A Week Away, Instagram, New Phone, and New Car

This is quite possibly the summer of "new" for me.  I am all for it, but spreading out the "new" is more my style.  Last weekend, I drove about 20-23 hours total and 8 of those hours were in a new-to-me car.  Introducing - the Pearl 2014 Toyota Prius - although the monthly payment was not my idea of a fun time, getting a reliable and eco friendly car was.  So - I am trying out things and for the most part, I am adjusting well.  Note - Do not trust empty carts, because they will bump against your car.  Sigh - the car is ok and I was mortified.  Such is life with me, but I am reminding myself it was bound to happen.

Running news - well - I do not have any, since I did not do any.  That's what happens when you are worn out all week and spend the weekend playing catch-up, adjust, and make the most of what you can.  This would have been me, if the temperatures had not been in the 90s:

Or, if folks at work knew me a bit better and I could be trusted to take short power naps, this would have happened:

Exercise resumes this week and I am excited.  My planning for lunches/dinners still could be better, but I am improving.  Now off to read some more go I!

Along with new, my phone (6SE) is working and I can resume Instagram posting.  Instagram is so much fun.  It makes me smile and get excited in a way that most social media does not.

Happy Sunday & good luck with the challenges each new day brings!

All I thought of was Ice, Cold Water!

This morning, after 4 rough nights of sleep, I could not get myself out of bed in time to run before work.  I barely did so yesterday, but technology conspired against me.  So, I got home, did some stuff, and head out for a run around 7 pm.  Within minutes of heading into the 88-90 degree weather all I thought of was this:

Even the nearby pools at about 1.5 miles were sounding great!  I finished up my run, which at this stage is only 3 miles, and patted myself on the back.   I am covered in sweat and, if I jump in a pool, the temperature would be such a shock that I might get a cold.  This is not a joking matter.  I have Reynaud's, which means I change temperatures really quickly, but thankfully it is the minor version.

I am going to attempt 3 posts this week.  It might not happen, but we shall see.

Happy Exercising!

"Keep Moving" and Serious Training Starts

Yesterday morning, I checked out more books than I planned from the local public library.  Should this come as a surprise?  No - I might not get through all of them, but so far they are fun.  We need more fun.

At any rate, "Keep Moving" by Dick Van Dyke helped me gain some perspective about my current running progress.  Am I moving?  Yep - do I get a little better each time?  Yep - do I ever expect compete professionally?  No - I am running for me.  After chatting with a person at a running store, I nearly deferred or switched races for November 12th.  The computer malfunctioned, which gives me some additional time to consider if I can do it or not.

It also helped me realize that getting older is inevitable, which I knew, but that it does not mean the joys of every day life disappear.  My focus tends to be on advancing in my career and that's it.  This book is another reminder that it is possible to have a life outside of work and I can do this.  At one point in my life, it was not such a "big deal."

After completing 15 miles of running and cross-training, I am tired but overall I feel ok.  Given that I had not run much at all a week ago, this gives me hope.  So - the semi-serious training starts tomorrow with a goal of completing the September 2nd half marathon and not getting injured or losing the love of it in the process.

Let's give a big congrats to Tina Muir for doing so well in the European Championships today!  To those running for the Olympic Trials spots today, good luck!  I will be happily cheering for all of you from afar.

Happy 4th of July and 2 Running Recaps

It is hard to believe that today is the 4th of July.  A month ago, for instance, I was painting, selling things, and preparing myself for the last days of my previous job.  Today, I am settling in and preparing for my first day of work.  I have been in my new location one week as of this afternoon and that is frightening but good.

So far, I have gotten in two different runs.  The first one was in the neighborhood and the second was at a metro park.  I am still adjusting to when and to where I will be able to comfortably and safely run in the mornings and evenings.  My body is readjusting to life with running as a consistent part of it.  It got lazy and now it is remembering what it means.

Before moving in 2012, the fireworks at 4th of July were among my favorite parts of the holiday.  Now - though - I am done with it.  So - enjoy your fireworks and please cease setting them off starting tonight!

Happy 4th of July and Happy Running.