Perfection.

Yesterday was perfection.

Our summer was more work than play, and we really needed a good family day. We surprisingly had an empty schedule yesterday, and we decided it was a family fun day.

I had a run planned, so I went out before anyone else was awake and did 7.5 miles. It wasn't as long as I should have gone, but I knew I couldn't be completely spent for our family day. I also had a few technical difficulties while running that reminded me that I need to buy some more Glide. Ouch.

Once everyone was awake and showered, we went out for breakfast at the Dairy Center. Good food. Good prices. Great staff. It was a perfect start to our adventures. We needed the fuel.

Next we packed up and went to Mt. Pisgah. It is a beautiful hike, and we stopped a lot to climb big rocks and play in the streams and little waterfalls. The end of the hike is super steep, and we all struggled with it. But, no one complained. We tried to keep it fun. The view was total worth it. We had a picnic and stared at Lake Willoughby. It's one of the most beautiful places in Vermont.

After we got back to our car it was time for the next phase of our trip - swimming. But, I surprised the kids by stopping for ice cream at a nearby store. We sat outside and looked at the lake while we ate. Then we finally went and got in the water that we'd been staring at all day.

It was such a great day and very much needed. Everyone was in good spirits, and we just enjoyed being together. The kids were completely exhausted and went to sleep without a complaint. Perfect.

Everyone was sore this morning. My legs are really, really sore. And, I have TKD tonight. Should be an interesting class. But, no matter how difficult it is tonight, it was totally worth it. And as the Artist said this morning, "even if it's hard it will make you 100 times better."

Happy hikers

Struggling and Bonding

After having an awesome running week last week, this one is not going so well. Sunday, I was supposed to do 10 miles, but it didn't happen. It was hot. My legs were heavy and sore from the 6 miles I did with the Artist on Saturday. I managed 6.65 miles instead.

I took Monday off. My legs and hips were so sore. I knew I needed to give them a day off. I did an upper body workout instead. I didn't do anything heavy, but I definitely felt it the next day. Tuesday, I got up to run. My legs were still really sore, but I forced myself out the door and went for a run. It didn't go well. My shins were burning immediately. My legs would not loosen up. I did around 2 miles, but there was definitely some walking.

Today I'm lifting. Dead lifts and push ups. After school, we have decided that after homework the kids and I will read for 20 minutes and then they have 20 minutes to practice music, do art, read, write, or exercise. The Artist has decided he loves exercising. Yesterday he ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill and did 10 minutes of ab exercises. Today he wants to lift with me. I have to say I love his new interest in fitness. It's great bonding time.

Our schedule has changed this year, and we're going to be home at a reasonable time most evenings. I'm so excited. It's so great that the kids will have more time for fun. I feel like we're starting to find some balance in life.

An Epic Journey

This has been a great fitness week for me and my kids. Tuesday the kids had TKD promotions. I love watching them meet their goals. They worked hard all summer, and they were both so excited about their new belts. I love seeing how proud they are of themselves. There are so many benefits to TKD. It's so much more than just a new belt. It builds their confidence, gives them pride, and teaches them perseverance.

I had a good TKD class this week as well. It was not an easy class. It was hot. I worked my butt off and felt confused and like I was messing everything up. But, by the end of class, I was starting to understand. I could see a little progress. We ended with sparring, which last year made me nervous because everyone was watching. This time I found myself focused on what I was trying to achieve. I didn't do very well, but I wasn't worried about what anyone was thinking. To me, that is huge progress. TKD has given me so much more confidence. It's incredible.

It was a good running week, too. I ran Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It was great. I was motivated and felt great after. Wednesday, I was feeling sore and tired. I was running with a couple other ladies who didn't mind walking, so we ran a mile and walked two more. Thursday, I didn't run. TKD was enough, and I needed a day off.

Friday ended up being a day off, too. My hip was tight and sore following TKD, and I was feeling really tired. I slept in and felt a lot better after getting some extra Zs. We went to Crystal Lake in the late afternoon, and I swam some laps. I worked a little at breathing during the crawl. It's still difficult. I need a lot more work on swimming. Still, I love swimming, and it felt great on my tired legs.

