The 888 Challenge

Choose 8 categories and read 8 books in each category in 2008. Anyone want to join me?

This is my list for the challenge:

I. Homeschooling / Education / Parenting :
Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Educ. at Home by Susan Bauer and Jessie Wise
When Children Love to Learn by Elaine Cooper
A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion by Oliver DeMille
Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire by Rafe Esquith
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style by Harvey Bluedorn

II. Running / Training :
Explosive Running by Michael Yessis
Chi Running by Danny Dreyer

III. Cultural Understanding :
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
*July's People by Nadine Gordimer
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
*Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
*Molokai by Alan Brennert
*The World to Come by Dara Horn
*Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat
*The Assassin's Song by MG Vassanji
*Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission ... by Greg Mortenson

IV. History / Historical Fiction :
India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha
Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by BJ Lossing
Wives of the Signers, The Women Behind the Declaration of Independence
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw
The Age of Shiva by Manil Suri
1776 by David McCullough
Story of the World Vol.1 The Ancients by Susan Wise Bauer

V. Classics :
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (I've read it before, but it was years ago.)

VI. Read Alouds with the Kiddos :
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald and Hilary Knight
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Last Dragon by Silvana de Mari
Meet Kristen by Janet Beeler Shaw
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

VII. Biographies :
*Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes
It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong


VIII. Just For Fun / Overflow / Other :
Teaching the Trivium by Harvey & Laurie Bluedorn
There Are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith
The Well Educated Mind: A Guide to Classical Educ. You Never Had by Susan Wise Bauer
The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne Duprau
The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne Duprau
Zorro by Isabel Allende
The Twilight Saga (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) by Stephanie Meyer
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
*Memo to the President Elect by Madeleine Albright
*The Good Liar by Laura Caldwell
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan
Raising Cain; Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson

Some categories have more than the eight required... to account for availability from the library, etc. Titles that are not read in 2008, will be postponed for 2009. If you have suggestions of titles to fill in the blanks, let me know. :)


What I’ve Finished
* For Book Club

2 Days 2 Runs

Tuesday 2/26
Plan: Triple Play (3 mi @ GP/3x800 @ C/3mi @T).

As the kids were home and we were alternating between 2 playdates and 2 sessions of childcare (one a.m. and one p.m.) for my girlfriend, I opted to run on the treadmill. I actually prefer the treadmill for speed work anyway... it helps assure I'll hit my desired pace. Outside, I tend to get distracted and caught up in watching the world. :) Anyway, I wasn't quite able to complete the plan as prescribed. As it was, I am happy with 8.
1 mile warmup
3 miles @ 25:39 (8:33 pace)
4 x 800 @ 3:31 each
2 x 1 mile @ 8:06 each
----
8 miles


Thursday 2/28
Plan: 10 miles, including 8 minutes total uphill time.

I got to run outside today and the weather was beautiful. I headed out with the intent of just enjoying myself. No agenda other than to cover 10 miles as comfortably as I could. I tried to run along the river trail, but discovered that the downhill leading to the canal from our subdivision was all ice. Since my fall last year - I play it very cool. I don't want another broken body part.

I thereby opted to run along the road to the old mill and circle the river via the 2 foot bridges. I saw many people down by the river enjoying the warmth of the sun - it was in the low 60s. I asked a couple of individuals if they had been on the trail - neither had. One said she suspected it was pretty muddy so she was staying clear for a couple more weeks yet.

I was a little warm in a long-sleeved technical shirt and capri length running pants. Oh well. I had a great run and truly enjoyed being outside. I nailed 10 miles with an average pace of 9:27, with approximately 13 minutes of total uphill time.

After my run this afternoon, I took the kiddos out for a nature walk. The weather was just so beautiful, I couldn't resist. To read more of our outing, click here.

With the funeral this weekend, I hope I can squeeze in two easy recovery runs as well as 16 mile long run to keep my weekly total above 40. We'll see what happens.

My Grandma Margaret

August 5, 1924 - February 25, 2008

Grandma was a pioneer. A traditional and modern woman, she believed in making the most of whatever you were given. Her passion for cultivation may have been most noticeable in the plants that adorned her home, but it was most lasting in the families of the seven children she raised.

