Switching It Up

Per the post yesterday, I have already started to change things a little.  Last night I went to Body Pump - more because of my class requirements than a true desire, but it was good.  I had run that morning, feeling tired and sluggish so I was surprised to have much....umph in the class.  I'd had a rough-ish day and I quite literally took it all out on a bar bell (something I will pay for later today). 

This morning I attended a 5:30 a.m. yoga class instead of running.  This was also for the course I am taking here at UAH, but it was a test run of sorts as well.  I wanted to see if I liked the class, if I minded getting ready in the gym, and if it made my schedule too crazy.  

It was actually a really nice break from the more rigorous activity of running so early in the morning.  The room was dim and the music was soft and peaceful as the instructor smoothly guided us from exercise to exercise, pose to pose.  I focused on my breathing and my movement, trying to allow the two to flow together.  It felt like the perfect way to welcome a day.

During the last 5 minutes we focused on relaxing and with each inhalation of breath we were to bring in health, peace and the things that make us happy.  As we exhaled we were to let go of stress, worries, anxieties or anything of that sort, clearing our minds.  I took a deep breath (or several, actually) and as I let it out, more than releasing it into the air, I tired to release all of those things to my Lord. 

After class I headed to the locker room for a shower.  Because I have showered in this gym before after the occasional lunch time run, I knew that the third shower from the right had awesome water pressure.  And it was open.  So after a great yoga class, I got a wonderfully hot shower, as the water pelted my shoulders and back. 

By 7:00 I was ready so I drove to Atlanta Bread Co. for a bagel and a LARGE coffee.  Vanilla Nut to be exact.  I got to work by 7:30 and that was without fighting the horrendous traffic I usually sit in each morning.

So...I'm thinking this yoga class may be a weekly Tuesday ritual.  This afternoon I have No Boundaries, so I will run the 2.5 miles to mark the course, and then run it again with my group.  But when the program is over, I can choose to take Tuesdays off from running completely or do something short after work.  Either way, I think I am going to enjoy switching it up!

Losing Steam

After a PR marathon in February, a PR half-marathon in March, and then a brutally hot marathon in April, I think I am feeling a little burned out.  Not only physically, but mentally as well.  Lately I have lacked the motivation, the interest and even the desire to get out and run.  It is unpleasant to say the least.  Especially when Easter candy abounds.

There are several 10k races coming up and all of them are favorites of mine.  I had planned to get serious about some speed work and hill training after recovering from the April 9th marathon but...I have lost the drive to get after it and as the dates approach, I shrug my shoulders and simply hope for the best.

I know this kind of thing happens.  I know I can't go at it hard and fast and expect my body and mind to continue indefinitely.  I wish I could, but the truth is I need a break.

So what is a girl to do in order to get past the post-marathon blues?  How do I get my steam back and what do I do in the interim?  Well, I've got a plan.

1.  Gym Classes - I know I mentioned this already, but these things really help.  They work different muscles than the ones I use to run, burn calories and help me keep my fitness level up.  They are fun too and that keeps me coming back.

2.  Jump Roping - I recently bought a jump rope from Target and I spend about 10-20 minutes on the back patio a few afternoons a week.  It is much more of a workout than I realized, and I have discovered that I can even do a few tricks.  Of course...it really hurts when I whack myself with the rope but...it is new and different so for now, it is working.

3.  The Push Up Challenge - I think I overshot just a bit in starting this challenge at Level 3, so I'm starting over TODAY at Level 2.  I think if I make it too hard too soon I'll give up.  I wrote about this challenge a few days ago, but it consists of 3 short workouts a week and promises to get one to 100 push ups by the end of 6 weeks...we shall see.

4.  Leaning on my Friends - I've got a GREAT group of running gals here in Madison, and a few others as well who don't run with my morning crew.  Sometimes it is not so much about the run, but getting to spend time with them that gets me out the door.  When I begin to feel burnout, spending time with them is the only thing that helps me get in the miles I need.  I am so grateful for the blessing of good friends who also like to run. 

