Sunshine Day

Monday: 6.64 miles
Today I was just planning on a quick run, Anna originally wanted to go, but after a long day at school she was pooped.  My short run turned into a glorious long run.  The weather was perfect, for although I love to run in the rain, I also love the perfectly blue sky, with white cotton ball clouds, 70 degrees, with a light breeze run.  I ran my favorite trail  by the river, until I came to the point where it was under water.  The river is dangerously close to spilling over it's edges, and in some spots it has.  So I ran, and instead of taking the short way home, I took the long.  I knew Katelyn was down for her nap, Jake was chillaxing with the X-Box, Beano was upstairs resting on the couch and Anna was playing on the laptop.  All had snacks, drinks, etc., so I knew everyone would be OK for a bit.  I soaked up the sun on what may be one of the last truly gorgeous days for a while, and just ran.  

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.

Let the Training Begin!

That's right, I'm officially training for the Mankato half-marathon.  After a few days of physical and emotional pain, Katelyn is no longer my "breast friend".  I have successfully weaned her and we've both survived.  

Saturday: 7.5 miles 
Monday: 4.5 miles in the sweltering 90 degree heat-my body did NOT like the change in weather, I'm afraid nature won on this day as I only made it 45 minutes.

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...

REALLY???

Saturday: 6 miles
Tuesday: 6 miles
Wednesday: 5.5 miles

So, as the title says, REALLY?? Am I being punished for something? Because on Tuesday, I fell AGAIN. IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT as 10 days ago. Definitely know what I tripped on though, a stupid sewer drain which is supposed to be level with the ground, nope not this one, this drain cover is dome shaped. So, once again I go flying, landing on all fours with my butt in the air. Once again, I leave a piece of my knees in the street, but this time the blood is gushing, for my not-yet-healed wounds reopen and brings tears to my eyes. And this time I get rocks stuck in my hands. And this time cars slow down and I fear they will stop to help me, and my pride is most definitely wounded.  But once again, I hurry to my feet and keep going, because what else is a runner to do? When I get home, my sweet, sweet boy Jacob hurries to ask if he can get me some band-aids, and runs to the bathroom to get a cold washcloth for me. Did I mention he is so sweet? And my husband, who knows me too well, just shakes his head, for he CAN believe I fell yet again.

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!!

Back to School, Back to School...

 As I type that title, all I can think of is Billy Madison waiting for the bus singing that song.

 Tuesday run: hard run, 4.5 miles: I got one heck of a workout yesterday with the wind gusts of 40 mph, but when the wind wasn't gusting, it was gorgeous! Nearing the last mile of my run, I saw a runner ahead of me, and my competitive juices started flowing. I'm not even sure why I wanted to pass her, but I did, so I sprinted the last 3/4 of a mile of my run, leaving her to eat my dust ;). I ran my 4.5 mile run in 38 minutes (while it usually takes me 45 minutes). Ahhh, exhilarating.  No run today, we're having a back-to-school party, with pizza, and back-to-school cupcakes, and a beer for mama.

So everything is set for school. We had entrance conferences and school pics yesterday. Love, love, love both teachers. Jake's teacher said she doesn't really believe in homework, which is awesome, because I am a HUGE supporter of not having hours of homework. Studies have shown that having homework is NOT beneficial to the student, after being in school all day, the last thing a kid wants to do is homework.  "No child left behind": DUMB, and that's all I have to say about that. 

Backpacks, check. New outfits, check. New charts for getting ready on school mornings, almost check. The kids are so excited to go to school which is such a huge relief, it makes me excited for them. (Also a bit teary-eyed which has happened the last two years, so we'll see if I can make it w/o crying). I think the person most excited for school is Beano, and I don't mean to actually go to school himself, but for Jake and Anna to go to school. Phil told him he'll be the boss when they're gone. HA! Can't wait for that. I asked him to get dressed this morning, and he said "Yep, right after I shoot you." (with a Spider-man toy). My kids are the best. 

A Bonfire and Bloody Knees

Saturday: 6 miles
Sunday: 5 miles

Mmmm, smores.  I LOVE bonfires, mainly because of the smores. The weather was perfect, the kids were awesome, and everyone enjoyed the evening.  Phil and the kids were playing football, (tackle football), and Anna got tackled and came running in the house saying, "Bloody nose!". No tears, just needed a paper towel, stuck it up her nose and went right back out to play.  She's tough. 

Sunday, went for a run in the morning, was a little tired from Katelyn being up every two hours the night before, and was about 1o minutes into my run when I tripped and fell on all fours in the street. Yes, this was an ugly fall. I think I tripped on uneven pavement, but when I went back, it didn't look uneven, so I can't be sure. Anyways, I tried to catch myself, and landed on my hands and knees.  I hurried to my feet hoping the people in the 10 cars around me didn't see what had happened. With bloody knees, I keep on keepin' on, and finish my run, feeling slightly humbled.  I think that every clumsy thing that happens to me is God's way of keeping me humble. 

Karma rocks! 

Catch up...

So, like the title says, I need to get caught up. So much to do in so little time! First to get caught up on my running log. Last Thursday we took a trip to Sioux City to visit my dad and step-mom. No run that day. But, a good tip to anyone who has arm-wrestling kids in the way back seat and you want them to settle down a bit: Tell them the mail car you just passed with the yellow siren on was really a police car who was checking for seat belts being worn properly. It worked for a few minutes anyways.  Friday, treadmill run: 5 miles. A very ineffective form of discipline: Yelling "Knock it off!" from a floor below while running on the treadmill with my headphones in, yet still hearing them fight a floor above. (Katelyn was sleeping through it all). Saturday: 5 mile run around rural South Sioux while "grandma Paula and grandpa Gordy" watched the kids. Thanks for all your help, Dad and Paula!! Sunday: Drove back to Mankato, no run that day either. Monday: Worked all day, no run that day either. Oh dear, I needed a run that day after a very frustrating day at work, but having not seen the kids at all made for it being very difficult to get out the door, so I sat with my running clothes on until bedtime. Oh well. Thursday: Run with Anna, 4.5 miles. She did awesome again despite a wipeout that left her with a bloody elbow and a scraped knee. Good thing I had her wear her helmet! Poor clumsy dear. 

And that's all for now. Beano wants to play the computer, and is calling me a "miniac", yes he means maniac. I seriously don't know where he learns all these bad words from. Maisy watch out, the corruption will begin soon!