running in blue jeans

the other day was beautiful! it was almost 70 degrees; the last traces of ice melted away. miz nina and i ventured out to our trails for a quick two mile doggy walk. miz nina quickly decided that walking just wasn't going to do it for either of us. the sunshine, the warm breeze, the promise of spring made us feel exhilarated. do you remember when you were a kid going outside to play after being couped up inside for a long time? that's how we both felt! i had on an older pair of running shoes, however, i was wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt. i felt like a kid; just running because i was happy. we stopped here and there. of course there was lots for nina to investigate along the way, and she jumped into the creek (now thawed!) several times. it was really fun. how many times have i just gone outside to run for fun? i think i'll make a point of doing it more. no training. no timing. no schedule. just the joy of being outside, feeling the old legs, heart, lungs do their thing. keeping going as long as you feel like it. ahhhhhhh. try it some time!

today nina and i went out and we did her two mile doggy run. it was not quite as warm today, but still in the 60s. i had on some long exercise pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. the trail is rather muddy, which is ok. the muddier the better in my book! we saw a family of deer that watched us trot by. after nina's 2 miler, i dropped her off, and went back outside for another 45 minutes or so. i completed five miles today, which i took note of. i take my time, but i get them done. i'm still taking walk breaks every so often to keep my heart rate where it should be, but i feel great and look forward to making progress.

the big 5 OH is coming at me like a freight train

my 50th birthday is exactly one month from today.

i'm going to be HALF A CENTURY OLD!

egads.

i'm starting my running program over again - from the beginning.

it's never too late, right?

it's been a hard year and i put my running on the back burner.

long story short: i went through three, count'em three jobs this year. each one led me to a bigger and better job but sadly the last, and best one didn't last very long, and i was let go.

now i'm jobless.

again.

that means, gang, that i have ALL this time to devote entirely to myself.

i'm going to focus on the bright side.

so...here i go again!

the virginia muggies

hey! so i've been out there a couple of times since i last wrote - jogging up and down my limited trails. it's been rather humid, hot during the afternoons, and there's been some worry about air quality. with work, the best time for me to get in a quick run is first thing when i get up - about 6 a.m. when it's still cool. i've been delighted to see several of our forrest rascals out there: angry beavers slapping their tails when i've stumbled by, crunching noisily on the gravel trail. foxy loxy has peered at me a few times, and i know i've been excitingly close to mr. skunk, but luckily have not had the pleasure of coming face to face. i had to test my jedi skills the other day when i almost landed a step ontop of a snake hurrying across my path. best to remember we're not alone out there and to stay aware!

Getting Squared Away

Summer is here! 2008!
I was able to visit my lovely daughter at Quantico today. She's 3 weeks into OCS and looks fierce, and has some awesome bruises. She's working hard, trying to make it. Let's send her good energy. Oorah. My boy is doing well in his Marine corps career. Both of my babies are still in Virginia, which makes a Mom feel good. Mr. Wonderful is far away still in "Dog's Breath" but is doing well. That leaves me, and Miz Nina, holding down the fort. I've had my hands full keeping up with the yard, the house, the dog walks, my job, and here and there I've managed to get out to run.

Since I've started working I've found it so much harder to get out the door to run. It's always a struggle for me, but now even more! UGH! Enough already. Summer's here. Time to rack up some miles.

running in my head

running in my head. only.

short version: i got lazy. then it was harder to get out the door. now i'm recovering from "the crud" which has left me coughing, breathless and exhausted. please send me some good JUJU.

breaking news: my daughter reported 5/30 to quantico for OCS - or as she puts is "summer camp on crack!"

the benefits of florida sunshine

my visit to south west florida was lovely. i spent ten days with my folks and was spoiled rotten. the weather was fantastic and i ate really well. i ran a bit too, enough to work off the extra calories from eating fried grouper. oh yum.


now i'm back home, overseeing work being done on my house. lots of banging and miz nina is not pleased, although she is now resigned to the workers being here for the next week or so. i'm taking a bit more time off work right now.

since last fall my running i've only made a minimum effort, but i've kept up with it enough to stay in some kind of shape. i need to focus more on keeping a routine going. i'm having a hard time getting motivated to get out the door - that has always been my hardest battle. sigh.

during my visit to florida, i did a fair amount of running outside which felt wonderful. i hope to keep the momentum!

