Will it ever happen?

It just pulls me in.

Since I saw Ironman Hawaii when I was about 10 years old, I've thought about how incredible it would be to accomplish something like that.

I've had points in the past 2 years that I've said I can do that. I've also had times in the past 2 years where a sprint triathlon is all I think I can ever handle.

I don't know what God has in store for this dream of mine. I just know that this guy really motivated me tonight. He has awesome insight and motivation on preparation and performance of Ironman. And the passion in his motivation is one that would really drive me to keep pluggin' along as well.

God has given me this compassion for those who are sick and fighting for their every minute of life. I pray this compassion is not needed in my household or in those close to me. But, I don't know that. No guarantees of any of that.

No guarantees of life.

No guarantees of breath.

No guarantees of tomorrow.

No guarantees of Ironman or any dream.

Will it ever happen?

Oh Yeah Baby

This weather has got me saying that over and over again....Oh Yeah Baby! Love the fact that I have short sleeve shirt on and capri pants. Could wear shorts to run outside too, but I did my run on the treadmill early this morning before the kiddies got up. So, I'm just in love with this sunshine and the temps.

I have been known to gripe about hot weather. I do not like to be hot. at. all!! I love to sweat when I'm workin' out, but if I'm trying to pull off looking cute, I just can't stand the heat. I have this hair that just goes nuts in the heat. It's either stuck to my sweaty head, or frizzy as a junior high girl with a brand new bad perm........believe me I know the look too well! So I'm absolutely a 70's girl......70 degrees F that is......no I'm not a 1970's girl........the clothes were hideous!! So yep, there you have it I'm a crab if it's hot, I'm happy when it's not!!

We are heading down to the 'rents this weekend. Will be there until Sunday. It's a much needed trip. Been way too long since we've been there. I always feel relaxed at their house. So I'm hoping that taking Sophie Lynn will not change that! We'll see. First step is a 4 hour drive with her in her kennel in the back of the van. She's done well around town, so wish me luck. Ceito has already said he is not responsible for anything bad that goes down. So, we might not be invited back, since I'll probably be all relaxed and what not, and the dog will be crazy as ever! Oh my please pray for me!!

Training

I re-introduced my bottom to my friendly little red bike this week. It's been quite a few months, since the two have been in such close proximity to one another. Since I trained for a 1/2 marathon in the fall, and have been running all winter in prep for the Cleveland, I have to admit that the biking and swimming have not been regular parts of the training schedule. So....the red bike was lonely and she got a ride on Wednesday. Granted it was a short one.......25 minutes then 15 minutes on the treadmill. Ahhh an actual brick workout......ouch, been way too long.

Running going well. I did only 3.5 this morning, in 29:55. The route I chose is one I'm very familiar with. Down to then a bit passed the Harbor Library and back. It's along the lake and it was a bit windy this morning, but it felt great to be outside. The 3 mile part of the route is one that I mapped back in 04 when I started running. I remember struggling on that run so many times. It's amazing where I've come in the past 4 years. 65 pounds....gone, doubts about my life...gone, afraid of living mylife....gone. I really am a different girl. One that I like now, and one that I know can inspire others, especially my great kids. I dont' think I'm inspirational because of anything that I've done, but more so for how I live. I want others to know it's not about what we do, it's really about how we live. Love ourselves, and each other, but more importantly love God and all that He has done and can do in our lives, if we just let go and stop trying to control our lives all by ourselves.

I enjoy doing my long runs on Tuesday now. It really fits well, so I'll continue that. Most people like that long run on the weekend, but I really like to see my family on the weekend......crazy I know. 5 weeks until the Cleveland 1/2 marathon. Looking forward to running free!

Recent Pictures

This is Winks inside his "hut". The kids have both been using the couch cushions and blankets to make their own little spaces to get into. I remember doing this with my brother, and how much I loved it! So, although it un-nerves me a bit to have my couch cushions and living room all out of order, I let them do it. It's so easy to forget what it's like to have your own little coccoon like this! I need to keep reminding myself that they could care less about how the living room looks! The outside of the coccoon is in a picture below.

These 2 pictures are from the last big snow storm (the one that was 3 days after the crazy ice storm). The snow was so deep that the kids really could barely make it through. Winks is standing up in this picture. He's small, but the snow was also VERY DEEP!

Is she not the cutest Bug on the planet??

Sophie Lynn and Winks enjoying the snow together! It's amazing how much bigger she is today than one month ago in these pictures! Crazy big dog!

Poor kid! Glasses just suck in the snow, rain, fog, sunshine, heat, cold, wind....... I'm thankful that they have helped him as much as they have (the kid had SERIOUS eye issues), but I feel bad for him sometimes. He wears them always, and does a very good job with them, but they clearly needed to be off his face this day!

This is the coccoon. He loves being in that little space. He doesn't play that DS as much as it seems (I have posted quite a few with it in his hands) It's just the only time (other than when he is standing in 3 feet of snow) that he sits still long enough to capture a picture.

8 vs 9

9 miles actually felt better than 8!! Go Figure! I think it's just atmosphere. Change in atmosphere and mindset helps. Weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, so I'm hoping to do the 10 miles on Sunday as opposed to waiting until Monday or Tuesday.

Procrastinator

I'm still mentally recovering from my decision regarding TNT, but I've decided to move on today.

I'm totally procrastinating my 9 mile run today, but am heading out as soon as I finish this post. Sophie Lynn joined me on my "drive the run" this morning and she's just plain nuts. She was fine at the beginning of the drive then decided to just make me crazy with the barking! That girl can blow! Loud and obnoxious! But, also cute and cuddly......so we let her live!

I mapped out the course with the van because I'm not going to take the nike + ipod thingy today. I don't want the lady giving me pace counts today, I just want to run. I am taking the ipod though because I just downloaded an audiobook called The Five Love Languages. I've heard of the book before and have been wanting to read it, just have never gotten around to it. So, I'll start listening to it today. There was an audiobook available regarding procrastination too, maybe I should have downloaded that!!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to all the LOVE content. Ceito might just like it too! Me thinks we BOTH might benefit!

So, I'll catch ya later. It's off to run and "read", shower then errands.

Much Love!