Grandma was an extraordinary woman. She was selfless. In true matriarch fashion, Grandma quietly supported her family. She was a hard-worker, working alongside her husband in numerous restaurants and resort cafes to help support the family. Through it all, she remained strong and triumphant. She remained undeterred. She was a stoic woman.

When I was a young girl, I spent many summer days with Grandma and Grandpa. I loved being near them, listening to them share stories. Learning from them. It is my grandparents to whom I owe my love of family history, a gift they bestowed upon me in those early years.

Not one to show her emotion, Grandma was beyond doubt an unsung hero. Grandma’s caring nature was also evident in her work as a foster parent. She dedicated herself to the children of broken homes for two decades.

When I think of her, I think of her warm embrace. On my bad days, she would hold and comfort me. Grandma would wrap me in her arms and protect me from the rest of the world, and make me feel that everything was going to be all right. Yet there was still so much more to my grandmother.

She loved to travel. When she was planning a trip to Hawaii with her sisters I asked her to bring me back a Hawaiian boyfriend. Imagine my surprise when she did just that... a postcard of a Hawaiian man standing discretely in the waves, dressed only in his birthday suit.

Grandma made the best potato salad, lefse and for those of us brave enough, lutefisk. I once asked for her recipes - she said she didn’t use them, but for Christmas one year, she took the time to write them out for me in her own hand. A gift I’ll cherish forever.

Grandma loved to knit and crochet. She made afghans for each of her grandchildren. She enjoyed crafting things by hand, even rubber trees with prophylactics.

Shortly after my aunt asked me to write Grandma’s obituary, I realized that I had never known my grandmother’s life story. I don’t know the struggles she must have had raising seven children. I know I struggle at times and I have only two. But it is enough for me now that I knew what her house smelled like, the broadness of her smile, the light in her eyes, her love of cooking, the sound of her laugh, the firmness of her voice, and the fact that she loves me.

I love you, Grandma.

Please Bear With Me

I'm in the midst of updating my web home... hopefully changes will be complete soon.

Training Week 6 of 16

Monday 2/18 (Plan = recovery)
Treadmill. 6 miles @ 54:54 (9:09 avg pace). Recovery.

Tuesday 2/19 (Plan = 10 miles including 8 min TUT)
Treadmill. 8 miles w/ 1 mile at 2% incline (~8 minutes TUT). Time ??

Wednesday 2/20 (Plan = recovery or rest)
Rest

Thursday 2/21 (Plan = 3 mi @ GP 8:30 / 3 x 800 @ C 3:30 / 3 mi @ T 8:10)
Outside: 1/2 mile warm-up. 3 miles @ 25:07 (8:22 avg pace).
Treadmill: 3 x 800 @ (3:31 each)
Outside: 3 miles @ 26:02 (8:40 avg pace). 1/2 mile cool-down.

Friday 2/22 (Plan = recovery or rest)
Rest

Saturday 2/23 (Plan = 45-60 min easy)
Treadmill. 3 miles @ 26:21 (8:47 avg pace).

Sunday 2/24 (Plan = 14 mi long run)
Outside: 7.75 miles @ 1:12:?? (9:24 avg pace).
Inside: 6.25 miles @ 58:56 (9:25 avg pace).

Week Total = 40 Miles

Running Playlist ~ Thursday Thirteen

I mentioned previously that I had created a new running playlist for use on the treadmill and I've been asked to share. I haven't participated in the Thrs13 challenge for some time so I felt this was the perfect opportunity. I couldn't narrow my playlist to just 13 songs, however, so I grouped them by artist. Some groups/artists just lend themselves to running - perfect # beats per minute. Some are played regularly by the live bands & supporters who line the streets during a marathon to cheer us on through all 26.2 miles.