5.  Permission to Rest - I know the four things above seem to be continuing the fight against rest, when what I really need is more of it but I only include those things as a way to sort of fake it till I make it.  I also have to give myself permission to rest - and that includes my mind as well as my legs.  Stop watching the clock (or the watch).  Stop demanding high weekly mileage (and feeling bad when I don't get it).  Enjoy the friends, the scenery, the music, the sweat.  Rest in mind, body and spirit.

That is what I'm going to have to be about until my steam is restored.  I'm not sure how long that will be, but I think I'm at peace with the process.  As for the 10ks approaching...I will approach them with peace and joy as well.  And who knows...that might be exactly what I need.

The Non-Mom's Thoughts on Moms

My sister and her kids

I know this is primarily a running blog, but occasionally I use it for other things.  Running is a big part of my life, but there are lots of other big parts.  One big part is that I'd like to be a mom some day.  I'm leaving this up to God (or trying to) and if I'll be a good one and it fits in with His plan, so be it.  If it does not fit into His plan for me, it may be disappointing but I'll do whatever He does have planned.

That said, I find it interesting, somewhat annoying and discouraging to see all the negative mom posts on Facebook and to even hear them in conversation.  Especially those who I know to be Christians.  No, I don't expect Christians to be perfect simply because they believe in God, but I do expect them to know better at times. 

I have heard it said again and again in marriage seminars and classes of all sorts that spouses should not talk badly about one another in public or even to their friends.  Now, I think women need other women and talking about the struggles we face in marriage should be used to encourage and build up our fellow wives.  But there is a difference in discussing struggles and husband bashing.  Just like there is a difference in discussing hard days with a child and discipline, and child bashing. 

I would also like to remind these ever-complaining mothers that (most of them) CHOSE to have kids.  Many of them cried, whined, gnashed their teeth and spent every day longing for these unborn children.  And then, when they got them... the whining continues...? 

I'm certainly not saying it is cake.  I'm fully aware that parenting is one of the most challenging and important tasks a person can undertake. I don't approach it lightly.  In fact, it is sort of impressive that I'm approaching it at all given my previous inclinations (or lack thereof) toward parenthood.  I am aware of the sleepless months and years, the worry, the sickness, the awful presents left in diapers day after day, and that with each new year of age comes brand new challenges, fears, questions and doubt.

But come on.  There are women still longing to be moms.  There are women contemplating it.  And there are those like me who freak out just a little (or a lot) at the thought of it while thinking it might be an adventure on which they'd like to embark anyway!  And while I know it is not easy and that is an understatement, should moms (especially Christian ones) not be aware of these other women and temper their words (and whining) just a tad?

Mom and Daughter - shaving cream fight at camp

My sister is a mom and I have been with her every step of the way.  I have witnessed it ALL from the head poking through (both times), to every stage up to their current ages of 9 and 6.  Watching Julie do it all these years is what has made me see how wonderful it can be and to decide I'd like to do it too.  She is the absolute BEST mother I have ever known and I think she should teach seminars on the subject.  If I am HALF the mom she is...I'll be a good one.  I run with mothers close to my age and I listen to their joys, funny stories and some struggles too.  So I get the picture. 

It isn't just the negative comments that get to me but the ones where the kids get to decide things.  The three year old has more of a say than the 33 year old mother.  How does that work, exactly?  The siblings fight and that is just what they are doing?  When my sister and I fought, there were consequences.  I think those consequences we faced when we were young are the very reasons we are best friends today.  Fighting with my sister was not allowed.  Period.  And she is my hero today.  As for the word, "no" what does that really mean anyway?

I know it is a little gutsy of me, the non-mom, to talk this way.  I almost cringe at the thought of God "showing me" if I get too prideful, too sure of myself and how I will do it when it is my turn.  But really, what I want to say to those complaining, whining, helpless mothers is to consider those who will follow in their footsteps.  Those women who will need their strong, good example when the going gets tough.  And as you probably know, it WILL get tough.  And I humbly remember that as I approach the idea of parenthood myself.

