This Little Comment Made My Day

So this is just a little thing, but (as fellow runners and exercisers) I think you'll understand.

I was standing in line the other day at the bank - holding my 2-year-old, wearing jeans, a shirt and sandals - and a random guy says to me: "Are you a runner?"

Me (pause): "Actually, yes - I am!"

Random guy: "I can tell. You look like a runner."

Me: "Really???" (**SMILE**)

Now, this guy was not hitting on me. Turns out he is a marathon runner who is not running in the Country Music Marathon this year because of an achilles tendon injury (ouch). But this little exchange totally made my day. I've been so f0cused on training to run 13 miles that I haven't thought too much about the physical changes that might be going on. Pegging me as a runner was a huge compliment.

And so I'm gearing up for the Country Music Half Marathon this weekend and hoping (with help from my running buddy) that I can run the whole way.

Good luck to all who are taking part in the whole or the half!!!

Good Morning! I'm going to begin a daily 'list of things to do' here, just like I do everyday ... let's see how well I can stay on task and just how much I can accomplish in one day!!!

Friday: Start with 2 cups of coffee!
Discuss latest news with Mr Mullen
Feed horses
Pet Orange Cat with stage 4 heart murmer
Play with dogs
Check Stock tanks
Breakfast (wild blueberries, plain organic Greek yogurt, 1/4 c. homemade granola)
Trip to Cane Creek Market to get Granola Ing. and other cool stuff!
Lunch (Salad with l.o. grilled chicken and balsamic vinegerette)
TLC (Trey's Day Care at our church, with Rocky and Jack, Mule Day Activity)
Feed horses
Play with dogs
Supper (Fish Tacos) on screened porch so we can relax and watch the sunset!


Yesterday was fantastic ... I went to Murfreesboro to visit Sarah and Jack. We went to the "Special Trip", had lunch (sushi) with Patrick, worked on a flyer for Summer Camps and ran some errands. It was so nice!
On the way home I stopped at the grocery to pick up something to throw on the grill. Heather and Trey joined us for dinner (marinated pork tenderloin, sweet potatoes, pasta salad and fresh asparagus out of the garden). Then Trey went out and helped me feed the horses ...
It was a busy day but very enjoyable!
Have great day and wonderful weekend ... there's plenty to do around the farm. We'll keep you posted!

Get Out!

We all have different motivations for getting fit. I've been thinking about mine lately, and I thought I'd share a few.

1. My kids. I have two rough-and-tumble boys, and lying around the house is just not an option. They literally bounce off the walls (or climb - see photo above) when I don't get them out somewhere to exercise. Running, climbing, rolling, biking, scootering, skating - whatever the activity, exercise makes us all sleep better, eat better, feel happier and talk nicer.

2. My mental heath. Running helps me feel more calm and in control. I usually have more energy, a better attitude and a can-do approach to challenges when I start my day with a run.

3. Camaraderie and accountability. I've found a fabulous running partner in my neighbor Erin. We talk, vent, laugh and generally help each other along. It was raining outside at 5:15 this morning, and I was considering wimping out. So I texted her.

Me: Raining - still want to go?

Erin: Yes - no thunderstorms.

Me: OK!

We ran between 5-6 miles in the rain and the dark, and we both felt great about it. Without that nudge, I'm sure I would have crept back under the covers.

4. Goals. It feels good to be working toward something that has to do with my own well-being. This time it's the Country Music Half-Marathon. After that, I'll focus on some shorter races to keep me going.

5. Lookin' good. Running about 20 miles a week along with other activities has the great side benefit of keeping your weight down. You can't help but feel great about that.

No Regrets

I came across this thought a few weeks ago on the Runner’s World Web site, and it has helped me get out the door more than once. (It's actually part of the article Jenn linked to in a previous post):

"You rarely regret the runs you do; you almost always regret the runs you skip."

I’m training for the half-marathon (my first!), and sticking to a training schedule has been tough - especially with two young children and an unusually snowy winter. I’ve been doing most of my weekday runs in the early morning hours and long runs on weekends. My farthest run to date is seven miles, but I’m sticking to that schedule and slowly adding distance. Isn’t it amazing how good you feel – and how much you accomplish – on the days you run? I seem to have more energy to chase after my boys, which is a big part of why I’m working to stay in shape.

Just thought I’d share the little quote that helps keep me on track.

Run Jenn Run....

Ran 10 miles yesterday, can't feel my legs today!  Oh the exquisite pain I am in....Warm bath and a glass or two of wine tonight! 

Hilarious Must Read Article for Runners....loved it!

A Few Rules to Run By/Active.com

Here and I just thought I should bring tissues with me on my runs to help with the snot problems...so NOT hard core hahaha!

Oh and for anyone who is interested....this girl ran her first 10 miles this weekend and my Mini is 50 days away.  I WILL so be ready!!!! 

"run it off" or "back it off" - ???

So since I'm a beginner who is just now getting up there in the miles (6 is the longest I've got so far) what is your advice on those little aches and pains that come with starting out running?  I've got a little joint (knee/ankle) pain and some soreness in my upper back.  I am lucky that so far no shin splints but I've got good shoes from what I can understand and running on pavement....but just a lot of pressure on those joints so I was just wondering if anyone has advice on when to "run it off" or when to "back it off?"  

Thoughts?