Pooped out Saturday.

I had every intention of being at Fleet Feet Saturday morining. Had rehearsal Friday night til 9:30pm, then I had to pick Natalie up at a Halloween party in north Jackson. We were both wound up when we got home around 11pm. Then, Mark got home from his game in Newton, and by the time we all calmed down and went to bed, it was 12:45am. It was then I decided it was better to get some sleep than go run in the morning before I had to play a demanding concert that night. By 7:30pm, I was glad I had gotten the extra sleep. I told myself I would go by the running schedule this week. Yesterday, I ran four miles at the Rez. My avg. pace is getting better with each run. Our van messed me up this morning. Pulled in to the carpool line at Natalie's school and the van started smoking. Uh-oh....not good. Van wasn't running hot, but it had been smelling like antifreeze the past few days. So, I got to spend three hours and $330 at the car shop this morning to replace a thermostat. If I hadn't been near the school I taught at last year, I probably would've run while they were fixing the van. My luck: I would've run in to one of my old band students during their P.E. period. I will definitely be there this Saturday. Ha, watch it pour down rain. I'll still be there. Have a good week.

Make it to Fleet Feet

Well, it looks like I'll make it to Fleet Feet tomorrow morning. Ugh! One side of me wants to sleep in because it's going to be a long day, while the other side wants to run because visions of Disney Marathon are dancing over my head. Tomorrow, is state band contest championships. Some of the best of the best high school marching bands from all over the state will be competing at Hinds-2A and 3A, Pearl-4A, and Clinton-1A and 5A. I'll be at Pearl most of the afternoon, after I pick up my little ballerina from Nutcracker rehearsal in Madison. Tomorrow night, I have to play a nerve racking concert....a lot of exposed parts for the horns. Fun, but a lot like running: why do I do this to myself? But, after a good concert, you feel good. Hey, after training and wogging two marathons, no symphony concert can be more challenging than that. Right?
This week has been a waste as far as running: Monday-had to take the car in to the shop, Tues-had to play childrens concerts all morning, Wed-rain, cold, and tired because of night rehearsals, Thurs-rain, cold, and I'm a bum because I won't brave the weather conditions. Today, I decided to go to the rez to run. I called Hallie so she could tell me to GO RUN!!!. Yea, she was off today, so she met me over there and we walked over six miles. Hadn't seen her in about two months, so it was fun being able to catch up on what's been going on with her. Running friends are the best! Have a great weekend and I'll see some of you in the morning.

Does your body ever ask why you do this?

Well, yesterday the kids were home from school, so I decided to spend some time with them before setting out for their schools to get their report cards. I can't wait to get back in with the LMM group. I had a fight with myself this morning about whether I would go run or take the day off. With the Disney Marathon (13 weeks and counting!!!) looming over my head....yep, you guess it, I went to the RMC trail, and ran three miles. I find that my self is in a much better mood throughout the day if I start it off with a run. If I could stay away from the Blue Bell Bunny Tracks (with no sugar added) ice cream; then maybe I could lose a little weight off of the hips and backend by running everyday.
My baby girl, Natalie turns nine tomorrow. I can't believe nine years ago today I was at work at Woman's Hospital lab and less than twelve hours later, I was back at work, but in L and D about to have the prettiest little girl I know. Yep, she'll be nine going on 25. She's everything I never was at her age: beautiful vs thick glasses, frizzie hair, and didn't care; girlie vs tomboy; ballet dancer vs softball, football, and basketball player; artist vs couldn't, and still can't even draw a fly. I'm so thankful she's happy, healthy, beautiful, and enjoys life as Natalie. Hope everyone has a great run tomorrow.

The H.P. Turtle has three feet on the log

Boy, ever since the Disneyland Half, it's been difficult to get back on a schedule. Since we've moved, the morning kid schedule doesn't cooperate with the morning run schedule. Blah! Soooo, I haven't been able to meet the ladies at the Rez. Yea! Last week, I only ran Monday. Motivation level has been at an all-time low. This week, I ran Tuesday and yesterday. I needed a change of scenery from the Rankin Med Center trail, so I drove over to the Rez Y and did the old route to Campfire Circle. It was one of the best runs I've ever had. I even ran up holy hill. Yes, you know the one. I think the change of route really helped mentally.
For all of you who have decided not to do Chicago next year: I didn't decide to do LMM the second and third time until after the holidays. Give it some time and wait before you jump to a decision. Don't think I'l be able to go to the first run this Saturday. My son has a marching contest near B'ham. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 27th.

I'm disappointed for you all, and can't wait til the next one.

Before reading this, know that I'm not good at putting my feelings in to words, I know I shouldn't say some things because I wasn't there, and lastly my grammar stinks.
Sunday morning I woke up thinking of all of you LMMers. I was so excited for you all, because I can remember how I felt the last two years on race day in Chicago....excitement, scared, ready to get started. Then later, I was driving home from playing a gig in the afternoon when Hallie called me on my cell and asked if I had heard that they had shut down the race. I thought she was joking at first. After I realized she was serious, I felt so bad for everyone. I know my Mark got tired of me saying all day how disappointed I was for all of you that were diverted back to the starting line and weren't allowed to finish. All of those people from up north need to come train with us in the summer. I know all of you could have made it to the finish line. Don't let something like this be a letdown. Look how far you've come since January. Yeah, spend a few days feeling disappointed and sad about the marathon being called off, but don't let this be the end. You know in your heart that you could have finished. Continue the journey. There are other marathons, half marathons, and 5k's to run/walk; and do them for the people who can't run or walk a marathon. Think about all of the good things that have come from training for the CM; being able to say, "it's a short run, it's only ten miles today", the wonderful friends you've made, and the great times you've had on this nine month journey. Hope to see everyone on the 20th. I'm very proud of all LMMers. Y'all did great!