1. More Than A Feeling & We're Ready Boston

2. Lost Highway, Keep The Faith, Runaway, Have a Nice Day, Who Says You Can't Go Home & (You Want to) Make a Memory Bon Jovi

3. She's A Runner Billy Squier

4. Are You Ready, Thunderstruck, Shake A Leg, Hells Bells & You Shook Me All Night Long AC/DC

5. Hips Don't Lie & La Tortura Shakira

6. Rock You Like A Hurricane Scorpions

7. Cup of Life Ricky Martin

8. Let's Go Crazy Prince

9. You Better Run Pat Benatar

10. Blinded By The Light Manfred Mann

11. Days Go By Keith Urban

12. Hurts So Good John Cougar Mellencamp

13. Run To You Bryan Adams

But that's not all - my long runs are generally 2-3 hours so I certainly need more! Though, I don't generally bring along the iPod when I'm outside and never during races. I'd much rather take in all that is going on around me. So, here are a few more...

14. Hot Blooded Foreigner
15. It's Not Over Daughtry
16. Higher Creed
17. Dream Police Cheap Trick
18. Born to Run & Born in the U.S.A. Bruce Springsteen
19. Takin' Care Of Business Bachman-Turner Overdrive

I'm still tweaking the list - adding to and taking away - finding the just the right mix. Some are a bit slow but are great for the cool-down.


Thursday Thirteen graphic by Samulli.

I've Registered!

After conferring with DH (comparing calendars, etc.), it is now official. I will be able to participate in the Eugene Marathon this year.... and this time, it will be the full distance! Sweetie even said she would like to run the Kid's Marathon again, so it is a family affair.

I hope we can encourage more friends and family to come out and cheer for us this time. Mom, that means you NEED to get up early - at least to see Sweetie run and to see me finish! :D

On a related note, I have decided not to participate in Peterson Ridge Rumble 30K - it is a trail run and DH reminded me of the possibility of falling. I don't want to risk another injury so I'll be playing it safe on the roads & treadmill.

The Poorest Excuse Ever

We went to the coast for the weekend. My girlfriend was having a baby shower so we conveniently arranged to meet my family for pizza on Friday night to honor my Dad and my little buddy for their February birthdays. Saturday morning I woke up and proceeded to gather my things to go for my long run. I was really looking forward to running outside around Empire Lakes and my hometown. It would be the perfect start to the day... providing enough time to cover the planned 13 miles, eat a wonderful breakfast that my father-in-law prepared, spend the afternoon with my girl, and return home in time for my FILs prime-rib dinner for his 3 boys and their families.

Only, I neglected to pack one thing. I brought my running pants (it is still rather chilly in the morning). I had a long-sleeved technical shirt. I packed my windbreaker. My shoes (two pairs in fact - I wore a new pair on the drive over to start breaking them in), socks, and Road ID. I even remembered chap stick, optional gloves, and my Garmin. I had fuel... both Gu & Hammer Gel. What I neglected to put into my suitcase was my running bra!

I'm not necessarily well-endowed. But I couldn't very well go out with them flopping! URGH! DH said it was a sign that I should rest. My shins did ache just a little. I contemplated driving to the store to buy one - but that seemed wasteful considering I have 3 at home!

As we drove home today... a 5-6 hour drive depending on road conditions (ice, snow, etc.) and how long it takes the kiddos to consume their Happy Meal... I didn't get to run today either.

My 40 mile week just dropped to 18. What a poor excuse for runner I am turning out to be?!

Put Your Left Foot In.... Put Your Right Foot Out

Today was the perfect day for variety! The weather was beautiful (mid 50s and sunny blue skies). The kids went next door for their weekly playdate. I was free to run! And run is just what I did. :D

2 mile warm up OUTSIDE = 16:58
4 x 800 at Speed Interval (3:30) = 3:21 and 3:36 (both outside) & 3:34 and 3:32 (treadmill)
4 x 400 at Speed Interval (1:45) = 1:47, 1:47, 1:46, and 1:44 (all treadmill)
1 mile cool down OUTSIDE = 8:59

Between treadmill intervals, I threw a load of wash into the dryer, started the washing machine, tidied up a few things... not exactly your normal rest interval but certainly efficient.

