.

Long run with Wyatt and the Water Boy.  Weather was nice all day, so we slept in and ran later in the morning.

Slow pace, great conversation.  No awesome treasures on the road, but the run & company was treasure enough.  No knee prolems wearing the new knee brace.  

Happy Mother's Day.  I've eaten and slept more today than anyone in their right mind should.

After all my sleep yesterday, I should have been full of energy.  I was probably sucking wind due to all the carbs in ingested yesterday.  And not the healthy, complex kind....but the simple, white sugar, mixed with oils (the tasty kind).

Out of bed at 4:10, got dressed, did my physical therapy, and headed out the door.  It was mid-50's, and lots of fog coming off the fields.  Really pretty when the sun starting lighing up the sky with all the reds, oranges & pinks.  One particular field I ran by looked so amazing with the low fog on the field blending into the orange sky.  It was photo worthy, but I didn't want to stop.  So today, that will be my personal "treasure."

My knee brace worked well.  I tried running at a tempo I was comfortable with, but was faster than my average.  I finished with an 8:55 ap.  I was really feeling tired legs after mile 7 when I had to run up the overpass.  I tried increasing the pace the last 2 miles, but it was tough.  I didn't check my splits to see how they were, I tried just working on running the way I felt.  Glad I got the miles in, and I'm pretty happy with the pace.  Really happy no knee troubles.

30 min elliptical

shred level 2

ab ripper x

sweating like crazy...had trouble "climbing" up my leg on the ab ripper because it was so slippery.  Good workout.

Thunderstorms were knocking each other out last night, and kept me up. I was too tired to shut the windows to make it quiet. I found an ear plug, but didn't have the energy to put it in my ear. Cranky tired.

Good thing it's hump day!! I was going to do 9, but didn't get out in time, so I only went 8. Tried to do a progressive run. Missed on mile 5 and went up 10 seconds instead of down, but other than that, met my goal. Avg pace was 8:56.

Shower & nap, then off to work. Good times.

45 min on elliptical

3 medium paced miles & ab ripper

Kind of tapering off a little this week.  Balancing my need to run, my desire to run long distances, and my body's ability to let me follow through with my dreams. 

Plus, saving some energy & looking forward to going out on the high seas with my best mate while we pillage, loot, and search for booty.  Bring it ON!!!

Fun run with Terri!  So awesome to be back on the road with my running buddy.  Had a great visit- just too bad it was so short. 

We took our time on the run, enjoyed the moment, laughed and sweat like crazy (it was so humid)!

MR ran too.  He took off after mile one, ready to run tough, but around mile 7, his calf cramped up.  It could have been due to lack of training, or maybe it had something to do with the tequila at mile 5?   It was right before the miniature horse.  Some kind-hearted folks passing out tequila and corona. 

We caught up with him right after mile 12.  He walked most of the last mile trying to keep the cramp at bay. 

It was fun to run without the stress of time, but I think I may try and train for a flat 1/2 PR this fall. 

p90x core synergestics and then some fun...Wii Just Dance.  I had time for 5 songs, and I crushed MR's high score on "Big Girls." 

Gonna be a good day!!!

50 minutes on the elliptical, then 15 minutes of stretching.  legs are still a bit sore from Sunday.

What I am grateful for today:  Bojangle's bo-berry biscuits.

Quick, speedy run before my MRI to try & get the knee just right for it's photo shoot.

First mile was a warm up...9:40, then I had a 7:40 and a 7:20 for the last .6!  Fast for me.  I was KO'd when I was done, but happy with the speed.

THEN>> When I came in from my run, I had an awesome Birthday surprise!  MR made me french toast with real french bread topped with powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, strawberries and blackberries and of course - cake batter ice cream !!!!  SOOO sweet!!

Had the MRI, then Thai food for lunch before our 37 mile bike ride extravaganza.  We averaged 12 mph, which is good for us.  It is humbling to know world class runners travel faster than us on bikes.

Sore legs & sit bones toward the end of the ride, but it was beautiful.  Corn is already a couple feet tall in the fields! 

After dinner, MR took me to see Water For Elephants.  I enjoyed the book, and the movie was good too.  Almost as good as that bucket of popcorn :-)

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes.  It was a wonderful day!!

Slower recovery run.  Quads have been a little tender since the run on Sunday, so I'm trying to ease them back into running. 

Avg pace was around a 9:30.  Beautiful sunrise today.  If I could figure out how to post photos, I would.  Maybe RAD will throw me a bone and put it up here to show y'all.

45 min elliptical

Dr said knee was okay, no big problems.  Just keep strengthening & building it up.

I need to remember to build slowly.   Gotta keep working on enjoying the journey & not just focusing on the prize.

hoping to get some great pix soon so I can post them on the blog now that I've been schooled by Burt the best blogger boy.

Busy morning being a "college parent."  Went on a beautiful 11 mile bike ride with MR in the evening.  Everything was great except the bugs.   I need a mouth visor to keep them out.  Or a bee keeper's hat.   Maybe Wyatt has an extra one.  She's got 5 hives.

One of the frogs living in my shed.  Just working on figuring out this posting photos business!

Just a run.  Not fast, but not trying to go slow.  I guess this is my auto-pilot speed.

avg pace 9:29.  Mostly progressive, but mile 3 (thank you dumb dog at mile 2 for making me run too fast) was slower than mile 2.  After that, all good.

Almost home, the sunrise colors were missing today.  Feeling cheated not finding any treasures, when what do you know, there on the side of the road was Toonces, the road kill cat.