I'd like to leave you with three articles and a blurb.  The first is an article on CNN Opinion that I thought rocked the house.  I'd much rather you read this than anything I've said above.

"Parents, Don't Dress Your Girls Like Tramps" by LZ Granderson

The second is a blog post on discipline posted by my friend, Brett.  More than share opinions, he asks questions, but I think they are good ones and the thread of comments is equally as thought provoking.

"Corporal Punishment: to spank or not to spank" by Brett Harrison

The last article is a blog post by my friend Katie on her blog titled "How We Roll:  Katie's Blog About Marathoning and Mothering."  I loved this post because she too is a runner, but it is the mothering that she focuses on here and I love what she has to say.

"Putting It Into Perspective" by Katie Maehlmann

And the blurb is an e-mail from my mom sent yesterday.  She is a GREAT mom, married to an AMAZING dad, and she is a retired high school guidance counselor.  Why no one has asked her to speak to the masses on child raising is beyond me.  She's a pro at not only raising them, but helping parents.  I leave you with her passionate paragraph on the subject.

My whole life/career, I have become very frustrated with the lack of parenting skills that most parents have.  If you spend much time stewing about this, you will go crazy because MOST parents these days, and it HAS gotten worse and worse, are just plain abusive to their children because of their lack of discipline and teaching respect for authority.  That is what this allowing kids to dictate what will occur really is...abuse. I think if we could stand on a mountain and shout it or tell those who are guilty since we can't shout it from the mountains, we have done our part to give the children of this world some hope.  When we are afraid to MAKE our children do what we want them to do in the name of "choosing our battles" we are wimps, cowards, and we are literal1y harming our children!  If God "parented" His children like this we would all be in a mess.  Parents are the bosses and if they don't assume that role, kids grow up to be frustrated, angry, undisciplined, disrespectful brats and thus, adults.  

And then her words to Julie:  YOU are THE best mother that I know or have ever known.  You have a balance between discipline and love and it is working!!

Caleb and my mom - the best Gran in the world

Tuesday's Treat

Today's treat is cottage cheese and fruit.  To me, this is a cool and refreshing snack perfect for those hot summery days (like today). I also like it in the hour after I run.  A dietitian and friend recently spoke to our No Boundaries group about running nutrition and she said that runners have about an hour after their workout to refuel muscles and give back what they used up.  This helps with recovery, tiredness later and muscle health.

I personally like Breakstones Low Fat Cottage Cheese, although it does contain Modified Food Starch. I was a little unsure if that was good or bad, and while this article is not totally conclusive, it tells you what it is.  I may seek out a different brand in the future if I learn it is unhealthy.  As far as the fruit goes, you can't really go wrong there!  I prefer peaches, mandarin oranges or pineapple in mine, but your personal favorite would probably work just fine.  You can cut these up fresh or buy them already cut or canned or jarred.  As I've cautioned before, however, read the label.  I prefer fruit in water or 100% fruit juice.  I tend to stay away from the heavy or even light syrups.

A small cup of cottage cheese is about 90 calories and has 11 grams of protein.  The fruit serving and type would be up to you.  Either way, it is a great snack for warmer days and for refueling after a workout.  Enjoy!

The Push Up Challenge

Now that my little marathon season is over until cooler climates return, I am in the process of switching gears a little and trying to focus on full body fitness.  While training I told myself I needed upper body strength, core strength, and flexibility but...taking the time to work on those things while fitting in all the miles I wanted just didn't happen.

And that is when things started to complain.  Legs ached even when they weren't running.  Knees didn't like staying in one place very long.  Feet were angry upon getting out of bed or up from my desk.  So, despite my "mile junkie" attitude, I'm going to try to step away (but just a little). 

I plan to return to attending some of my favorite gym classes.  I plan to try to do some sort of weights/resistance training twice a week.  I'd also like to get back on my bike and hit the pool in preparation for any triathlons Jason and I may want to enter this summer.  I will keep running, but instead of 6-7 days a week, I'd like to take it down to 4-5.

