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.