Today has been the best day of the week. The Artist wanted to run. He asked if we could have an epic journey and run/walk into Enosburg from our house (what I thought was 5 miles). I want to encourage his love of running, so I agreed. I got to have a great workout with my favorite little guy.

We had a blast. It was a perfect morning. Warm, but not too hot. Sunshine. Blue skies. Perfection. We walked to the Rail Trail and started running. We ran a lot in the first half. He was excited and kept saying, "I can't believe we're doing this! I know we can do it!" He had such a great attitude. I let him dictate the pace and distance of our runs. We're working on pacing, and he does pretty well. But, sometimes you have to go all out and race your mom. I definitely did some sprinting.

Our longest run/walk before this morning was 2 miles. I didn't want to push it and have him hate it, so I gave him an out. At the halfway point, I offered to have Andy come pick us up. He enthusiastically denied the offer. He was going to do the whole thing - no matter what. This attitude thrills me.

We walked a lot more in the second half, but we still did some run intervals right up to the end. He was definitely getting tired. Our pace was slower, but the conversation wasn't. We had such a great talk, and I am looking forward to more of these moments. We discussed the idea of being proud of finishing and not needing to come in first. He tends to get really discouraged when he doesn't win, and I wanted him to understand that running is just about trying your best.

He definitely got it. The moment he saw that we had reached town he said, "We did it!" He walked taller, and the expression on his face was priceless. We high-fived and bragged to our friends at The Flying Disc. We celebrated with smoothies, and Andy picked us up. We ended up doing over 6 miles. It was an epic journey and so completely worth it.

Lots O' Running

This week is off to a good start. Yesterday I got up early to run. It's staying dark longer in the mornings. Summer is coming to an end. In another week the kids start school, and life goes back to the usual routine. I'm a little torn about it. I'm looking forward to being back on my schedule and having time to work, write, and run. At the same time, I worked a lot this summer. We didn't get to do as many family trips as we had hoped because of car problems. I just want a little more time to spend with the whole family. The school year is always so busy.

Anyway, back to my runs. Yesterday's run was great. I felt good. I ran almost all of it. I was glad to get it in early. It was almost 90 degrees yesterday, but the morning was in the mid-60s. Nice running weather. This morning I wanted to run again. I just had to do it. It was harder this morning. My shins and hips ached. I walked more than yesterday but didn't go that much slower. I'm glad I got it done. It's supposed to be even hotter today.

I'm meeting some friends tomorrow, too. Three days of running in a row. I'm pretty proud of myself. It's nice to want to run and not feel like I have to do it.

I do need to do some yoga today, though. My legs are really tight. I'm going to take Thursday off from running because I have TKD. Friday, I'll run, and Sunday is my long run day. Lots of running this week. I'm enjoying it.

I've always felt like I had to run. Finally starting to enjoy it.

Perfection.

Today began perfectly.

We got up earlier than usual and were on the mountain by 4:30am. It was a dark hike up the mountain, but we were greeted by an absolutely perfect sunrise at the top. I can't think of a better way to start the day.

It was a fast hike, too. We got to the top in 50 minutes. My legs were feeling it. I had TKD last night, and we did a ton of hip, glutes, and leg work. My muscles were jelly by the time we got to the top.

Today, we're finishing up Rock Camp. It's been a fun week at work. It's been really great to watch the kids learn and improve over the week, and they're so excited for their performance tonight. I am so grateful to have a job that I enjoy.

I'm also hoping to get some writing done this afternoon. I've got several projects going right now, including a new play. On Sunday I get to go see one of my scripts performed as part of Ten Fest, a show made up of ten short plays (10 minutes each). I've been lucky enough to have my scripts chosen for this show several times, but this is the first time in years that I've been able to go see the show. I'm excited. I'm bringing the Bean with me. I think she'll love it.

Hiking and writing. Today is a good day.

Just Good

Today was so good.

I got up early to run. It was lightly drizzling and the perfect temperature. It was dark, so I decided to stay on the sidewalks. I ran an random, zig-zagging route around town. I got in almost 3 miles. It felt great and loosened up my legs.

