A fun filled day

Today was a jam-packed fun day. Except for the GPS hiccup this morning.

Today was the long run. It was six miles, which I've done before and wasn't worried about doing again. I ran through the Zachary neighborhood twice and then my usual neighborhood loop twice. Before I started running I checked the time on my phone to make sure I would have enough time to do the run and get back with enough time to clean up and meet Angela for brunch. The phone said 7:00. I knew I'd be OK, so I started out and hit the start button on the GPS. I felt a little sluggish at first (probably the cupcake from yesterday) but not bad. I thought I was doing pretty well.

I finished the six miles and hit the stop button. The GPS showed 1:05:42. I started walking back to the house. A minute or so later I got a text message. I checked it and it was from Angela confirming the time we were to meet. The clock on the phone said 7:58. Huh? It should have said at least 8:07. Now I have doubts about my training to date. Did I really do sub-10s the other day? Did I do six miles today? Weird. I'm going to look into getting a new one. I'm currently running a test, the GPS vs the phone. I have the timer on the phone set and started the GPS at the same time. I may have an answer in 30 minutes. I'm concerned because this could be the difference between 11 minute miles and 10 minute miles. To me that is a big deal.


I met Angela and family at the Scenic Diner. The food was excellent! The coffee was a little weaker than I like it, but my brunch was yummy! I ordered the Portobello Sunrise, a portobello cap with spinach and scrambled eggs on top. It also comes with red peppers, but not for me. I got a side of potatoes and onions and they were so good! I would rank them above Waffle House's hash browns any day.

After brunch Angela and I went to Kohl's to go shopping. She insists that my pants are too big and I look bad. She is right, but I hate shopping for clothes. I knew Angela would give me an honest opinion, as in "yes, that does make your butt look big". We picked out five or six different pairs and tried them on. I have confirmed that I dislike "at the waist" jeans because the look bad on me. But I did enjoy this shopping trip because the running has made a huge difference in my body for the better. I had to drop a size. Woo hoo! I also saw a cute little lightweight cardigan and I grabbed the large size. Too big! The medium fit perfectly. There was a cute little sweater dress. What the heck, I'll try it on. I took both the M and L into the dressing room. The M fit great, except the cut of the fabric didn't work with my body shape. I felt really good about that. I got three pairs of jeans and the sweater. I think I will look fabulous in the new (smaller) pants.

After dropping Angela at her house, I came home and got ready to bottle the Malbec. Hal and family showed up with the corker. What a cool machine! It went fast. I filled thirty bottles, although the last bottle was not completely filled. It will probably oxidize and be lousy, but I didn't want to just pour it down the drain. I did take a sample because I was really worried about the significant amount of water I had to add after the primary fermentation. It tasted like it had potential, so I'm encouraged. It might just need a lot of aging.

As I write this post I am watching the GPS. It is sitting on the couch, yet it is indicating that I have gone as far as 98 feet. Now the distance has been going back down and is at 31 feet. I find it odd that it would register any distance. Even if it had a satellite signal, it should indicate that I am stationary. There is no pace registering, but the distance is. Strange.

So that was my day. Busy yet fun. Tomorrow I have to set up Skype at the shop connected to the TV so that I can ensure the videoconference Friday night will go well. I'm also going to look at GPS units and I have to go to the grocery store. There's also laundry and cleaning to be done. Thankfully it is a rest day from running.

Walking in a sea of pink

Today was the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Mall to Mall Walk. We walked around three miles from University Mall to Cordova Mall. Team Yarnside Gathering did a great job of raising money for the cause. I think the final tally is around $2,300.

It was quite inspiring being around all the survivors and all the people who support the cause. There must have been thousands! I guess it gave me a little preview of the number of people who will be running the Disney Half Marathon. It'll take a while just to cross the start line!

The team and I did the 2.72 miles in an hour and eight minutes, give or take. It was quite leisurely and we all were able to stick together. I really enjoyed the camaraderie. Here are some pictures:

Cool run

It was cool today. Around 50 for the morning's run. The humidity is probably in the 70s and the winds are there, but not significant. Big change from yesterday!

I went to Sports Authority yesterday to look for cooler weather gear. I got a pair of tights and a long sleeve tech shirt. I bought a pair of capris and a long sleeve cotton shirt on Monday. I decided to try the tights and cotton shirt today. Oh, and my new hat, which I got when I got Carol's for her birthday. Mine says "Will Run for Wine".

At first I thought I had made a big mistake with the tights. They fit great in the dressing room, but they didn't want to stay up the first half mile today. I thought I would have to turn around and change. Somehow they decided to stay put and the run was quite pleasant. I really liked wearing them. They're very comfortable and they just feel good. I may have to get some more.

