Lit Up

5 Miles...

Another great night of sleep... Didn't run this AM. Meetings at the office and TP was supposed to come to Republic to run tonight.

It was nice to get dressed and feel like a 'normal' person and drive into my office and work with people I actually know. I sometimes miss the routine of having a 'normal' job and doing the same thing each day...taking the same roads, stopping at the same Starbucks for a coffee, going to the same desk, driving home in rush hour traffic and complaining about it (because that is what we are supposed to do, right), going to ballgames, fixing dinner, going to home parties with and for friends, being a regular member of a running club or fitness class... BUT, I don't have that life and am extremely thankful for my job as so many others do not have a job and are struggling to get through each day.

Today, Dbek2 left for school and won't be home until close to 5:00 (basketball practice)... I really try to take my time to run when he is sleeping or busy with an activity of his. The closer we get to race day, the longer the runs become and the more time we are away from home. But Dbek2 is so good and understanding...never complains. Especially on the weekends.

However, tonight I was supposed to run with TP, but he text and said he wouldn't be able to run tonight. I am always a little sad when we don't run together, because I am not home that often and spend my time on the road, running on a treadmill and do enjoy hearing his feet on the pavement. It's comforting knowing there is someone who feels and knows what it's like to run distance.

My outlook for 2012 is to really try and find the positive in all situations. I think as humans, we tend to focus on the 'negative', no matter how big or small. So, the upside in TP not running was that I could get the run in, or most of it before Dbek2 gets home, can run some during the daylight and some in the dark. I enjoy running in the dark for several reasons...but do also enjoy getting some much needed Vitamin D, especially during this time of the year.

JB got home around 4:30 and he, AGAIN, was willing and ready to ride with me again. Sooo.... here we go again. Bundled up a little, not like yesterday morning, and started to hit the pavement... except it hit me... We were going to be coming back home in the DARK...why such a big deal???? KNUCKLE LIGHTS!!!!!!!! JB got me knuckle lights for Christmas and this was the first time I would get to use them.

If you are a runner and like to run in the dark...I highly recommend the knuckle lights. They fit any size hand and are no effort to hold while running. They light the path for you, but most importanly...they help motorists to see you.

So, I ran into the house and retrieved the blue knuckle lights and the little red 'flasher' light to put on my arm band. I couldn't wait for the sun to start setting so I could light myself up like a Christmas Tree... (I am still in the Christmas spirit... Christmas music still plays in my ears during my run). JB has flashing lights in his seat, strapped a light on the front of his bike... I am pretty sure we were visible and quite the sight to be seen.

It is so hard leaving the house and Gaige looking at me and wondering why he can no longer run with me. He was my first running partner and one of the best. He was the PERFECT pace setter and could go several miles. Fortunately he is in good health and really doesn't seem to have problems with his hips, legs, etc. and I definitely want to keep it that way. He would run if we would let him. As I was setting the alarm on the house, his big brown eyes were staring at me...so I PROMISED him I would take him for a walk when I got home. I truly believe he knows what a promise is.

When JB and I first got married, we would lie in bed and talk until all hours of the night. Those things happen when you are younger and don't need as much sleep. Those were some of the best talks of our early years together. It is funny how things change over the years.

We started off running and talking right away. We talked the ENTIRE run/ride. We talked about things going on in our little town of 10,000, some problems that friends are facing, our boys...just enjoying our time with one another.

Each run/ride with JB is so special to me. I am so thankful for his support and sacrifice for me as I train. He is such a selfless person. I only hope that I can help him as much (He is doing a mini-tri this coming summer) as he has helped me prepare for this marathon in February.

We took a different route, that wasn't planned and we both LOVED IT. We came across several kids out playing and laughing... and who also seemed to enjoy the nice weather we were having and the sunshine. We had many hills today, JB even mentioned his legs burning!!!! WHOOP!!!


The run was effortless today and ended up being 5.5 miles. I felt like the yellow lab on Crazy Farm, the one that could just run and run and run.

As we came up the street that intersects with ours, guess who was sitting at the window waiting for us? Yep, you guessed it...Gaige. Like I said, I think he knows what 'promise' means. I walked in the door and his behavior told me he knew we were heading out for a walk. I got the leash and the three of us headed out.

Dbek2 was home and of course eating his nacho crackers... yes, crackers spread out on a plate, covered with cheese and microwaved... He's always so good to ask 'How was your run?'

Tip of the day...hydrate, hydrate, hydrate... It isn't what you do the day before or the day of your run, but the week building up to it.