20 miler on the schedule, yesterday-- I only made 18. I held out for a good (for me pace) for 10 miles... then slowed a bit. By 13-14 I was thirsty for water & only had Tailwind drink in my Camelbak. (I seriously need a new hydration pack where I can carry both.) I walk ran then walked. At mile 16, I passed the section of trail I was going to take for a mile then back for my 20. I just kept walking. Jim came out on his bike & thankfully had water. I slurped then lady-like burped.

I started my run, solo. I'm used to it. When I reached the turn around point, the sun was still low, behind me. I saw my shadow with bouncing, swaying ponytail. I smiled knowing I wasn't "alone". I was running with my shadow! Then I thought I was crazy because I personified an inanimate object... Such is "monkey brain" during a run. I quickly moved on to other subjects in my mind.

A cat came from the underbrush & kept me company for awhile then disappeared. I saw a snake & the usual chipmunks, squirrels, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wild flowers & miscellaneous jewel toned bugs.

I didn't earn this picture, yet. This was me at mile +17. I was still thinking I may run (walk) past my van for a mile, then back. I didn't. --I wouldn't skip eating on race day. I don't know why I thought I could do it, yesterday. Part of me was confident in Tailwind drink and wanted to experiment before race day. I know, now-- stick to morning food, Tailwind for nutrition... bring water... take caffeine with more calories!

 I'll try again next week. Slow miles at the end but I live to tell the tale & run another day...

7 mile run, yesterday. I'm biting at the bit to get out there, today; but I have to get some work done in my office before I head out to work. I'm trying to "rest" before tomorrow.

Long run, tomorrow-- I have butterflies-- as usual. My INKnBURN clothing helps me put on my game face. It gives me a confidence that I didn't have before... I have Tailwind to keep me powered through my miles & Newtons to protect my tootsies. I know I can do it & still doubt if I can do it. I picked tomorrow for a long run, as the weather will be a bit cooler than Friday or any time over the weekend.

This is what happened, yesterday. It was a surprise & a great story, afterwards. :) The trails are adventurous & enjoyable- always-- despite bugs, thorns, mud or downed trees.

I have two big races this Fall & both will take a toll. I have my first 50K ultra trail run in September. I haven't signed up "officially". I have my hotel room and have the date set aside but I am scared. *Butterflies just typing this* I also have a road marathon in Detroit- less miles but pounding pavement for 26.2 miles is tough... I have my registration and room, already, for Detroit. In the meantime, I prepare by running on both terrains.

I "should be" and "could be" doing more but that is always the case. I'm in a better place than I was, last year in my training.

I have things in place that I didn't have EVER before-- I am nervously optimistic...

I love when people honestly express their mental transformation as well as their struggle with trying to learn to run.

When I first heard about this woman on the news, I wasn't impressed or thrilled with her actions of taking selfies with unsuspecting male runners. Then I learned her story:

Her story episode #1:  Run Selfie Repeat 1

 

Her story episode #2: Run Selfie Repeat 2

I learned I was good at art "late" in high school. I had a great teacher that helped me accomplish a lot in 3 years. I "knew nothing" about papers, charcoal, different types of paints, pencils, etc. I eventually started accumulating my own supplies. As we had kids, I hoped they would be artistic & I vowed to expose them to everything I had- supply wise. I even bought them their own easels! They're still in their boxes-- waiting.

I LOVE seeing our girls, now. All the suggestions I gave... to "try" different mediums fell on deaf ears-- BUT-- just having the supplies available to them was an invitation. Hannah is more adventurous than Jillian. She asked if she could do a watercolor this week. Absolutely!!! I've been stock piling for such an occasion! While her subject matter isn't what I would have chosen, it's tight, bright and fabulous so far. Jillian is still attached to pen & pencil --but taking college art classes this year-- we'll see what she dabbles in...

I took them to Michaels's craft store yesterday for some puppet supplies for Hannah. We walked out with art books, face paint, marionette supplies, paint & pens. --Love me a couple of artsy girls!

Took the girls to the mall, yesterday. I love spending time with them. While we went to take some copper mugs to get engraved, Hot Topic was high on the priority list for a visit, too. We got a few items for school & some sugar skull Star Wars stickers for me. We looked through a few more stores ranging from Disney to Aeropostales. As we "splurged" and actually ate in the food court, we had some serious & not so serious conversations... I look forward to those moments.

On the car ride home- just to keep them talking, I explain the puppy I saw the other day- a small, puffy Husky- on a leash with two young boys. I explain how he was sniffing & tugging on the leash.

Seeing Hannah had her headset on, I ask her: "What would you have named it if it was your dog, Hannah?"
(Rather irritated that I interrupt her music, she takes off her headset. I repeat the question & she graciously plays along with the conversation.) H: "That depends. Are you talking a grown dog or a puppy? I have a name; but what would you name it, first?"
Me (blurting without hesitation a ridiculous answer): "Huskers"
--silence--
Jillian: "And this is why we don't consult you..."
We all laughed & discussed appropriate puppy names for gray dogs (Gandalf the Gray), large & small dogs (Mort) and pugs... :)

As long as they can talk to me about "anything", I hope they will...

I am not a "baby" person. Some people LOVE babies. In my opinion, they are a lot of work with little "payback" & little sleep! When the girls started interacting with us & they were able to communicate with me- even slightly- I started falling in love with them.

As they become young teens, I enjoy seeing the world from their perspective. They certainly have more opportunities than I had at their age. I enjoy their company and I enjoy laughing & working with them.

I say they are good people, not as a biased mom, but as an honest, frank person. I look forward to seeing what they become.

 

Commemorative pictures of me & Lucy running in the rain. There was a time I HATED running. Then when I was running, I HATED running in the rain. I didn't like dogs, either, couldn't stand people that took selfies & would NEVER wear skulls!!! -Now, running in the rain is playtime, Lucy is my always up for a trek running buddy, selfies are my documentation & skulls are new to the wardrobe...

Last night, when I was at work, Jim took the girls to county judging for their Hunting-Wildlife projects. Both got a blue ribbon- meaning their books were filled out well & completely. They each met standards (went past minimum standards) of meeting requirements, demonstrations, community service, leadership skills and learning activities. A county representative will be selected to represent Fulton county. It may be one of our girls-- or not-- but this is the first year they've competed against each other in the same age group. We will be supportive whomever is picked.

Today Hannah went to get her puppet project judged. This was a whim of a project "just to try". Hannah is a great fabricator & very creative. She immediately chose marionettes. She researched history, influence, etc. I was surprised to learn entire operas were dedicated to marionettes in the 18th century. Puppets could perform acts on stage that were deemed inappropriate for human actors. I always learn from their 4-H projects! -As I suspected, she did extremely well & came out with a blue ribbon. It seemed there was no one competing in that project so I'm guessing that's an automatic county winner.

As for Jillian's sewing project, sadly, we will not finish that by judging, tomorrow. We've been a bit busy planning National Shooting Competitions & college entrance. We didn't finish it early... but we have until September for our own county fair.

I am so happy to have the girls in 4-H. We've kept busy over the summer & have done activities as a family.

Waiting for county results then we may plan a state fair trip...