I ran through the Zachary neighborhood next door twice. It was a perfect three miles. The weather made a big difference today in my time. I decided not to look at the Garmin today. I wanted to run "naked" and not be driven by the numbers on the GPS, but by how I felt. I paid attention to my breathing and my arm swings and my feet. But I had the GPS to keep track of the stats for me so I could have some hard feedback.

I think I did really well. 3.00 miles in 29:14 for an average pace of 9:44. Splits were 9:28, 9:52, and 9:52. I did all sub-10 minute miles! I'm really excited about that! Believe it or not, that's a minute and a half faster than yesterday, or 30 seconds per mile faster. Sweet!

I think today's run about matches my pace in the Navy Ball 5k (3.04mi in 29:19), my current 5k PR. I am hoping for a new PR at the Wild Turkey Trot in three weeks.

Still hot

Yes, both me and the weather! :-)

I ran three miles this morning as per Week 1 Day 2 of the "Holy Cr*p! What Was I Thinking?" training plan. It was 79 degrees with 92% humidity. I tried to enjoy it because tomorrow morning will be 30 degrees cooler. Yep, you read that correctly. The high today is forecast to be in the mid-80s and then drop to an overnight low of 49. I guess I should invest in some colder weather gear. I am not supposed to run again tomorrow, but because I have the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Saturday, I am doing Saturday's run tomorrow.

Today's run was personally satisfying, not because of time, but because I did negative splits! I got better the more I ran. That's cool! I did 3.00 miles in 30:42, an average pace of 10:14. My splits were 10:22, 10:14, and 10:05.

I took a slightly different route today and ran through the neighborhood next door. It is a nice, neat, and clean subdivision. I ran all the roads and got about 1.7 miles out of it. Then I did a little more than one of my usual loops. It is nice to change up the route and keep it fresh. Then it is a challenge for me to get the distance I want and end up as close to home as possible.

Secret's out

Tuesday nights at the shop are usually the most fun. I really enjoy hanging out with the ladies, even if I don't knit a stitch. Tonight was no exception.

Carol is my running mentor and inspiration. She turns 73 on Thursday and she still runs races. She was so happy with her performance this past Saturday in the Garcon Point Bridge run. I think she did the 4.8 miles in just over an hour, which is pretty fast for her. She was an inspiration for me to start running. A few weeks ago she gave me a birthday present, a pale blue technical running shirt. She wanted me to have something other than pink (since I complained that all the gear I found so far was all pink). I wanted to get her something nice for her birthday, since she has been so supportive and inspiring to me.

I found a company called One More Mile. I saw a shirt on someone at a race that said on the back, "Please God, let there be someone behind me reading this". I asked the lady where she found it and she told me she got it at an expo in Virginia, but I could find it at onemoremile.net. I looked at the site and found the perfect item for her. I got her a marathon cap that says "will run for beer"! At my first 5k, the NFCU one this past May, they didn't have beer at the after-party. Carol walked back to her car and grabbed a beer from a cooler she had brought. She loves the post-race beer. So I thought that hat was perfect. She loved it!

So I thanked her for being an inspiration and coach and mentor. I told her that I would need her support as I embarked on a new training program. The official title of this program is "Holy Cr*p! What Was I Thinking?" I said I'm running the Disney Half Marathon in January. She is so excited for me. Everyone at the table  was surprised. Carol asked if I had told Bill and I laughed and said that I had. She asked what his reaction was and I said he just laughed and said he wasn't surprised. I laughed and said that was exactly the reaction I expected!

I still think I am nuts to do this, especially when I see the 10-12 mile runs on the calendar. But I am going to do it and I'm going to have fun!

... break break ...

In other news, Rava has been doing beautifully. Her gait has improved incredibly. To the point where my friend Angela commented on it as we left the shop tonight. She is walking like normal! She is a little slow, but doing great. I'm trying to take it easy on her, by making her use the ramp to get in the shop rather than the stairs. She climbed up onto the Kuranda beds in the living room tonight on her own and didn't seem to be in any additional pain. I am thinking about stopping the pain meds, but I don't want her to be in pain. She is on them only for another day or so.

The dog crate in the living room has proven to be a great cat playground. The cats go in there, burrow under the fleece pad and the one who is not under the pad attacks the one who is. They are having a great time in it! I may just leave it up for a few more days to give them some entertainment.

I had t-shirts made for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk coming up this Saturday. Carol and I had a talk and she wanted to pay for half of the shirts. Yarnside paid for the other half. There are eight walkers on the team and we have raised over $2200 so far, which is pretty darn good!

