Long Run

Long run today: 9 miles
Most days I go out and know exactly which route I'm going to take, what trail, what time, etc. Today, I went out the door, and had no clue where I was going to run. Half the trails are under water because of all the rain we've gotten, so I wasn't exactly sure where I would go. All I knew was that I needed to get a long run in today, so I was shooting for 90 minutes. I headed out the door, and just ran.  I wasn't thinking where my next turn would be, or how long I would go on this trail or that one, my mind just followed my legs and it was the most wonderful feeling.  See, usually I am a planner.  I need to have everything scheduled and planned out in advance, even my runs and which routes I take from day to day.  So here's to being carefree; crank up the tunes, let your mind wander free, and just run.  It does a body good, (and a soul too).  

Rain Running

I LOVE to run in the rain.  I am proud to say I'm not just a "fair-weather runner". I'll run in pretty much anything.  Rain just happens to be one of my faves.  I get lots of crazy looks, but hey, if you haven't tried it, don't judge.  It's a soul-cleansing kind of feeling to run in the rain.  You have the sidewalks and trails to yourself, the drops rain down and wash everything away.  I channel my inner child by running in the puddles and feel the water hit my legs.  I come home soaking wet and happy as can be.  Miles logged: 5.5  Just wish I had another pair of running shoes, for I know they won't be dry in time for my run today.

I Run to Live...

I feel the need to explain why I have such a passion for running.  This post isn't just a post about running, this is for anything you feel passionate about.  I am explaining this for my husband's sake, even though he probably will not read this. 

I am putting myself back on the list. You know, the "to do" list.  I put myself on the list because if I don't take care of myself, I can't take care of anyone else, at least not well.  I am giving myself a one hour block of stolen time where it is just me, stripped down to only my thoughts and my stinky shoes.  A block of time where I can think clearly, become one with my soul, talk to God, work through my frustrations, listen to only my music, get that "runner's high" I crave daily, ignore everyone and everything else in the world except the rhythmic beat of my shoes on the pavement.  I sometimes think of what is happening at home while I am running, hoping Phil isn't "torturing the kids" as Jacob sometimes claims.  Is Katelyn crying? Are the kids fighting? I feel guilty enough leaving for my one hour appointment with my running shoes, and then Phil says, "Why do you need to run? It's all about you." Yes, it is all about me for one hour a day.  Yes, I could let the guilt win, and not run, but that wouldn't do anyone any good.  I am a better person when I run, a better mom, a better wife, and I look better in my clothes.  I want my children to be proud of their mom, and see that it is important to invest in your health and well-being.  I want them to know that just because I am a mom doesn't mean I need to be a "frumpy-dumpy" mom who doesn't care what she looks like.  I want my husband to be proud to call me his wife.  

So, all of you significant others out there, if your spouse has a passion about something, don't give them the guilt trip about having to take care of the kids while you're gone, let them embrace their passion! Chances are they feel guilty enough about walking out that door without you adding some extra baggage, and chances are when they get back from their run, golf outing, guitar lesson, etc. they will be a better husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, etc...

First Day of School

Yesterday's Run: 5.5 miles, trail run, perfect weather, no falls.

The first day of school was a success, other than the "raincrap" as Beano said. I had outfits set out, which had to be switched because of the rain, we left 15 minutes before we had to be there, but because of the rain the traffic was horrible. Parents were double parking and being stupid, we were almost late. I didn't even have to time to be sad. When we got home, Beano said to me, "I'm in charge now, ok mama?" He was thrilled to have the house and everything in it to himself. When we picked them up, they came out with big smiles on their faces. Jacob walked down the hall like he owned the place. So proud of my kids!!