Ab ripper x at home.  Found out today that my new running shorts are see thru when they're wet.  Such a great thing that I sweat so much....NOT.

p90x plyometrics

that's enough for now

robin nest out back has 3 new family members!

My legs are still crying from plyo yesterday.  I told them to shut up and quit whining.  Or, I tried to tell them...they didn't want to listen.

 First mile was slow...10:17.  Then I had a couple miles around 9:20-9:00, then built up to an 8:20 on mile 5.  Mile 6 I slowed down the first half, and tried to finish fast the last half.  Averaged an 8:32. 

I got my snooze and off buttons mixed up and got a late start today.  The sky was already light enough I didn't need my headlamp at 5:15 am.  I left it on for cars to see me.  Drivers seemed less happy about moving over and giving me egress.  I wonder if it's just cranky wednesday?

Legs are tired.  I decided that as sick as it sounds, sometimes I like it when they're sore because it's telling me I'm getting stronger. 

Kind of a recovery run.  Slow progression run.  Avg pace 9:29.

Toonces the road-kill cat is gone.  Took to the big highway in the sky.

I like being out when it turns from night to day.  Saw a rabbit hopping across my neighbor's yard.  I wonder if he's enjoying her garden :-)

Sleep. I took a nap after work yesterday and cried when I woke up because I couldn't go back to sleep due to a meeting.   I realized I just needed some sleep, so that's what I did.  Looking forward to a nice run tomorrow with Wyatt and the water boy.

12 mile country run with Wyatt and the WaterBoy.  Beautiful fields of corn starting to grow.

It was very muggy for the first 1/2 of the run.  Cloud cover, but we were running in clouds too.  And the freaking yellow flies are out.  They are abundant around swamps and forests.  Which was the first 3 miles of our run.  In her best effort to help me out, Wyatt tried to save me from the flies by trying to kill them when they landed on me.  I got smacked in the back of the head and smacked on the rear.   For anyone who doesn't know yellow flies, they're horrid like horse flies, and they swarm us on the roads and bite without mercy.  We took a different route back home instead of the planned out & back.  It was a good choice.

 We had some great treasure finds.  MR found a reversible watch on the side of the road.  Can't tell for sure, but it looks like one side is star wars and the other side is Justin Bieber.  It was laying next to a box of "Summer's Eve."  Let the jokes come. 

We also found this.  A backbone, head, and one leg.  Curious & makes you wonder where the rest of it went.

 The run wasn't really fast, but it was nice to get out.  We had a little rain toward the end, and then the sun came out super hot just as we were ending.  Perfect timing, perfect run.

leisurely walk around the hood.  1.5 miles.  Looking around to see who has a better lawn than we do.  Grubs got to us early and we've got a lot of make-up work to do.  The green is green, but the dead is dead!

Didn't get out early enough, and the heat/sun/humidity got to me after mile 8.  There was a lull in the breeze between miles 7.5 and 10.5... a long 30 minutes.

Wyatt was playing a/c serviceman helper with her MR, so it was just me and the waterboy.  Took a familiar route, but changed it up a little in the middle.  I thought it would add more mileage.  Kind of glad it didn't in the end.  New scenery was nice for a few miles.

I finally got a photo of the cows today.  I try and get them in the mornings, with the sun rising behind them, but they're always far away eating.  Today, when we approached them, they were all lining up in a row.  Getting ready for the big race evidently, because when I got my camera out to take their photo, it turned into the running of the bulls.  Here's my best shot:

Black angus with one white long horn.  Tasty and extra tasty.

The critter below probably isn't very tasty.  We'll just say he probably wasn't keeping an eye out for traffic before, but he certainly is now!

Reminds me of a little song I used to sing about a frog whose eyes went "Ga- Ga- GA!"

Avg pace 9:45.  Negative splits- second half faster than the first.  I'm good with that since the heat was bad in the second half.

Spent a lot of the run reflecting on friends lost in the service of our country.  Wondering how their families are doing and hoping they know I think of them often.  Memorial Day full of memories.  

30 minutes on elliptical, then shred level 2.

I was going to do the ab ripper, but I threw in the sweaty towel and fed the birds instead.

Restless night.  I've learned over time that it's easier to catch flies with honey than with "other stuff," but when I see someone treat my kids bad, and then blame my child for their lack of self control, I get defensive and mean.  I kicked the hornet's nest yetserday, and now my mind is just full of stuff that makes it hard to sleep.

So I knew I needed to run some of those crazy demons out.  I did a tempo run today.  My goal was to keep it under 9mm and keep pushing.  My splits were 9:00, 8:33, 8:30, 8:27.  overall a 1 minute faster pace than my  Monday run (also only 1/3 the distance).

Stayed in the hood.  No cars, no road kill, nothing but me and the angry hornets buzzing in my head.

avg pace 9:38.   Testing and end of year activities & paperwork have me swamped right now.  

Lots of relationships based on ultimatums are strong and healthy, right?  Especially teen-age ones?  Teenagers are insane...I should know; I used to be one.

30 minute elliptical

Went running on the trails on base with MR.  7 miles with him, and 5 miles myself while MR rode his bike and brought me water :-)

Lots of photos, but no time to post them yet.  Will update later.

Busy getting ready for company and graduation.  Life feels exhausting right now, and too busy for my liking. 

Seminary graduation and cake.  More than 1 piece of cake, but only 1 graduate.

MR went running with me this morning since he has the week off for graduation & company.  

We went out and enjoyed the beautiful morning.  Avg pace 9:29.

Super dead scrambled up orange kitty on the side of the road.  Sorry no photo for today, but I have a feeling he'll still be there next time I run by.  Didn't look like he was going anywhere.