The shirts are a light heathered grey and look like this on the back. They are plain on the front:

I'm pleased with mine. I wore it all day at the shop. Then I spilled a little dinner on it. Into the laundry it goes. As long as it is ready for Saturday, who cares? I'll take a picture of the whole team in them Saturday. I'll need it for the shop web site too.

Angela made a comment that just made me smile tonight. She said that we had to go jeans shopping because these jeans are just too big. I wore my skinny jeans last week and they were a little big. Wow! I haven't lost a ton of weight, but I have lost some inches. The skinny jeans were a size 6. I am almost at a weight that I don't think I've seen since middle school.

And it is not just the weight loss and the clothes. I feel good! I don't get winded walking to places. I have energy. I'm happy with the changes in my body. I hope that I will be able to maintain an enjoyment for running for a while. I don't want to run a marathon, but I don't want the half marathon to be the last goal. OK, I ran it, I don't have to run any more. I hope I'll be able to figure out a way to keep the running fresh and enjoyable.

Thanks for reading this; I know it's been long.

First day of the new training plan

I started out a little sluggishly today. The temperature was a little warmer than it has been (around 75 degrees) and the humidity was a thick 94%. Recent mornings have been 58 degrees and 50% humidity. It was definitely harder to run this morning. But I ran. I did 3.5 miles in 35:45 for an average pace of 10:12. Splits were: 10:09, 10:28, 9:58, 5:08 (1/2 mi).

I really want to get my pace below a 10:00 mile. There's something about having a 9 in front of the colon that feels good. I guess that means I need to push a little harder. Everything I read says that you should be doing your training four minutes slower than your race pace. If that is on a per mile basis, I can slow down. If it is on a distance basis, I can't slow down too much more. The articles really don't clarify that. I'm assuming it is on a distance basis. That is if I do a 5k in 17:00, I should do it in 20:00 to 21:00 while training.

I'm actually concerned that I won't be able to get faster. My 5k time is still above 30:00. I have a 5k coming up on November 20. I hope I'll be able to pick up the pace. I think the excitement of the race will carry me.

Off to the showers and then to work. I'm picking up the TEAM Yarnside Gathering t-shirts this morning for Saturday's Mall to Mall walk. I can't wait to see them.

Rava is good

She came through the surgery with flying colors. The vet did find a hard spot in one of the fatty tumors he took off (which was around 4" in diameter) so he sent it off to be tested. The site under her arm was bleeding after I got her home. I was told to keep her from moving so I set up a dog crate. She was panting very heavily and wouldn't lay down. After a few hours I realized that she didn't pant so heavily when I let her outside, so I opened the crate. She walk out, went over to the tile and laid down. She didn't pant. So that was the solution. She didn't move around much at all last night and today seems to be doing just fine.

I'm not too surprised, as the lumps were between the skin and muscle. They didn't have to cut in to her too deeply and I am sure they used less anesthesia, because she recovered from that pretty quickly too. No barfs yesterday afternoon or evening (whew!).

She still doesn't seem that comfortable on the pillows. She is preferring the hard floor. That's fine with me; I just want her to be comfortable.

Cross training

I took my bikes to the shop for a tune up and got them back the other night. I took the comfort bike out today to see if I could remember how to ride. It has been more than four years since I rode regularly. Bill and I went for a ride once two years or so ago and I got sick not even two miles out. I did the same lap today, Blue Angel to Pine Forest. It was lovely!

The weather was nice, maybe in the mid 70s. The bike computer didn't work, but I discovered the Garmin has a cycling setting. Since I got back I have taken the time to adjust the display layout so I can see miles and distance. I really love this gadget! When Bill told me to take it I really didn't see the need. But now I think I would feel funny without it. How would I know how long I ran or how far?

Anyway, it was a nice 4.93 mile ride that I did at 12mph in 24:34. Next time I'll take the road bike and see how long it takes for that same lap. I would go tomorrow, but I have to take Rava in for her surgery first thing. I'll go later in the week.

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Yarnside Gathering!

Wow! Two years! I can't believe that two years have gone by already and we are still open!

Yes, I'm still worrying about money and paying bills and wondering if I'm ever going to be able to draw a salary or hire an employee. Any good business owner should worry about these things.

I am grateful to my customers for coming in and buying. For taking classes, and for believing in me. Many have become friends. But I am most grateful for my husband. He didn't flinch when I mentioned this crazy idea. He encouraged me from the get-go, and showed a genuine interest in the business. He reviewed my financial projections and business plan, he helped me set up the shop, he worked there on his Saturdays, and he accepted the sacrifices we've had to make -- all without complaint. His support and love are unconditional, and I don't think I would be know I would not be anywhere near this successful without him.