My sister helped me with this new focus of mine just last week by telling me about The Push Up Challenge and inviting me to do it with her.  I went to the website, read about it and I was game!  I took my initial test yesterday, doing 12 push ups (with knees).  I'm hoping to eventually become strong enough to do them without my knees but for now...that is where I am. 

The program is broken up into 6 weeks and they claim that by following the 3 workouts planned each week, I will be able to do 100 push ups by the end of the program.  I think that would be just plain awesome.

Since I did 12 push-ups, today's workout consists of 5 sets - 12, 10, 7, 7, at least 9.  My next workout will be Wednesday and then my 5 sets will be 12, 10, 8, 8, at least 12.

Interested in joining me and Julie on our challenge?  If you have the smallest stirring of an interest...if you asked yourself, "Could I possibly do this?"  I think you ought to try.  We are talking about 30 minutes a week here, so time shouldn't be an issue.  If you need an accountability partner, holler at me by way of Jane.Reneau@gmail.com.  Join us in the push up challenge!

Catching Up

Upon returning home from the marathon, I feel like I've hardly had a moment to breathe.  And I don't count those moments when I get home at 7:00pm and all I can think about is what I'm going to eat and if there is time for a show on TV before a shower and bed (which begins calling to me around 8:00pm).  Although, to be honest, I did have a wonderfully luxurious nap on Sunday before tackling some housework. 

Monday and Tuesday consisted of spending all day in the recording studio at work recording a class that I will then build and put online.  In my 8ish months here at UAHuntsville Professional and Continuing Studies Dept, this has been my first encounter with a less than stellar instructor.  I don't mean he's not intelligent - he is very much so.  So intelligent that following the guidelines of our distance learning format when teaching was unacceptable.  He basically did whatever he wanted while teaching his "in-class" class.  As for the video I'm left to put online...well...it is not the high quality product I'm used to producing.  When I tried to explain the guidelines we need instructors to follow, he informed me that he had done distance learning before and that he'd been teaching since 1984, which was probably before I was born.  I'm not sure what my age had to do with anything but...there it was.  I smiled and said okay.

At the very least, I look younger than I am.  I decided to take that from the interaction and leave the rest.  My lunch times, which is when I usually prefer to write or plan out the rest of my day/week, were cut short and the evenings were taken up as well.  Monday night I attended the Michael Jackson themed cycling class as part of my assignment for the class I am taking, which is Group Fitness Instructing.  Tuesday night I coached our No Boundaries group and then made a mad dash to Kroger to grab sandwich meat and bread so that we could have some semblance of dinner.  Wednesday night I taught my 15 minute segment of a group fitness class, which went well according to my instructor.  Tonight, I will go watch one of the kids who owns my heart (Caleb) play baseball directly after work.  Friday is somewhat open, but I will need to get the house ready for Small Group, which is at my house Sunday evening.  Saturday I will spend the day with my best friend in the world and Sunday I will attend church and host a Bible Study.

And then I will start again.  This, just like being exhausted at mile 20 of a marathon, is what I try to avoid.  I try not to fill every minute of my days so that there is time to reflect, think, pray and plan. Time to catch up.  I like a clean house.  I like empty laundry baskets.  I like for there to be things in the fridge and pantry for Jason and I to eat.  I like dinner to be planned before 7:30 hits and we are too tired to care. I like things...life...to be simple and orderly and uncluttered.  But that is what I have felt lately.  Cluttered.  In mind and in action. 

A friend of mine who is a missionary in Tanzania recently posted a blog about "Centering Down."  While the type of prayer he described in his post is not new to me or probably to you, it is something I have not done.  But I really want to.  As soon as I read it, I thought why have I waited so long to try this? And then I thought when can I fit this in?  Yes...when?  I mean shouldn't this be more important than any of those things I listed above?

So, here's what I'm going to do.  I am going to make room for meditative prayer and centering down, and I will do this multiple times before next Monday arrives.  It is more important to me than running.  It is more important to me than having an orderly house (although pushing that distraction away may be challenging).  It is more important to me than work or the class I am taking (which...ha...most things are).  It is more important to me than time with friends or family - although I often feel guilty for feeling that way.

