I have, like I said, been out of blogland for a while. I was going back to college but decided to take a year off, which is now turning into a year and a half off. It's OK. I'm cool with that. Not beating myself up over this decision. It was time to spend more time with the kids, giving them a chance to attend their classes, sports practices, etc. I wasn't able to participate in their lives when I was immersed in school work and classes. The children won't be young forever, so I went with them.
Running has become an integral part of my life. Although my farthest distance, to date, is 10 miles (training for a half marathon now). I've gotten to the point that if I don't get out for a run, my day is not quite complete. I was challenged by this post by NoMeatAthlete a few weeks ago....50 lessons from running 50 days in a row....and I thought, I could do that! So, with the exceptions of Saturdays (I'll explain that one in a bit) I have run for the last 21 days, and my goal is to get to 50 days, hopefully beyond that. I've yet to compile a list of lessons, not sure if I'll even make it to 10, but it has gotten me in a great frame of mind and I love that my body/mind is addicted to running every day.
Last year, I started listening to Caity's podcasts and reading her blog, Run Barefoot Girl. I went to minimalist shoes and even ran barefoot. My feet never got used to barefoot running, especially not here in S TX. Although, I do live barefoot when I'm home. HA! The minimal shoes were great for shorter runs, but when I upped the mileage, I developed a stress fracture in one ankle. I am NOT discounting the awesomeness of barefoot running by any means, it just didn't work for me. But, warning, I am naked (and barefoot) under these clothes and shoes, and I'm OK with that! My heart is barefoot and free! I've transitioned to lightweight running shoes (never going back to traditional ones, no way!) and am very pleased with how they feel on my feet. My current shoes are Brooks PureConnect. Love them! The greatest lesson I got from barefoot running, though, is how to land on forefoot/midfoot and stay the hell away from heel striking. My form definitely benefited from the experience.
Another influential blog I love is Vanessa's - www.vanessaruns.com - her life story and journey has been awe inspiring to me! While I am at the polar opposite stage in life, her stories and blog posts never cease to fill me with big dreams and desires to be more adventurous in my life. Not to do what she does, but to never be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and explore everything life has to offer. By the way, I first heard about Vanessa when I was listening to Caity's podcast interview with her.
In January, I started working for my farmer friends - they needed someone to run their booth at the wonderful Barton Creek Farmer's Market in Austin TX. This has been the best part time job ever! I am a total foodie, and being at the market completely welcomes me into my element. I love hand made wares, being a creative girl and all, and there are so many incredibly talented artisans there. It's challenging on a Saturday morning, getting up at 5:30 AM and not making it home till mid afternoon, outside all day, rain or shine (S TX = SHINE, and lots of it). Working such a physical, outdoorsy job that has been so fulfilling, I am able to guiltlessly excuse myself from Saturday runs.
Well, I am off, time to get on with my day. Have a great one! :)
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