This just reinforces how good we are for each other. He supports me and I support him. He would do anything for me and I would do anything for him. He's proud of me and my accomplishments and my willingness to reinvent myself and I am proud of him, the person he is and what he does, and the mark that he is making on the world.

I wish I could tell him all this in person, but that will have to wait a little longer. I look forward to the day when I can hold him tight and not let go!

Well, it is off to work and the first day of the third year! I hope it will be another great one!

What should I have done?

I ran four miles this morning, however, it was more like a 0.5 mile run followed by a 3.5 mile one. I passed a little girl crying at the front door of a house just after 7am. She couldn't get in to her grandma's house. I didn't know what to do so I tried to convince her to go back to her house (which she said was next door) because I didn't think a kindergartner should be outside alone that early. After about 15 minutes she told me that she shouldn't talk to strangers and I had to leave. So I left. What should I have done?

I worried about it the rest of the run. On one hand she was behind a fence with a dog that wouldn't stop barking at me. On the other hand, she was still little and alone. She wasn't there when I passed by again 20 minutes later. I am hoping she went into her own house or her grandma woke up and let her in.

This is going to bother me for the rest of the day, unless I see her when I drive by on the way to the shop.

I ran a different route today, one that had a few "inclines". It's not fair to call them hills, but they definitely weren't flat. I had intended to do 4 miles today, so it was an out and back. I decided to run to Cookie Amy's house and see how far it was. I got to her street right at 2 miles. Her house is probably a quarter mile farther, so I may do that for my 4.5 mile runs.

I don't know what I'm going to do for my long runs. I can think of a zillion ways to go 12 miles, I just can't imagine any of them being safe for a runner. Heck, most of the roads around here aren't safe for drivers! I wish we had an Audubon Park here. That would be such a pretty run.

Mile splits today (love the auto-lap!): 9:33, 10:17, 10:22, 10:48.

So it is written, so it shall be done

So I've had this ridiculous idea in my head for a few weeks now. I've talked to runner friends about it and I made a decision. I signed up for the Disney Half Marathon.

Did you read that?!?!

I SIGNED UP FOR THE DISNEY HALF MARATHON!!!! On January 8, 2011!!!! In fewer than 80 days!!!!

What am I, crazy?!

Perhaps, but I'm super excited! There's only one thing that would make it better, and that would be having my hubs meet me at the finish line (or run with me!). When I told him about my decision, he smiled and said he wasn't surprised. I had to laugh because I didn't think he'd be surprised. Funny how well we know each other!

So I've paid the fee and reserved the room. Now it is time to TRAIN!

I am putting together a 10 week training plan. It is a combination of several that I've found online. I am not worried about running a fabulous time; I want to have a fabulous time! Since it is my first half, it will be my personal record. That's cool. But it's at Disney! I can stop and take my picture with Mickey!

The course closes after three and a half hours. That is a 16 minute pace (roughly). I think I can do that! I aim to finish in 2:30, but that's only because I like to have a goal to achieve.

I am planning to run it with a friend from college and his wife (they're triathletes -- may not be the best partners for a newbie). The girlfriend of a friend from high school is doing the full marathon the next day and Kenny said they'd be my cheering section on Saturday and I'll cheer for her on Sunday. I know one girl from the squadron here is planning on running it. I should give her a call and we can encourage each other.

I am nervous and excited. I know it is a fantastic opportunity and I am going to make the most of it!

Exclamation point count: 24 (in case you were wondering)

Sprints

I wanted to practice some speedwork this morning. I did them along a 0.16 mile straightaway near the house. I alternated between jogging and running as fast as I could.

Lap     pace
1         10:02
2          7:42
3         10:09
4          8:12
5         10:14
6          8:18
7         10:50
8          8:08
9         10:22

1.43mi   9:20


I think that was a good workout. I would like to go for negative splits (get faster each lap), but I suspect that will come with time. Off to the shower.

A good start to the week

I got up and ran this morning. I decided to do a different route; out Bellview to Mobile Highway, down to Saufley and back. Then I ran a little farther just to get to the 3 mile mark. I put the GPS on auto laps (Thanks, Bill!) and ran. I realize that I don't like breathing in the exhaust along Mobile Highway and I don't like running completely on concrete sidewalks. I know that there is a significant difference between rigid pavement (concrete) and flexible pavement (asphalt) from my civil engineering days, but to feel it on my legs was something else. The entire run was on concrete. My usual loop is mostly asphalt. Anyway, my splits were 9:55, 10:13, and 10:24, giving me an average pace of 10:11. I ate a little peanut butter about 30 minutes before I went out. I think that was a mistake. I felt it in my gut the whole time.

