First, my apology.  I’m sorry I have been off the blog for so long.  It was wrong, and even though I have my reasons, I owe it to myself (and to you) to keep current with this journey.  When I first started the blog, I kinda promised myself not to put the negative out there, not to clutter the World Wide Universe with my drama.  But I’ve come to realize….that’s not really very “real“.  Life is full of good and bad, shiny and dull, ups and downs, and if I don’t allow myself to put it ALL out there, then what I am chosing to do is to silence myself.  To “stuff the proverbial sock in it” when the downs come.  Well, no more.  This post is a short and sweet one to catch you up on last week, and then I’m moving on and putting it all out there. Read the rest of this entry →

Marathon Brian has been telling me all along that 90% of distance running is in the mind.  I’ve fought that idea….until this week. Read the rest of this entry →

9 weeks into this Half Marathon Training Plan — represents the halfway mark.  Only 9 more weeks to Race Day.  Wow!  Ugh!  Excited!   Scared!  All these feelings rolled into one.  But that’s how life is supposed to feel right?  One part confidence, one part mystery, with a little dash of spice and surprise thrown in, just for fun. Read the rest of this entry →

You know how some weeks begin in a very different way than they end?  This week started with some fierce, but enjoyable runs…a little bit of snow.  But this week ended with the death of a music icon, Whitney Houston.  Now, you can say what you like about her music — like it or not — but for me, growing up during the era where Ms Houston reigned…. I think her songs, her words, her d@mn powerful emotion taught me what to expect from life, from love, and from myself.   “I found the greatest love of all….inside of me.”.   Wow.  Let the weight of THAT rest upon you for a moment.   Read the rest of this entry →

Another week is past, and more miles added to the training ledger.  This week, I’ve worn 18.5 miles worth of rubber off of my running shoes.  I felt great, but I felt somewhat worn also.  I’ve had a cold this week, which had me down and out for a few days, but somehow I had to manage 6 runs this week.  My long run today (Sunday) was only 6.5 files.  Only….LOL…see what happens to you when you squeeze 9 miles out of your heart and pour it out on the road.  The very next week, 6.5 miles becomes ONLY.    Irony is delicious sometimes. Read the rest of this entry →

I’m home from work today with a bad bad cold.  It’s been circulating for weeks and finally caught up with me.  Oh well.  I had some chicken soup for lunch and (not sure if it’s mind over matter), but I feel a little better already.  It will take me a few days, but I will be back on my feet.  I’ve spent alot of today napping on the couch under a soft, warm blanket, and watching some television. Read the rest of this entry →

You know this dance, right?  Ugh.  Right Read the rest of this entry →

Taking a few minutes to sing the praises of Vitacoco 100% pure coconut water.   I know it’s a Fad.  Coconut water is the latest “thing” being touted by all the trainers and nutritionists on TV and in magazines.    It’s on the shelves in all the stores.   But that’s typically a reason why I WON’T drink or eat something.  I’m not a Fad person.  I generally don’t like to be “sold” on something.  I don’t succumb to commercials.  Yet, once I do come to love an item, I am a BRAND loyalist!!   This is why Hostess going bankrupt this year was a GOOD THING.  Heck, ONE of us had to go down….and whew, thank god it wasn’t me!! Read the rest of this entry →

17 and 1/2 miles later , and Training Week #6 comes to a close.  Yet, here is a piece of advice — never let a week come to an end without having learned something that makes a difference in your life.  Look for it, seek it, be relentless about it.  Otherwise, you may be falling back Asleep…..and we worked SO HARD to become AWAKE.  Hold it tight in your fist!  Don’t let it go!

Nine (9) of those 17 and 1/2 miles took place on Sunday.  From my house, over the hills, past the Alpaca, beyond the fire house…….9 miles takes you places.   Read the rest of this entry →

……….for fixing my perspective!  I’ve been looking ahead all week to my Sunday long run, and quite frankly….it’s been worrying me.  Sunday asks for NINE miles!  9. Read the rest of this entry →