Lunch runs

I've sorta become addicted to short runs on my lunch break!

I live close enough that I can zip home, change quickly, spend 20-30 minutes on the 'mill, shower, grab some food to go and get back in time for my duties in the library. It's a nice way to get away, burn off some stress and get in some miles.

I did a lunch run on both Tuesday and Wednesday to keep my legs moving while prepping for Thursday's 16 miler. Both were slow and easy - just 2.05 miles in about 20 minutes.

And both left me feeling great!

I also squeezed in a couple really easy miles Friday - just a little shakeout after my long run.

:)

Beauty - 3/8/13

Thoughtful gifts from coworkers:

Thanks, Steve and Sue :)

Happy Classified Employees Week!


"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 NIV

Beauty - 3/7/13

I saw beauty when my mom tracked me down toward the end of my long run, drove alongside and asked if she could do anything for me! A few minutes later, Brad rolled up on his bicycle and finished the last 3 miles with me!

It's so great to have support from your family :) Thanks, guys!!


"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 NIV

Did I really just run 16 miles??

Yes. Yes I did!

I'm heading to women's retreat this weekend, so my long run had to be after work Thursday. I was a bundle of nerves but I had to get it done. That pressure seems to be helping me - no room for procrastination. 

Ready to go:

It was unexpectedly warm and sunny. I'm glad I packed different clothing options for different conditions. I even put on sunscreen!

I ran my normal at-home loop in Tigard and Tualatin, adding extra weaving around the neighborhoods to increase my distance.

I spotted Mom about mile 12 checking to see if I needed anything. Then Brad showed up on his bike about a mile later. He left work early so he could support me through the end of my run!

I felt strong until about mile 11, when I started slowing a bit and taking a few extra walk breaks. Still, I finished 16 miles in 2:45 - a 10:19 average:

Man, did my legs hurt! But I was riding the post-run high :)

I've been holding these runs loosely, keeping the attitude that this is for fun and should be enjoyable. I'm not going for any land-speed record here, so there's no point getting worked up about it.

Time for my ice bath!

Feels SO good!

Brad brought me some very important ice-bath accessories: recovery brie, Cytomax, iPod and camera. There's nothing quite like eating cheese and crackers while sitting next to the toilet ;) 

After a shower and some stretching it was time for Davidson's fajitas and clam chowder.

That hit the spot!

WOW! I can't believe I did it - and it wasn't that hard. I worked hard, but I didn't die or anything. WOOHOO :)

No. 15

No. 15: Full House by Janet Evanovich - another one from the THS library Valentine's Day display. 

This was a fun but really poorly written romance novel. It was super cliched and silly, but easy and entertaining. And there was some criminal mystery to solve, too, and that kept me turning the pages.

But... in a couple places, the main male character (Nick) was referred to by the wrong name (Neil). And then a couple times, the son (Joel) was referred to by the wrong name (Joey)! 

Um... editor?? I've seen typos in books before but that seems strange. I'm guessing they changed the names and missed a few references. Sloppy.

:)

Beauty - 3/6/13

I ran in 7-Eleven after work because Brad has a craving for banana splits. When I told the cashier that I didn't need a bag, he asked if I wanted a spoon!

I laughed, thanked him and said I would not be eating it on the way home! We both laughed.

I am still chuckling about that one :)


"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:17 NIV

Neahkahnie Mountain (3/3/13)

After weeks on death watch, we were finally able to get out of town for a much-needed break.

Thanks to very generous grandparents who willingly share their beautiful beach house with family, we were able to enjoy a relaxing weekend at Oceanside. (Thank you, Ma and Pa!!)

We stayed up late, slept in, drove the coastline, shopped the outlet mall, watched the rain, watched TV, ate cheese:

Brad prepared that spread. And it was glorious.

Sunday, we drove north for a short hike up Neahkahnie Mountain. It's steep but short and has a really great view... good effort-to-payoff ratio.

It's been too long since I've been in the woods. I love trees!

It was crowded when we reached the top, but the clouds parted for this beautiful view to the south:

Happy hikers:

It was so nice to have a weekend with no agenda :)