This morning I went to the Shady Lady to get a new siphon. I talked with Carolyn about the fact that when I transferred the wine to the carboy it was missing about a gallon. She said that I should never top off the carboy with water, no matter what the kit says. She said she'd throw in a bottle of commercial wine of the same varietal. I don't like that idea, but I'm afraid the wine will be watered down now. Unfortunately I would have had to put in four bottles of Malbec, and I didn't (and probably would not) have them on hand. So now I don't know what to do. I guess I'll have to do some research and see if there is a better solution.

Work was good today. Slow, but good. There was a great crowd tonight. I got many compliments on the Cranberry Chianti I shared. There were a lot of laughs and a good time was had by all, I believe. I hope the new girl comes back and wasn't scared off!

Tomorrow I have to take Rava in for bloodwork. I called this morning and they recommend that she fasts before. I don't think she is going to be very pleased with me in the morning. Then I have to pick up the coach. It will be a busy morning. And I have a private lesson first thing. Should be an interesting day. But that will make it go by faster, which is nice.

Nice and easy

I took the day off today for the most part. I was so tired last night I went to bed around 8:30. I woke up at 1:00 and stayed up for about an hour and then slept until 6:00. Fed the dogs and went back to sleep until 8:00. I thought about sleeping some more, but decided against it. After my shower and breakfast I transferred the Malbec into the secondary fermenter, the carboy. I accidentally dropped the siphon off the top of the wine cooler and broke it. Thank goodness I didn't need it today. I'll have to get another one soon. I had to add a gallon of water at the end, and I'm afraid that was too much. I wonder if I didn't get all the juice out of the bucket. I was concerned about not disturbing the lees (sediment) and I hope that didn't keep me from getting all that I could. I guess we'll find out in a few months.

I didn't want to run this morning so I could give myself a rest. I won't be able to run Monday morning because of when I have to take the coach in for repairs. I didn't want to wait until Tuesday morning so I decided to do an afternoon run, which is rare for me. The weather was clear, mid 70s, with a nice breeze. I decided to do two laps around the neighborhood without looking at the GPS (other than making sure I was pressing the right button). Here's the breakdown:

lap     miles    time     pace
1        1.15     11:10   9:44
2        1.16     11:06   9:35

total    2.31    22:16    9:38

I'm pleased with that. I took some time to listen to my body and feel the run without worrying about my numbers. Now to shower and have dinner. I've earned my cupcake tonight.

Not slowing with age

Nope, I think I'm actually getting a little faster! Today was the Tiger Trot in Gulf Breeze. This was supposed to be my first 10k, but that was before I found out about the one last week. I am pleased with my time.

My Garmin said 1:02:09, but my official time was 1:01:50. This is not the first time the time hasn't jived, but that's OK. I didn't always remember to lap at the miles. I thought they would have signs or something to remind me, but they didn't post mile markers. Here's the breakdown:


distance            time             pace
1.05                 10:10           9:41
0.95                 9:30             10:02
1.08                10:44             9:57
0.92                 9:13             10:01
1.0                   9:57              9:59
1.0                 10:04             10:04
0.28                 2:28              8:58

6.27               1:02:09           9:54
                      1:01:50           9:51 (official)

I came in 3rd of 10 in the 30-39 age group. I think that is quite amazing, considering that it is a 10 year age group. I was awarded a medal! I'm going to wear it all day. If it's not uncomfortable I'll sleep with it tonight!

I am really pleased and amazed at my progress. Sometimes I think I am not doing well, as I see friends who are training for marathons and half marathons and running at an 8 minute mile for 14 miles. But then I think back to when I started, and I realize just how far I have come in such a short period of time. I am impressed that I can keep a fairly consistent pace from start to finish, even on long runs. I know I can run an 8 minute mile; it will take me a while to get there. I don't think it is out of reach.

Happy Birthday to me!

What a great day!

I was planning on keeping the fact that is was my birthday low key, but Angela and Za brought me a half dozen birthday balloons. Hard to hide them! I picked up some cupcakes at Oh Snap! for my Friday regulars. Deb brought cupcakes, Jen brought cupcakes. It was a cupcake kind of day! I think I'll be eating them for a while. Good thing I run!

I got to talk to Bill and thank him for the beautiful gift he sent. Swoon!

After work I went running shoe shopping with Cookie Amy and then we met Cherryl at Horizen for sushi. What a fun night! A great ending to a great day!

I also felt a ton of love from my facebook friends! It is really nice to get a birthday wish from someone you haven't thought about in years. I'd have to rank this as one of the best birthdays! The only thing that would have made it perfect would be if Bill had been able to be here with me. Oh well, there's always next year. And he's promised me a day of pampering and breakfast in bed!