And if you, dear reader have made it this far through my lengthy missive, I encourage you to leave this blog by way of "Aliens and Strangers" and go read what Brett has to say about this act of centering down.  It may be old news, but it is definitely worth the refresh.

Heating the Beat

Before the Marathon

It turns out that I was right to be concerned about the affect of the heat on this weekend's marathon, and not even Speedy Bunny could save me from it.  I started the marathon as planned, starting out slightly faster than I did in the Mercedes Marathon while still conserving.  No amount of conservation could change the outcome, however, and that was a HOT and SLOW finish.

Here's the story:

Shannon, Jason and I were a tad last minute getting to the start line.  Jason hadn't signed up yet since he wasn't sure what he wanted to do, and Shannon and I were considering a last minute bathroom stop, but with only 5 minutes before the start, we had to hustle to get there.  As we jogged to the start, I tried to pin on my Gu packets, pricking my thumb in the process.  Shannon and Jason helped me and just as the last one was pinned, the start of the race was sounded.

I wished Shannon a big good luck and we took off.  The group of runners was small, and it wasn't long before we were spread out along the road.  A few minutes into the race, I saw Jason coming back for me. 

"What are you doing?"  I asked.

"Give me your hand."  He responded.  I complied and he took it and kissed it three times.  "Forgot to give you those." he said before running off.  I think I smiled for the next few miles.

A guy I dubbed "Bandanna Boy" ran along side me for a bit and we chatted.  He went to high school with Shannon and her twin sister, and we talked about first marathons, races in the south, and ultra running until he took a bathroom break and I never saw him again.  I was disappointed because the constant conversation kept my mind from focusing on the steadily increasing heat.

I felt pretty good and held the pace I wanted for the entire first half.  The course was completely rural and absolutely beautiful.  There were some rolling hills, but nothing too challenging, and it wasn't long before I started catching runners who were already suffering in the heat.  Since the race was so small, and last year's winning female finished in 3:51, I thought it might be possible for me to win. So every time I saw a female, I went for her.

Around mile 14 I caught up to Jason.  He was jogging slowly, waiting for me.  He said his heart wasn't in it and he'd rather run with me.  I was thrilled to have him.  I was beginning to feel my legs slow and as badly as I did not want them to, I had to consider the day.  It was still getting warmer and there was very little shade.

Despite my growing discomfort in the heat, Jason and I had a really good time.  We caught up to as many runners as we could see, and when I began to drop pace he encouraged me.  I began to get chills around mile 17 and by mile 20 I was miserable and discouraged.  And maybe sad too.  This hot marathon would not only be the last in my season, but it signaled the end of the cool running temps as well.  I was sad to see the days of flying down the road at whatever pace my legs could handle come to an end.  For me, the summer is about surviving and keeping a base. 

"I hate feeling like this at mile 20," I said to Jason. "This is the place I try to avoid in every race and yet here I am!"

He said it would be okay and that I was no allowed to be discouraged or beat myself up over this one.  He reminded me that I have always wilted in the heat and it was just one of those things.  So I took his advice and tried to gut through the rest of it as best I could.

We talked about all kinds of things, and when I needed a walk break (which became more frequent as the miles wore on), we would link pinkies and try to enjoy the scenery around us. A few people caught us, but not very many, and I realized everyone was suffering in the heat.  I worried about Shannon and prepared to tell her that this was not how all marathons were and that a cooler marathon would be much easier.  Turns out, she did not need my speech as she was doing just fine!

The last 6 miles seemed like an eternity, but we eventually got there. I was SO glad to stop running. I completed the marathon in 4:16.  I was disappointed by this, having hoped I'd reached a certain level of toughness where I would not exceed 4 hours but...the heat had me beat and I could not fight it.  I was covered in salt, more so than I had ever noticed before. My legs looked as if I'd jumped into the ocean and then rolled around in the sand. 

