The ramp up to a half marathon was taking a toll on my body. The fact that I was working on healing many injured parts did not help my add more stress to the body. Likewise, Ryan’s full-time work and full-time school schedule wasn’t allowing him time to properly prepare either. We could have pushed through, but I didn’t think that would bode well for my body. Therefore, I won’t be running a half marathon on April. Perhaps later this year. In the meantime, just running and enjoying the runs (however long or short) is what I plan to do.
Spring Update
The last time I wrote, there was a hummingbird nesting in my backyard. If you’re wondering why I have been silent, it is because the nest was attacked shortly after my post – pieces of nest hanging from multiple branches, no sign of an egg anywhere, and momma hummingbird flying frantically about the area. I have no idea if she laid more eggs elsewhere or if she took some time to mourn the loss. I’d certainly understand, if that was the case.
Meanwhile, the anniversary of Tom’s passing came and went. This year marked 15 years since he left us. BoBo came up from SoCal to have dinner with YaYa and I. We reminisced a little, but mostly enjoyed an excuse to be together during these crazy times. It’s so hard to believe that those little boys of 8 and 14 years old are now grown men with such busy lives. I’m sure their father would be proud to see the men they have become. In fact, YaYa is getting ready to transfer to Tom’s alma matter.
Training-wise, I am struggling to find my happy pace. I did, however, find a few old voice recordings from Tom and the boys encouraging me to run fast. AND, I found some from you as well. The voices and accompanying words of encouragement that fueled me in my many BQ attempts, now fuels me to simply keep up the effort. Whether it is Coach Jeff reminding me to “dig deep”, Thunderclap saying “Cwoss the finish line”, or Runner Susan telling me that I have “great hair”; it all makes me smile, which keeps me moving. And I just want to say that I am still so grateful for all of the support and love over all these years.
As for the race, at this point (with < 20 days before toeing the line), all I can hope for is to finish the race in one piece.
In with the New (HNY)
A year ago, I wrote about how 2020 was not a year that needed a my year-in-review post. Twenty twenty-one was no different. I mean, the year was slightly different, but the year as a whole is not one in need of highlighting. Seriously, the fact that I have written less than a handful of posts should be telling enough.
You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory.” – Ted Lasso
Now, let’s all be a goldfish and forget 2020 and 2021. [Read more…]
Boot, Scoot, Boogie
While I sit at home, working and watching Kobe grow into his feet, I entertain thoughts of him accompanying me on long hikes and eventually backpacking excursions. As I do, I think about getting him accustomed to hauling his own water or other items. In my free time, I research packs and doggie boots to protect his delicate puppy paws. I think it’s funny what motivates us/me in these days of COVID. Don’t you?
Upon acquiring some second hand Ruffwear Boots, I eagerly put them on him. Not surprisingly, Kobe is eager to free his paws from the boots I’ve just put on him. Repeatedly, he frees his paws, only to have me put the boots back on him. With the boots now on all 4 paws, I run circles around the house, playfully encouraging him to chase me. We make a few circles through the living room, down the hallway, into the dining room, and back into the living room. I decide to change it up and quickly make a turn into the family room. As I do, he follows me, boots flapping along as he tries to figure out how to maneuver with them. Then, it happens…
out of place
The sun is out and we have been cooped up in our homes from several months now. Many of us, have gained a pound or two, or more.
We are ready for a change. We are out of sorts while we “shelter in place.” It’s time to get out of place and MOVE.
We put one foot in front of the other, swing our arms forward and back, and listen to the sound of our feet meeting the dirt and/or pavement. It’s music. It’s magical. It’s the great OUTDOORS.
Honestly, it doesn’t really matter what we do at this point. I think it is just a matter of getting out and about. It’s not normal to stay cooped up inside for months on end. It’s time to find a new normal again. So, we pack up a few things and take it outside. The sun and wind on our skin feels glorious.
When we return to our homes once more, we will be far better than before.
And when the masks come off, we will likely be smiling again.