Week 6 Day 3

And we are complete with the Bridge to 10k Program! It was not the prettiest run ever, at least in terms of the numbers, but I enjoyed myself. The weather was nice and it felt good to get out.

mile      time
1          10:02
1          10:33
1          10:44
1          10:49
1          11:03
0.71      7:51

5.71      1:01:01


I hope my race on Saturday goes better than that. I wonder if I have been pushing myself too much with several longer runs lately. Or maybe it was because it was Wednesday. Or because it was the 13th. Or because I wore the blue shirt instead of the pink shirt.

Anyway, it was enjoyable being out there, even if my numbers weren't impressive.

Productive

I was quite productive yesterday. I ran a bunch of errands all over town. I went to Fitness Master and looked at treadmills. The manager of the store and the owner came into my shop almost two years ago at the invitation of the guy who set up our computers to see how Quickbooks worked and whether it would be right for them. I agreed to do a demo. Mike gave me his card and said I should see him when I was ready to get some fitness equipment and I secretly laughed. That'll never happen, I thought. And there I was yesterday. Never say never.

The treadmills they had are a little spendy, but I really liked them. Why? Because I couldn't even hear them running. Seriously! He turned it on and I had to look to make sure it was running. I was impressed. They fold up straight, not at an angle like some I've seen, so they definitely save space. And there are some that don't fold, but I'm not interested in them. If you want to see the ones I'm interested in, you can find them at Vision Fitness. I'm interested in the 9250 and the 9550 with the deluxe display. The 9250 is 54" long and the 9550 is 57" long. I'm leaning toward the longer one because I know Bill has a longer stride than I do and if he is going to use the treadmill, which I imagine he will at some point, it would be good to have the extra length.

And the cool part is that Mike offered me a significant discount. He remembered coming in my shop and thanked me for going to see him.

I have not gone to Academy or Sears to look at others, and I suppose I should, but I do like these. The noise thing has turned me off to treadmills. I don't lose my hearing as I'm getting fit.

I also took  my bikes in to get them in shape so I can "cross train". I kinda miss the bike and I'm looking forward to riding again.

Marco has been doing really well on the new litter. I gave him and Abby the run of the house last night and he didn't let me down. So I took a chance and let them have the run of the house today. I hope I won't regret that decision tonight. I'll let you know!

Unproductive for the most part

So I did a 180 today. I didn't do much of anything. And it felt good!

I did do some cleaning, so all is not lost. I walked the dogs this afternoon, which was good for both of us. I got my package ready to send to my Finnish swap partner, Anna. I participate in a Ravelry swap called the Coffee and Chocolate Swap. You are assigned a partner (I request an international one) and you put together a package for that person that contains coffee, chocolate, and yarn, and any other goodies to spoil them. I put a bunch of candy bars in there, some Community Coffee Medium Roast, an "I'm Not a Paper Cup" cup (a porcelain version of a takeout cup), a skein of KP Stroll and one of Trekking sock yarn, a totebag from the shop, some lip balm, sock needles, a keychain, and a few other little things. I think it will be a really nice gift for Anna. I will send it out Tuesday.

I'm sorry that I don't have much to say, but I needed to take a day to myself. To love on the kitties and love on the pups. To watch football and surf the web. Tomorrow I'll be back to normal!

First 10k!

I ran my first 10k today! The Redeemer Lutheran Fall Fest had a 5k and a 10k. It is right across the street from the shop. Here's the course map:

It was a beautiful course, the weather couldn't have been better, and the race was well supported. There were tons of water stations and lots of volunteers along the way cheering. Here's me, around mile 5.5:

And me crossing the finish line!:

And my time!:

And me with my "trophy"!

I was announced as second place, but I knew I had passed the lady who came in first. She agreed that it was odd because she knew I had passed her. Her time was 1:07. So we agreed that I came in 1st and she came in 2nd.

Can you believe it! I came in first! In my first 10k! Congratulations to the other lady are in order, as it was her first 10k, too!

I'm on top of the world! Can't wait for next week!

Many thanks to Deb T for being there and taking the pictures. And for cheering me on and even running a little with me to keep me going. And for the extra t-shirt.

He's still using it

And Abby too! I clean the box twice per day and each time there has been something in it from him and she adds something later. I am so thrilled. I went and got a second box for Abby today so now the box in the sunroom is the new stuff. I noticed that Abby seemed to really like the new stuff and I haven't seen much activity in the old box so I figured I'd change it out. Tonight Marco will be in the bathroom and Abby will have the run of the house. If she uses the box overnight we'll have an answer. In the meanwhile, I am sooooooooooooooo pleased!