Oh, hai!

me & the kiddos - the early years

i have become a terrible blogger, i admit it. sorry. i have thought of you every single day since i last posted. finally, i'm stopping by to add a few lines, and let you know, that i'm still breathing, i'm still running, and i'm doing ok.

here's a list of all that's happened since i last signed on:

1- i quit the shoe job. no big surprise.

2 - #1 son became a us marine, and i'm so proud

3. - mr. wonderful came home on leave from "dog's breath" but had to cut the visit short and return suddenly due to unrest back "there" ..but he's cool and doing ok.

4 - i landed a new job and finally found the thing where i don't have to work and someone pays me.

5- #1 daughter made it into the DC ROLLERGIRLS (check out -www.dcrollergirls.com),

6- #1 daughter will be going to USMC OCS at the end of may, so looks like i'm going to be the proud mom of two devil dogs. oorah.

7 - oh! and i get to go to florida next week. yay.

in the meantime....

thanks for the support and comments.

have a great day!

end of 2007!

happy new year's everyone! :-)
hope all is GR8 in 2008!

in my running life --
i got a job and only ran 3 mile in december? wtf! i'm quitting.

the ladies' shoe department - so not worth it. i haven't run. people have thrown shoes at me. ugh. i'm outta there!

see ya!!

...to be continued.

i had NO idea...

so....way into the selling shoes at the ladies' shoe department at the local Macy's....omg...i had NO IDEA that this was so crazy. i've done retail before, and i know it can be hectic; that customers are sometimes grumpy, impatient, and that the schedule can be freaky, and that it's physically exhausting all for minimum wage.... but shoes? lemme tell you, this is like nothing i've ever done. if you're curious, stop by the ladies' shoe department in one of the major national department stores this holiday shopping season and just observe for a few moments.

aside from the selling shoes thing...i love retail. i am enjoying working for macy's. i'm still getting used to being on my feet so long, and my running has taken a nose dive. i MUST get back to it. i'm sure i will.

in the meantime...i've come down with the creeping crud. sore throat, fever, general misery. ugh. please bring me some chicken soup and rub my feet. ;-)

just wanted to share...

hi! just wanted to share a scene of our first snow in northern virginia with you. i was out early this morning, with miz nina. we only took a walk. it was a little too icy and i was due at work in the afternoon. i didn't want to risk slipping.

speaking of my job.... how in the world can i get used to being on my feet all day, and keep up with the running? i think that until i get used to the job, i'll only be able to run on days when i've had a proper rest the day before. if i have the energy, i'll go use the elliptical trainer on the "alpine" setting tomorrow at the gym. that should be better than nothing!

oh...my tootsies! lol

anyways...enjoy your day.

First Snow!

We had our first snow today. I was fortunate to be off work today, so I didn't have to be out in the horrendous traffic. We only got 1-2 inches, but, folks, gotta tell ya, people in northern virginia, just can't handle driving in the snow. I think it's mainly because there's just TOO MANY OF US here!

Did I get my run in? Absolutely! My running took a nose dive the last few days since I began my retail job. Being on your feet all day long is difficult. I would compare it to being able to run two miles. Then, you go out and run ten miles. You can get across the finish line, but you'll be tired and not to mention sore. Then, the very next day, you go run those ten miles again! And then the third day, another ten! You get the picture. You don't have time to recover. My poor feet! Ha.

So, I had Tuesday and Wednesday off. Whew. My feet needed it. Today I felt up to an easy run, so Miz Nina and I went out about 9:30 in the snow to follow the trails. I was in heaven! I love running in the winter. I'm so happy it's winter again!