I developed a new running playlist last weekend (hadn't had one on the iPod since we converted to Mac) and I used it for the first time today during the 400 intervals and the cool down. I love the songs but will likely tweak the arrangement a bit before my long runs. I actually don't use it much - especially outdoors, but it is nice once in a while. Spice! :D

~~
For Valentine's Day, I gave DH a bike trainer - he isn't quite sure what to think of it. It was a complete surprise to him and I'm not sure he is familiar with them. Hopefully he'll get a chance to try it out this weekend. I also made lobster tails and big skewered scallops with shrimp and zucchini and a mango mojo sauce. Yummy!

2x3 at Tempo

Quickly logging my run this morning, 2 x 3 miles at Tempo Pace (8:06). Started with a 1 mile warm-up at 10 min pace. Then did the first interval. I had to stop briefly on multiple occasions to refill sippy cups, referee, get Buddy down from the entertainment center, etc. All brief stops; not long enough to really lower my HR much.

During the rest interval, the kids finally got settled down and were playing with Lincoln Logs. I then started the second interval but was interrupted again before I finished and I decided I best stop after the 2nd mile (6th overall). I managed to squeeze in another mile cool-down (~9:22 min pace) for a total of 7 miles (59:51 total time / average pace 8:33).

I love having the treadmill here in the house. I know I'd never get my runs in otherwise. It is one of the best gifts I've ever received. I am very thankful.

Ice Skating

For the past couple of weeks, Sweetie has been begging us to take her ice skating. I am not certain where she came up with the idea - we've never really seen anyone skating. We kept putting it off... always with other obligations or poor conditions (windy/snowy). The weather and available time finally came together yesterday, so we ventured to the local skate rink for her first experience.

DH said, "I've never enjoyed skating... on wheels or skates. I'll probably spend more time on my arse than actually upright. That doesn't sound like a good time to me." He thereby opted to spend the time taking a few photographs and following Buddy around as he played on mounds of snow. I hadn't been on ice skates since I was about 10 or 12 so I was a little nervous myself. Fortunately, I had attended several school roller skate parties but even then, I am a novice.

You can glimpse the first few moments in this video...



I wasn't sure we would make more than one loop around the rink. She was pretty timid and kept pulling on my arms... I was basically holding her up. I kept asking her to stand up on her own... explaining that I couldn't support her weight and maintain my own balance as well.

A another woman volunteered to help support her by holding her other hand. This helped out tremendously and we did a few laps together. Here she is about 20 minutes after we first stepped onto the ice.



Sweetie, thereafter, had found her balance and was brave enough to do a several laps on her own. The woman who had helped us earlier remarked, "She is doing great! She is so courageous."

Sweetie even discovered how to get back onto her feet after she had fallen. She exclaimed, "I LOVE skating. I don't like it only a little bit when I am about to fall." I completely agree.

She is already eager to go again. She has found a new loved sport. She is blessed with athletic skill, balance and determination. We are very lucky.

For a few more glimpses of our evening, click here.

6 + 6 = 12

The plan for today was 12 miles. With good intentions, I should've gotten up early and gotten it out of the way. But... that is rough. Difficult enough to do in nice weather and the outdoors. More so knowing it would be on the treadmill. I thereby got underway after 1/2 cup of coffee and a little prodding by DH.

I managed to cover 6 miles (57:48) before I had to stop and prepare breakfast for everyone. I made Dutch style pancakes and ate a few bites myself then resumed my long run.

For the final six miles, I started out with a 50 min performance program but after the 1st mile, I decided it wasn't what I had in mind for the day. The incline got up to 8.0 and while that would be good for a hill workout, the programmed pace was pretty slow (3.0 mph). I generally do between 6 and 8 mph, depending on the goal for the day. I thereby restarted and finished the remaining 5 miles at 58:02.

In the end, I covered 12 miles (average pace 9:39) but I'm not certain that I met my long run goal. Is it okay to break up long run into 2 segments? Am I getting the same benefit physiologically?

Either way, this has been a great week. My total distance is just under 40 miles (~39.5) so I'm back into form. I just need to keep it up now for all the races I hope to partake in this spring and summer.

Feeling strong :D

Running & Movies

Made a discovery today.... on my treadmill, I can run while I watch movies on our Mac. Not sure it is good for training, but sure beats the monotony of running indoors with nothing to see but the side of the neighbors house.

4 miles easy. 10 min mile pace.