Shannon, myself and Jason after the marathon

We waited on Shannon and it wasn't long before she came around the corner to the finish line, completing her first marathon in 4:25.  I was so impressed!  She looked great and her whole family had come out to cheer for her.  We walked into the gym together to get some much needed water, and there we learned that I had won first place in my age group and Jason had won second in his.  (Once we got home, we learned that Shannon had won third place in her marathon as well, but results had not shown this yet).  The winning female had crossed the finish line in 3:47...which made me feel like I could have given her a run for her money on a cooler day but...she may have had more in her as well had the elements been kinder.

Roasted Reneaus

At the end of the day, I looked back on a great time despite the heat. I had met some wonderful people in Shannon's family, had a great time with Jason along the way, managed to be the toughest 31-34 year old out there, and I had a wicked tan along with my first marathon trophy to show for it. 

Sometimes that has to be enough.

Speedy Bunny

I have written before about the wonderful sister I call mine and her abounding thoughtfulness.  Well, she has yet again come through with flying colors.  When I stopped by her house this morning on my way to work to drop off my dog for her safe keeping, she had a goody bag full of things for Shannon, Jason, and me to help us with our marathon tomorrow.

For Jason she had some white chocolate dove eggs, as he cannot have chocolate.  For me she had a hollow Baby Binks bunny (who has unfortunately already met his demise), and for me and Shannon to share and derive the best of luck, Speedy Bunny. 

I now know without a doubt that Shannon and I will have a successful marathon tomorrow.  How could we not with our very own Speedy Bunny by our side (or in our tummies)?  This has got to be the cutest thing I have ever seen, and of course, Julie would find it just in time for a big race!

It's the last marathon of my marathon season.  It is Shannon's first ever marathon.  The weather says we will start in 66 degrees, rising to around 76 before we are done.  This is somewhat concerning as I have not been running in these temps much yet, but it is also not unachievable.  I have PR'd in temps just like this, so I'm hoping to tap into some inner hard core-ness and shave off 2 or 3 minutes from my current PR of 3:45.

Here's to being a speedy bunny!

Kara Goucher Supports My Blog

One thing I LOVE to talk about is running.  I try not to volunteer lots of running information in random conversations because I do realize most people are not interested.  However, when asked...look out!  I especially love it when people ask me about it because they want to try it themselves.  If I could give my 8 hour work day to helping individuals learn and love to run, I would gladly do it!  (And I'm going to hold out hope that I CAN have that sort of profession one day).

In the article "Running 101 With Kara Goucher", we read that helping others learn and love the sport is important to her as well.  I really like what she says in this article.  She isn't only focusing on how to get started and stick with it, but how to LOVE it.  That is key to me when welcoming new athletes to the sport.  Not only that they find a way to be healthy, fit and happy with themselves, but that they really enjoy the journey itself.

In working with the No Boundaries training program each year, I try to tap into this.  New runners show up with their own goals in mind - losing weight, getting fit, achieving a 5k, meeting new people, etc.  I like to help them meet those goals, and add in one of my own.  That is to share the love, pure and simple.

So take a look and be encouraged.  I think this article speaks to new and experienced runners alike.  And if you look closely, you can see Kara put in a plug for my blog.

Mental Preparedness

In 3 days I will be running the Andrew Jackson Marathon.  I have trained somewhat with speed work, high mileage weeks, and one or two longish runs, but I have not thought about it as much as I usually think about an upcoming marathon.  Usually, I do quite a bit of mental training to go along with my physical training.

I picture it.  I imagine getting tired and pushing through it.  I imagine feeling good enough to kick it up at mile 20.  I imagine seeing the clock say what I want it to say and hearing Jason's cheer for me.  I imagine holding pace and feeling strong.  I make a strategy and prepare to stick to it.

But I have done very little mental training despite the fact that I would like to take a few minutes off my latest 3:45 finishing time.  I'm not looking for another 13 minute leap, just a few minutes.  My friend, Katie and I talked quite a bit about this on our run this morning.  We are both facing a marathon this weekend, and for different and similar reasons we are unsure what to expect from ourselves. 