Back to work for me Thursday through Saturday, but I have Sunday off. My daughter and I are signed up to run in a 10K in DC early Sunday morning. Can't hardly wait! Wish me luck with my tootsies!

All the best!

the one with one of those job thingies

employment.
i found it.
i'll be selling shoes at macy's.
boring enough? yep. boring is good.
benefits are good.
employee discount is good.
commission is good.

Fun Times!

#1 Daughter and I have been busy enjoying several local races. First up, we joined in the fun with the Masonic Veteran's Day 10K in DC. We drove into DC early that Sunday morning, and parked on a bridge near the starting area. The sun has just come up, and it was still quite cold!! It was a nice, fast, flat course -- I especially enjoyed it because it was an out and back route, and I was actually able to see the folks who won blaze by me! That was exciting. My time? Whatever. I ran behind this dude who juggled 5 balls the entire time...and I never passed him. Sigh! Next Year, Juggle Boy! I was there for the fun, and as you can see, I was smiling when I crossed the finish line. Check out the race report HERE from Washington Running Report.

On November 17, we selected a holiday-themed race and had a blast! Yes, we chose it because of the name. It was the Freeze Your Gizzard Off 5K held in Leesburg, Virginia at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. Now...THAT was fun!! Read the race report here from Washington Running Report. The race didn't begin until 9am, which meant we actually didn't have to get up all that early! The grounds of the Ida Lee Park are lovely, and the route took us around the perimeter, up and down gently rolling hills. Anyone looking for a new place to visit, I highly recommend it. Anyone looking for a fun new 5K, this one is for you!! Not to mention...the T-Shirt is awesome!

Coming up next: The Jingle All the Way 10k There's always a race on somewhere in the DC area! How fun!

Just so you know...there's another 10 miler in the Spring. Hmmm... The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler. Do I dare? What do you think?

Enjoy your day! Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all.

have a nice trip!

Today when I went for my run it was only in the 30s. It felt really great! I hope you are enjoying the cooler temperatures like I am. I did my 5+ mile loop through the neighborhood. I was actually one minute faster today than on Monday when I was having my awesome run.
As I started out, I was admiring all the fall foliage as well as the left over Halloween decorations that are still out. I was intently examining that giant “Lebanese Cyprus” I like that’s on the right side of Majestic Lane, heading back up towards the shopping center. I was so engrossed in it, I stubbed my toe on the uneven sidewalk and went down! I did this really awesome Jackie-Chan double roll into that front yard, in front of some little kids holding their lunch boxes while their mom herded them into the family mini van. Before they could utter a word, I had already rolled my way back onto my feet and was trotting on down the sidewalk. Yeah. I meant to do that.

oh, the joy

i had one of those runs yesterday. 5 miles around the neighborhood. pretty autumn colors. cool weather. i felt like i could go on forever. these "perfect" runs don't happen often, but when you hit it, you know it. everything clicks. nothing hurts. it's pure joy. i think that's why i keep plodding along, because i know eventually i'll get one of these precious moments. although fleeting, these perfect runs bring clarity to my life.

keep on keepin' on

so, at 2140 this past monday i got the infamous parris island recruit phone call home. it was amazing. #1 son was yelling, "this is recruit XXXX. i am calling to tell you i have arrived at parris island. do not try to contact me. i will contact you in 7 to 10 days with a phone call or a post card. i am fine. that is all." or something to that effect! i was trying to soak it all in. my boy was reading from a script, yelling into the phone. his voice sounded strong, but little bit stressed. #1 daughter and i shared the receiver and listened intently together. at the end of his speech there was a brief pause before he hung up, and we yelled "LOVE YOU!!" as loud as we could. wow. in the background i could hear men yelling, "GET OFF THE PHONE! GET OFF THE PHONE! NOW! NOW! NOW!" i could hear other recruits giving their families the same information. whew. amazing.