I did a second run later in the morning with my favorite running buddy. The Artist requested a run, and I let him lead me around town. We covered 1.3 miles and ran almost all of it. He is getting fast. Once he develops his stamina, I am going to have to work to catch up. I love that he enjoys running. It's some great bonding time, and he's so proud when we're done. It's so amazing.

It was such a good day.

So Close

I had a long run on my training plan for today. 9 miles. It's been a long time since I ran that far, but I was ready and excited to do it. Yesterday was an active rest day, so I took the Moon Dog for a walk and practiced my TKD pattern. My legs were feeling refreshed and up to the task.

I chose a really hilly route. I don't have many flat options. There are hills in every direction. I need to run hills anyway because the Leaf Peeper is a hilly course. Plus, I like a challenge. I also decided to try for 10 miles instead of 9. Like I said, I like a challenge. Might as well get uncomfortable. It's been a very long time since I did a double-digit run, and while they're tough, I also secretly love them.

My mind is always the biggest challenge when I run. It's hard to not compare my run to a time when it was easier. I remember running every hill without too much trouble (back when I was training for the marathon). Today I walked some of the hills. I'm just not in that place anymore. I'm learning to accept that, and I know that with consistency I will get back to that place again. Still, it can be hard to stay positive. That was my goal today. Stay positive, walk when needed, and enjoy the run.

I did pretty well. I went slow, but I got it done.

My wonderful husband brought me water and food after I'd done about 7 miles. I'm very lucky that he is so supportive of my crazy endurance habit and willing to bring me supplies and pick me up when needed. I was really happy to see him today. It was hot, and my hands were swollen from lack of water. I took a break, refueled, and we hit a few balls at the driving range before I continued my run.

The break was nice at first (and definitely fun), but I regretted it once I started going again. My legs were tight and not interested in loosening up again. The heat was worse, and I was running in an area with no shade. It was rough. I pushed through for a while, but I was getting close to crashing and quickly texted Andy to pick me up and bring more water.

My total distance was 9.75 miles. So close! Still, it felt good to get a good long run in, and I'm enjoying the post-run soreness. I did it! And, I'll do it again. Next week I will get into the double digits. That's my next goal. I'm happy with what I did today, though. It's reminding me that I can do this again and get back to the place I was before.

Brutal Morning Hike

My legs are officially toast.

Wednesday's leg workout and yesterday's run added up to a very uncomfortable hike this morning. I was up before the sun to hike Haystack. I've hiked it before with Tracy, and I remembered that it was tough. I haven't been doing nearly enough hiking this summer, and combined with the already exhausted legs, I knew I was in for a rough hike.

Haystack is steep. We spent most of the time scrambling up steep, slippery rocks and avoiding (or not) deep, sucking mud puddles. It was challenging but also a lot of fun. It was really nice to have some time with friends and be out in nature, even if it was brutal.

About two-thirds of the way up, my legs started to get really, really tired. They were wobbly, and my pace was definitely slowing down. I felt better when we finally got to the top and had a snack. It was foggy, and we didn't have a view, but it was still great to be at the top.

The thing about Haystack is that going down is a lot harder than going up. All of those slippery rocks that we climbed? Now we got to go down. I spent a lot of time on my backside. It was kind of fun to slide down the rocks, though it ruined my yoga pants. I was prepared for this and wore my oldest, rattiest pair. It was their final hurrah.

It was a great morning, and I've been hobbling around all day. Tomorrow is definitely an upper body day.

Good hike.

I just finished today's run, which is weird because I am almost exclusively a morning runner. Last night I slept terribly, and when my alarm went off I decided to stay in bed instead of getting up for my run. I knew we had a night off (weird) and that I could get more sleep and still get in a run, so I went for it.

It was a great run. I did one of my favorite routes, but it was busier than usual because I'm used to going in the early morning. I had to do high-knees through knee-deep grass whenever cars passed, and I was passed a lot. I was also fighting through sore legs because I did a leg workout yesterday, and the DOMS had just started to set in when I started running. My shins were really sore for the first couple miles.