Back in the Swing

Another treadmill workout completed. I doubt I will actually have many opportunities to run on the road for another month or so... the streets are treacherous even to drive upon, let alone run.

Today's plan was another Tempo Workout - perhaps my favorite. 2 miles at Goal Pace (8:34) 2 miles at Tempo (8:06) and 2 miles at Goal Pace. I did a 1-mile warm-up to start (10:00) and then proceeded. I nailed the paces every mile. It helped that I had to stop to check on the kids every mile or so - they tend to take advantage of the fact that I am distracted/occupied - same thing happens when I am on the phone. They were pretty good today though. Only arguing or getting into things once - coincidentally during the last 1/2 mile of the 1 mile cool-down. Which, by the way, I did in 9:05.

Thus... 8 miles completed in 1:09:33 for an average pace of 8:41. I'm pleased.

This week looks to be a solid training week, assuming all goes as planned tomorrow (easy 45 minutes) and Sunday (12 miles).

A Training Log

A year ago, my girlfriend, Kong, gave me a great training log for Christmas, The Ultimate Runner's Journal. I started using it in Jan of 2007 and at the start of 2008, when all the journal pages were complete, searched unsuccessfully for a new one. I couldn't find the same log anywhere - used ones were on Amazon for over $100 - I still don't understand that, though new listings are now available for under $30.

I browsed the shelves at Barnes & Noble. I even peeked at Jamba Juice (they had log I liked a few years ago). I found a log in the clearance section at a local bookstore and figured it would fill the void. But alas, not all runners logs are made equal. I had become accustomed to the format of the Rich Hanna journal and I couldn't adjust to the different style.
I thereby decided to create my own. I don't have the great inspirational quotes - but it serves my purpose. As I spent a little time creating it - I thought I'd share with you all in hopes that you may find it useful.

A Run With Many Interruptions is Better Than No Run at All

My plan this week has been all jumbled up... not what I originally had in mind but nonetheless I accomplished something. I got Sweetie started on a copywork assignment, Buddy busy with the Legos and then I got underway. I was hoping to cover 8-10 miles (with 6 min TUT) but shortly after I got started, Buddy started his quest for chocolate. He managed to pull Daddy's foot stool into the kitchen, climb up onto the counter and reach up onto the top of the refridgerator to get to the Valentine's candy that Grandma and Papa sent. I hadn't even covered 1/2 mile when I had to stop and intervene.

I tried again a second time and was again interrupted as Buddy started dumping out the colored pencils Sweetie was using. As I was helping her to pick them up, he went over to the treadmill and pulled off the key... thereby erasing the time & distance I had covered. Similar interruptions continued throughout my workout, particularly during the first 4-5 miles. I wasn't able to run more than 1 complete mile without having to stop briefly. Had I been doing intervals at a faster pace, this wouldn't have bothered me so much. As it was, I was going easy and running at about 10 minute miles.

I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to get my workout accomplished but somehow or another, he settled down a little and I was able to do the remaining 5 miles of the workout with fewer interruptions. At mile 6, I increased my pace to 9:40 min miles. At mile 8, I gradually increased the incline (0.0% - 6.0%) and in doing so, also decreased my pace a little as well (10 min pace at 6.0% incline). I returned to 0.0% incline after mile 9 and continued to increase my speed as I did so. The final mile was at about 8:00 min.

The first ~5 miles were lost as Buddy pulled the key off several times. The final 5 miles recorded by the treadmill were completed in 47:13 (9:26) with 10 minutes of total uphill time and a fast finish.

Total Distance: ~9.5 miles.

Go Momma Go

One of the best things about the treadmill is the proximity of the kids.... they play Legos or color in their coloring books on the floor beside me. Occasionally, they climb up onto the chair beside the treadmill to look at the display. Sweetie will ask about the numbers - what the buttons are for, etc. Buddy just starts pushing them - fortunately it beeps before pace or incline changes - for he pushed the 'Speed 12' button and I most certainly would have fallen had I not known. When I started my run on Sunday morning, Sweetie started cheering for me, "Go Momma Go!" A few minutes later she says to me, "I want you to go fast like that man on your web page." At first I wasn't certain who she was referring to ... I thought, how does she know about the other runners who comment on my blog?