i ran today. i managed to do 4.7 miles with just under a 10 minute mile pace. i actually had to walk a couple of times, so i wonder what i might've done if i could go straight through? it's still so humid, and not that cool yet. i had to walk a little bit to cool off. when i get that slightly "nauseated" feeling i know it's time to cool down a little bit. can't wait for cold weather. seriously. i don't know why i still have such trouble with the warm weather and humidity. guess i should get a check up, but in the meantime, respect my limitations. after all, i haven't lived here in 7 years.

now that both Mr. Wonderful and #1 Son have departed, it's time for me to get me one of those job thingies. hmmmm. i don't know what i want to do. i do know how i want to do it: i want a decent commute - anything under 1 hour. i want to make ok money. i want something that i would enjoy but that i can leave behind at the end of the day. something boring would be perfect. boring is good. boring means no one's life hangs by a thread. wish me luck!

#1 daughter and i are going to The Burg tomorrow for William & Mary's Homecoming festivities. yay! fun times. Go Tribe!

hope you're having a great day too!!

the last day with my baby boy

after today, #1 son won't be my baby boy anymore. :-(

i'm so proud of him and his choice to join the marine corps.

tomorrow i'm dropping him off. he's starting his 13 weeks at parris island.

we're all excited for him!

i'll be back to running next week. we all know this kid will be! ha ha

internal turmoil

the endorphins from finishing the army 10 miler lasted a little over one week! whoa. good stuff.

now i'm crashing. i'm going through something. i can't find my hair clips. they're the flat "goodie" ones that ctclady gave me and i can't run without them. they're the source of all my power.

mr. wonderful leaves tonight for a two year stint in "dog's breath." i'm not going. i'm staying in our cute little house in virginia. #1 son leaves next monday for marine bootcamp. #1 daughter is home and doing well at her new job. everything is hucky-duck.

i know i need to run. only 2 more miles until i complete 400 miles this year. but i can't find my hair clips. ugh. grumble grumble where are those clips???!!!

october musings

i took an easy 2 mile recovery run yesterday morning, about 7:30 a.m. why 2 miles? it's just a logical loop through the neighborhood that i chose that happens to be 2 miles. i felt fine, although it's still just so dang muggy and i just get so dang hot that i can't go as fast as i would like to. i was surprised that i really wasn't that sore or tired after the ATM on sunday. my legs did ache a bit sunday afternoon, but i rested, took an advil, and it went away rather quickly. my only other complaints are a sore toenail and mildly sore hip flexors. that's all.

later in the day we set record temperatures as we reached 94 in DC, and Dulles International Airport. 94? this is october. weird weather. the leaves are changing color, and we have the AC on! the weatherman promises changes are coming over night and we'll be enjoying typical october weather in the morning.


my daughter and i signed up for the veteran's day 10K in washington dc on november 11th. we're both really looking forward to that.

i'm also considering doing the 5K at William and Mary's Homecoming on october 28th. i love going down to "the Burg" as my daughter calls it. i love "CW" (colonial williamsburg), all the outlets, the little local dives...and yeah...i've been to The "Leafe" (Greenleafe Tavern).... this time i'm finally going to Sno To Go, which is undoubtedly a right of passage.

#1 son leaves for Parris Island on 10/22. the weekend trip to the Burg is something i planned to keep my mind off my "baby" leaving home.

not to be outdone by his old maw, the "baby" went out on monday and ran an equivalent 10 miles on the trails around the neighborhood in the heat & humidity. he finished in about an hour. ahhh. that's so cute.

my ATM stats

i got my time from the army ten miler. i did exactly like i thought i did. what's even better? since this was my first ever ten mile event, i PR'd!!!

overall place: 16645
division: female: 45-49
division place total: 629/
sex place/total: 6809/
chip time: 2:15:16
gun time: 2:38:56

i've been reading the message boards at the http://www.armytenmiler.com/ web site. omg. lot's of discussion regarding the poor young man who died, as well as the lack of water on the course. i'm so sorry for him and for his family and friends. how very sad and tragic.