The funny thing was that it was one of the best runs I've had in awhile. I ran a lot more of it than I have been lately. I'd gone two miles before I even considered a walk break. My legs felt good and strong (even though sore), and I really enjoyed the run. I was looking forward to it, and I enjoyed an audiobook while I ran. The temperature was absolutely perfect, and it was mostly cloudy. It only got hot when the sun came out. I love it when it goes well.

I did five miles, which is a little more than what was on my training plan, but I also missed Tuesday's run. I figure it balances out. Tomorrow I am getting up super early to hike, and I have a exercise-packed weekend planned as well. Finally starting to get back into a groove. It feels great.

My weekend workouts have set in. My legs were sore this morning (though not as sore as I'd thought I would be), and my shins hurt. Last night was much more painful. I knew today would be an upper body day.

I started the day with a walk with the Moon Dog. It loosened up my legs, and started my day right. This afternoon I did an upper body workout and threw in some practice on my TKD pattern. I've missed my weights, and my strength has definitely gone down a little. I hate that feeling.

But, I love the feeling I get from lifting. I feel strong. And alive.

Tomorrow is another early run. I can't wait. My legs are feeling a lot better, and I am excited to run again. It just takes a week of consistency to start getting back into a routine. It's nice to be excited to run again.

Consistency and Junk Food

This morning I got up early and met Michelle for a run. We did one of my favorite routes. Lots of rolling hills and beautiful scenery. It ended up being 6.2 miles - a 10k. I walked quite a bit. My legs were super sore after the 20-mile bike ride yesterday. I'm happy with what I did today.

It's all about consistency.

You know what hasn't been consistent lately (always)? My eating. I'd been doing okay, but last night was not good. Today has been half and half. I find healthy eating to be difficult. I'm thinking about following a stricter plan for a little while. I need the motivation and it will make me feel better when I'm working out (and all the time).

Overall, I'm feeling good. Life is good. I'm motivated to train for my half. I'm excited about it. I just need to fix the eating. It will make everything easier.

Good.

Ahhh... Life is finally getting back to normal. I've gotten some sleep. Spent some time with my family, and I've gotten in some good workouts and clean eating. I'm feeling calm and centered again. It's so nice to feel balanced.

I've had some good workouts this week. Wednesday I was not feeling 100% and slept most of the day. This always happens after a show. I put everything I had into the show, and I needed to recover. Thursday started out the same as Wednesday, but I felt better as the day went on. My friend, Michelle, and I went for a walk before TKD and had a great chat. I really needed it. It was a great warm-up for class, too. My flexibility was a lot better than normal.

TKD was great. I couldn't go for the last two weeks, and I was really missing it. I was a little nervous and expected to get my butt kicked. I was not disappointed. Class was excellent. I feel like I learn quite a bit and have a lot to work on. That's why I love TKD. There is always something new to learn and something to improve. I just got a book on TKD, and I'm excited to learn more of the history.

Friday the Artist and I did a lot of walking. We covered almost three miles during the day. It was perfect to keep myself loose after TKD.

This morning I joined a couple friends for a bike ride. It's only been a year since I started biking again, and I haven't done much. My longest ride was about four miles. Today we did twenty. It was a gorgeous morning. I saw a rainbow as I drove in to meet my friends, and it was lightly raining when we started. The sunrise was beautiful, and we enjoyed the scenery as we rode from Enosburg to Richford.

I was getting tired as we got close to the turnaround point. I forgot to bring any kind of fuel and my breakfast was gone. I was hungry and tired. Luckily, Kelee brought her fabulous Super Healthy Cookies to share with us. I felt 100% better and the ride back was pretty great.

We finished off the morning with drinks at the Flying Disc. It was a perfect start to a Saturday morning. We're planning longer trips, and I am so excited to do more biking. It was fun, relaxing, and an amazing workout. Plus, I got to hang out with some awesome ladies. It's nice to have some social time again.

In other news, my new writing project is going well. I've always wanted to write a musical, but I don't have any experience with writing music. I'm excited to work with such a talented and creative musician and even more excited to work with my friend!

Life is good.