When I questioned her, she said, "You know that guy with the mustache?"

"Do you mean Steve Prefontaine?" I asked.

"Yeah! That's his name. You told me before."
"I would love to run as fast as he did, Sweetie, even for just one mile. He was the best in the United States. Some believe he was the best in the world. I run mostly for fun and to take care of myself. I want to get faster, too. I want to do better every time I race. I always try to get better at things I enjoy. I won't ever be as fast as Pre, though, and that is okay. The important thing is to always try your best and to do what you enjoy."

As we had this discussion, I remembered that I had a poster of Pre but that before now, I never really had had a place to display it. When I finished my run, I immediately got out the hammer and a nail. It now has a home next to my treadmill.

Sunday - 3.5 miles
This was supposed to be 10-12 miles w/ hills but as the treadmill is new and the roads were slick, DH wanted me to stay inside and put the treadmill to use ("We need to get our money out of it!"). I didn't really like the idea of doing 12 miles on the treadmill - but didn't argue. I selected a manual program (30 minutes, max incline 10%). The pace was ridiculously slow (15 min mile at 0% incline) so I kept upping the speed until it felt appropriate. At the end of the 30 minute program, I had covered ~2.45 miles (average pace 12:14) but I was wiped out. I threw a load of laundry into the wash and made lunch for everyone and then decided to do another mile before I called it a day.

Monday - 6 miles
I would've loved to swim but that isn't in the cards for me right now. With the treadmill though, I can still get in a solid workout. This week, my goal is to stay on target with my training plan. I completed 6 miles but had several brief interruptions to referee arguments over Legos, fill sippy cups, get Buddy off the kitchen counters, etc. Total time 57 minutes - average pace of 9:10.

I "Heart" My Treadmill

DH helped me to put together the treadmill this morning. We even had to get a friend to help carry it into the house - I can't believe how heavy it is!

I wasted no time putting it to use this afternoon. The plan was to do 2 miles @ Goal Pace (8:34), 2 miles @ Tempo (8:10) followed by another 2 miles @ Goal Pace. I started out with a 1 mile warm-up at 10 min mile pace. After a brief stop for water, I proceeded with the tempo run. The first 2 were relatively easy, though I was pleased to stop after 2 for another 'water break'.

The Tempo Pace was tough! I actually had to stop between each mile for a rest - DH said I looked horrible and that he was worried. My only reply was, "You don't get faster, if you don't practice going fast." He turned to our daughter, who was coloring nearby to say, "I don't know anything about this running stuff. I don't know how she does it."

I actually decided to stop for water after the 6th mile as well. I initially thought I'd resume with Goal Pace again... but opted to cut out one mile. So, the 7th and final mile was my cool-down at 10 minutes again. My endurance isn't what it was 2 months ago. Not even close. But, I am confidant I'll be ready for Eugene in May (maybe not to qualify... but at least to have fun!).

I love having the opportunity to run WHENEVER I want. Doing a double if desired. Cutting a longer run in two if the need arises and not worrying whether the 2nd will happen or not. I love my treadmill. Thank you, Sweetheart, for granting my heart's desire. I love you.

Fruits & Vegetables ~ CHBM Photo Friday

Seeing a though I want to qualify for Boston, I have a lot of work cut out for me. Since I took nearly 2 months off training and thereby have only 13 weeks to train for Eugene, I am not getting my hopes up that I'll qualify in Running Capital & Track Town, USA. I just want to be in shape to go the distance. There are other marathons shortly thereafter - Pacific Crest here in Sunriver (June 28) and Portland (Oct 2) or Bizz Johnson (Oct 12).One thing is for certain, I need to eat better. Because I am a runner, I've always made excuses for eating whatever suits my fancy (even finishing the grilled cheese sandwich my kiddos left - after, of course, eating my own!). I need to take in less fatty foods and incorporate more fruits and vegies. Not that I eat terribly... but I don't pay it any mind. That needs to change. I need to start a food journal to record my daily calorie intake. Starting today!
In light of my desire to improve my eating habits, this week's Photo Friday challenge at Crazy Hip Blog Mamas seems quite appropriate.