Today I took off the bottom of the first sweater I ever knit. I'm into redoing sweaters at the moment I guess. It is about three inches too short, so I am going to add length. Everything was going well. Too well in fact. I took off the bottom, got the stitches on the needle, and started knitting. So what went wrong? My hands. I did four rounds and my tendinitis is back. WTH? I realized that I got tendinitis the first time on that sweater. There must be something about the yarn that I can't handle. So I of course put it down as soon as I felt the pain. Now I have to figure out what to do (and hope my hands stop hurting soon). I don't want to work on it if it is going to hurt me. I wonder if I could "hire" someone to do it for me. How weird. I was able to work on Bill's socks today with no issue. I'll keep an eye on that.

In other news, I thought one of the sago palms out front was dying. Then I noticed something odd a few days ago.

This morning I saw this:

I think it is on the rebound! Yay! Now if only the one in the back would come back. And the hedges.

Don't want to get my hopes up, but ...

There's a chance we've solved the Marco problem!

I talked to Dr. Glenn last night and told her how upset I am and that I wanted to do the pee culture. We talked for a while and she suggested switching cat litter to something "softer" since he pees on soft surfaces (sheets, sofas). So on the way home, I went to Publix. I called Monica and she uses World's Best Cat Litter and thinks Cathy does too. I bought a bag and a box and went home. Marco had not used the box at all. It has been empty for at least 24 hours. I knew if I let him roam the house there would be an accident.

I took out the old box and dumped it and cleaned it out and set it in the garage to dry. I put the new box and new litter in and waited. He went up to it and sniffed it and walked away. Then he went back and sniffed it and put a paw in it and backed away. Then he went in it and peed!

I scooped that out and left him in there for the rest of the evening and overnight. When I went in there this morning there were two pee clumps and a couple of poops! He has used the box more in the past 12 hours than in the previous 36. Abby is in the bathroom now for a visit. I will let her loose during the day so that I can determine how much he is using the new box. If he uses it consistently, I will consider paroling him this weekend. If I find that Abby likes the new box too, I'll switch out the second box.

I can't tell you how excited I am over this!

Week 6 Day 2 and more

This was another 60 minute run that went a little long because I wanted 6.00 miles. I got them at 1:01:02, more than a minute and a half faster than last time! My splits were 9:38, 10:12, 10:11, 10:11, 10:24, 10:24. I'm pretty happy with that.

On Sunday, the run was 1:02:41 and the splits were 9:44, 10:00, 10:27, 10:49, 10:41, 10:57

I felt more consistent today. I will probably push a little harder on Saturday, and I am hoping to come in around the hour mark (my "private" goal) and under 70 minutes (my "public" goal). Either way, I'm looking forward to it. Assuming the weather remains as beautiful as it has been, it will be a great race. I wake up to the low 60s and it only gets into the low 80s during the day and we've had such a nice breeze. I could take this weather year round.

On other topics, Marco has been imprisoned in the bathroom during the day and night. When I'm home I let him out into the house. I can't watch him all the time though. I wasn't watching him yesterday morning and that's when he claimed the futon. I have released Abby and so she has the run of the house all day and night. The only time she is imprisoned is when I run. Tawny wants to explore the litterboxes, so it is easiest to sequester the cats in the bathroom, close off the sunroom, and give the dogs the rest of the house then. I don't know if keeping Marco in the bathroom and letting Abby roam is a good idea. I am afraid that will eventually lead to them not liking each other. I just don't know what else to do.


I finished putting the green sweater together for the second time. I am much happier without the pleats. I did have a little extra in the back that I gathered into to mini-pleats and that helps the back lay nicely. I am very pleased with the results, even if they are not exactly what I had in mind. The vision in my mind is probably not possible with this pattern, and I'll have to continue to search for the right pattern or end up creating it myself. But that is not going to happen for some time.


Do you remember the mystery plant that was growing in the compost? Mystery is solved. I grew cucumbers! Check it out! Unfortunately, I may have picked them late. Can you can cucumbers?

And to wrap up today's post, at Saturday's Barktoberfest festival, I had Andy Marlette, the editorial cartoonist for the local paper, draw a caricature of Rava and Tawny. He donates his time and the cost is whatever you want to put in his tip jar, all of which he gives to the Humane Society of Pensacola. The sketch only took about 10 minutes, but I think it is incredible. Here it is:

Some rambling

I haven't posted in a while, so get ready for a long, rambling update.

I ran Sunday morning. The workout was Week 6 Day 1, a sixty minute run. I ran for 60 minutes straight (!) and saw on the gps that it was only 5.75 miles. So I continued until I hit 6.00 miles at 1:02:41. I am really, really proud of myself. I have gone from being barely able to run 60 seconds to being able to run 60 minutes in six months. That is awesome!