Here is what I'm thinking:

My Doubt List

• I only got in a 15 miler and a 20 miler as far as long runs go.  Usually I would get in more.
• Can I really expect another PR in just 2 months?  
• I have not mentally prepared as I usually do...will that make a difference?

My Confidence Building List

• I was not used up after Mercedes.  I felt pretty good for a 13-minute PR.
• I've been doing speed work and pushing my weekly runs hard.
• High mileage weeks despite few long runs.
• A good half-marathon in Seaside.
• The Andrew Jackson course is not as tough as the Mercedes Marathon course.
• Maybe I will be more rested for this one due to less intense training...

The latter list is the one on which I am trying to focus and it is the most fun to populate.   Overall, I've been looking forward to this marathon because I simply like to run them, this one has history, and I am very excited to witness my dear friend, Shannon, run her first ever marathon.  I have had the honor of being her training buddy, we've bounced ideas and strategies off each other, and I cannot wait to be there when she crosses that finish line. 

So I guess there is nothing left to do except use these next few days to do some mental preparing, trust my training such as it is, and start the race.  I'm hopeful, but also content with the current PR for now.  So either way, I think a good time will be had by all and that will be my prayer!

Tuesday's Treat

When the weather starts to warm up and it is time to bring out the shorts, flip flops, and tank tops, my taste buds naturally start to yearn for ice cream.  And they want ice cream the ENTIRE SEASON.  In order to keep this from causing the need for bigger shorts and tank tops, I look for healthier ways to satisfy my summertime cravings.

The other day I tried something a little different (for me) and I really liked it!  I tried Jala Yogurt Bars, and they are delicious!  Not too sweet, but just enough to satisfy the need for dessert (which occurs every evening for me).  They are 110 calories and, as far as I know, the ingredients are okay.  I did look up one ingredient I often see on food labels and that is xanthum gum.  That sounded suspect to me, but according to WebMD here, it is not bad.

It may be hard to pack in your lunch and take to work, but it is certainly something to look forward to at the end of a hot day!  I have only tried the blueberry so far, but I intend to try the others as well.  I found these at Kroger, but they are probably other places as well.

Give them a try and cool off with this tasty treat!

Plans and Plants

I finally received the weekend of my dreams!  Okay, so that is a little dramatic for what it actually was, but after a nasty, cold and wet week, I awoke Saturday morning to clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and soft breezes.  It was heavenly.  My plan was to run 10 miles Saturday to reach an even 50 for the week, but I made the mistake of starting the yard work before the run and...after 5 hours of digging and hoeing and pulling and dragging...this body was done.

What started as a plan to re-pot a few plants and weed some front beds became much more when Jason came out to cut back the crape myrtles (a little late, I know).  That turned into digging up some dead bushes, which turned into digging up other bushes to preparing the soil for what I want to plant next.  When we finally finished, I sat on the couch for a few minutes and tried to talk myself into running.  My body said no, so I eventually gave it up and took a shower.  I felt sort of like I'd wasted a perfect opportunity to run, but I'd been outside enjoying the day and I was supposed to be tapering anyway.

Sunday was another gorgeous day, so after church we grabbed sandwiches from Brueggers and sat on our back porch to eat them.  I re-potted a few more things, watered everyone and played with Chance before tackling some inside chores.  Julie wanted to go for a walk, so I ran the 3 miles to her house, walked 2 miles with her and then ran home.  It was HOT, but I enjoyed the challenge of trying to acclimate.  I was able to hold an 8:19 pace for the first 3, dropping to an 8:28 for the second.  I had the heat to contend with, along with an incredibly sore back and sore hamstrings from all the yard work, but I had a good time all the same.  I really like destination running.

So the yard is looking better. I got my hands in the dirt where they longed to be.  My plants are happily stretching their roots as I try to stretch out my rarely used muscles (who knew hands could be so sore!).  I've soaked up enough rays to feel better (sort of) about the time I will now spend at my desk...as the storms return for another week of crazy spring weather.  I ran with the girls this morning, so let the rains come!

And then the Andrew Jackson Marathon this Saturday...  But more on that later.  Happy Monday!