I didn't run this morning, and perhaps that's why the morning sucked. No, it felt good to sleep in a little. I knew I had to get in early this morning. I was packing my bag and getting ready to take it out to the truck when I heard a strange sound. It was Marco, "digging" on the futon, trying to cover up the pee. Really? Two feet from the litterbox? I was furious!!

Sunday night I was so tired. It was only 9:15, but I really wanted to go to bed. So I went into the bedroom and saw that Marco had peed on the bed. ON THE BED!!! Dammit, I just put fresh sheets on there that morning and added a blanket because it has cooled off. The combination of the two incidents (and him peeing on the bed while Bill was here) has me rethinking my options. I cannot and will not deal with this. I should not have to cover everything in plastic. I do not want to live in that. I am not the one who has to change.

So here is what I have for options: 1) Get a pee culture and have it tested for anything and everything. Medical problems must be ruled out. 2) Try different kinds of litter. Maybe he prefers a clay or wheat to the pine. 3) Relinquish him back to the Humane Society and give him an opportunity to find a home where he is more comfortable. 4) Put him down. 5) Make him an outside cat.

I am embarrassed to even be considering #4, but the thought has crossed my mind. I think I will give #2 a try. Maybe he would prefer something else. Frankly I am not happy with the thought of having to clean up litter tracked throughout the house, but if it works and he uses the box instead of my bed, I suppose that is a small price to pay.

I really wanted to talk to Bill about this, but that was not possible. We have entered a new phase of this tour, and that is the one of limited and one-way communication. I cannot call him at night to tell him I love him. I can email as much as I want, but in terms of initiating contact, I can't do it. I can't call when I need to talk to him. I have been somewhat spoiled these past 7 months with him in the country when I coudl call or text if I need him, or if I just wanted to say hi. Now I don't know where he is or what he's doing and I have to wait for him to initiate a call. Yuck. And of course this is when Marco's issues increase.

I will survive, one way or another. I will get Marco checked for medical problems and I'll try some new litter. If anyone out there has any suggestions, please speak up. I really love Marco. I think he is a great cat. I just can't deal with the peeing. If only I understood what he was trying to say.

Navy Ball 5k

Smokin'!

With each success in the 5k, I wonder if I will be able to duplicate the time, nevermind improve it. Today was no exception. I had a fantastic 30:47 two weeks ago in the Semper Fi 5k. I did not think that I would do better.

But I did!

I completed the 3.04 mile course in 29:19!

My average pace was 9:38. Yippppeeeeee!! I can't believe that I held a sub-10 minute mile for more than three miles. In a row. I am speechless by this!

I clocked the first mile at 9:17, the second at 9:44, and the last 1.04 at 9:54. Even if you figure another 1/10th of a mile (to more accurately compare to the Semper Fi) at 1 minute (a 10 minute mile pace), that would bring the time to 30:19, still an improvement!

I can't believe me! I am nearly knocking myself unconscious by my very awesomeness!

I am really excited to challenge myself with the 60 minute run next week (Week 6) and the 10k races coming up. I don't know if it is the running I enjoy, the feeling I have afterward, or the feeling of achievement at meeting/beating goals I set for myself. Maybe it is some combination of the three. I just don't know how to say it other than WOW!

I am still going in to the 10ks with the following goals: 1) to finish and 2) to finish at 70 minutes. Yes, that is five minutes faster than I had said before, but I think if I can get 6 miles in 63 minutes, including a minute walk, 70 minutes for 6.2 miles is not unreasonable. And it will sound like I beat it by a lot.

I looked at the results for last year's 10k. The winner in my age group did it in 49:41. I am not there (yet) but it does give me an idea for the future. Last year's 5k winner in my age group was 29:09. Not bad. I might stand a chance. But I'm in the 10k. We'll see what happens!

So the bottom line is, I am amazed at my progress. I started the C25k program on 3/31. I found running for 60 seconds to be difficult. I ran with Bill a few times when I was in DC and I would be doing three minute runs or 5 minute runs. While he was nothing but supportive, I'm sure he found it to be agonizing. (Especially since he ran his 5k today in a little over 22. I love that he does the run "with" me. That is really awesome!). But his encouragement and desire to see me succeed has driven me. Now I am about to run for 60 minutes. What a difference perseverance, encouragement, and training make!

Some of my friends and customers have heard me talk about my success with running and the program, and they have started it. I have nothing but encouragement for them. I know how hard it is. I've been there! I know they can do it!

I still have my 5k goal of 28:00, which six months ago seemed so unattainable. Today it does not seem that far off. Who knows ... I just may make it this year!