Hello World!

Well, folks, it's been awhile!  Over the past few months, I've had several people ask me or e-mail me about this blog, wondering where I've been and if I'm ever coming back.  It's a wonderful feeling knowing that maybe -- just maybe -- I've been able to motivate and inspire others.  


But I've come to realize that this blog is what was motivating me.  My posts held me accountable, your blogs kept me inspired, and your comments kept me going.  I really never meant to stop blogging -- one lazy day just led to another, which led to another ... which ends today.  Right now.  In this moment.


I would be lying if I said I didn't miss running.  And I would be lying if I said that I've laced up my sneaks more than twice in the last few months.  I'm not going to set any crazy goals (yet) or go all Jillian Michaels on the world.  Nope.  Just going to make the simple promise of being more active.  Of finding a balance and routine.  Of enjoying my white chocolate mochas with extra whipped cream and enjoying how it feels to break a sweat.


Ahhhh, it feels good to be back! :)

Attn Creative Junkies

Hey all! Just a note to let you know my crafty blog *bella creative* is up and running ... for anyone who's interested :).

Back to running posts this weekend (and new tunes) -- until then, I'm catching up on reading your wonderful blogs as I'm sooo behind. But I suppose that's not unusual for me.

It's Hump Day, then bump day, then FRIDAY!*

*I know, that makes no sense. But I like it, so I'm leaving it ...

50/50 Winner!

Well, it's 81 degrees outside and I'm trying to talk myself into a short run. I'm sooo enjoying this break in the cold, and hope it sticks around for awhile.

Looks like the 50/50 book will be staying in Texas for a little longer -- congrats to the fabulous That Pink Girl!! While I'm not quite ready for a challenge like Dean's (the book is inspirational, not magic), it does get me thinking towards my next adventure after Big D. Not sure what that is yet, but I guess it'll hit me when it's ready.

Happy (almost) Friday!

50/50 -- Will YOU be next?

It's finally time to pass along the highly motivating 50/50 book!! I know some of you are wondering why the book was stuck in Texas soo long. Partially because I didn't have time to read as much each night as I wanted, and partially because it refused to be sent back to freezing temps where it came from.

The book has seen some cool places so far, including the beautiful provinces of Canada (thanks Sonia!). And now it's time to pass it along! This awesome idea was piloted by Ted and, as all wonderful things in life, has a few simple rules:

1. Respond to my post in order to be the next in line to read the book. (First to respond wins!)
2. I will mail the book to you.
3. Read the book.
4. After reading the book, create a post in your blog and find out who wants to be next in line to read the book.
5. Ship the book to the next blogger.
6. You must take a picture of yourself with the book.
7. Write a small comment of what you think of the book in it.
8. Ship the book to the next blogger.
9. Lastly, you must use any form of human power (i.e, walk, run, skateboarding, bike) in order to take the book to the post office. Exception: If you live very far to the Post Office, use car. HAVE FUN !!!!

I enjoyed soo many things about Dean Karnazes' book: his stories, his humor, his running tips, his personal growth, how he touched those around him, how he was touched by those around him. Dean's message is a good one -- it goes beyond the typical "how" and explores the "why". Why run? Besides for your own health benefit, it sets a good example for those around you. It gets kids off the couch and out the door. It connects the outer you to the inner you.

In Dean's words, "Adventure happens the moment you step out the front door ... Step outside. Be active. Get back to nature. Explore wild places." Good luck!

Doctor's Orders ...

Thanks everyone for sending good vibes my direction! I took your advice and saw my doctor today. While not a foot specialist, he's a smart guy and fellow runner, so I value his opinion greatly.

It didn't take long for him to rule out PF. [Note to self: Get a pedicure before having your feet examined.] Since my left foot seems to be feeling better, he concentrated on my right ankle -- the main cause of my throbbing pain. He determined it's either an "over use" injury or a stress fracture, and only time will tell. He ordered X-rays, though said even stress fractures probably wouldn't show up.

Doc wants me to wear a stirrup ankle brace with aircells at all times to help provide support, and to take three Advil three times a day. And, of course, stay off my ankle as much as possible. If it's not better in two weeks, he's sticking me in a boot. Doc said even the stationary bike might be too much pressure on it at this point, so I'll give it a good rest this weekend and re-evaluate on Monday. Surely the bike will be fine?

I definitely don't want to just sit on my arse for two weeks but, if that's what it takes to heal by April, then hand me a remote and a bag of Doritos! Oh, and I'm close to finishing 50/50, so be on the lookout in the coming week for a chance to be the next lucky reader ...


*************
Side note: To the awesome reader wondering last week where I got the TNT button linking to my fundraising page -- For the life of me I can't find where that comment is and I know I published it! So, if you're reading this, I saved the button off the Team In Training site, then linked it to my page when I uploaded it on my blog. Sorry for getting back to you so late --happy running! :-)

Tag, You're It!

We're supposed to get the worst ice in years today, so I'm happily anticipating that maybe -- just maybe -- we'll get a smidge of snow as well. Needless to say, these are definitely the days I wish I had access to a treadmill.

I'm STARVING and, since we're out of milk and bread and other staple items, I'm baking chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. Don't judge me. While they're in the oven, I thought I would finally get to the tag from the fabulous Sonia. So, here goes ...

4 favorite memories from 2008
1. Moving into the new house
2. Fly fishing in Colorado
3. Joining Team-In-Training
4. Taking salsa dance lessons

4 favorite movies watched in 2008
1. The Departed ... again ... and again ...
2. 10,000 B.C.
3. I Am Legend
4. 27 Dresses

4 of my favorite foods in 2008
1. Queso always tops the list
2. Mom's homemade fudge
3. Taco Diner
4. Rudy's brisket & egg breakfast tacos

4 places I loved in 2008
1. Our old house
2. Our new house
3. Estes Park, Colorado
4. Hanging out on the lake

4 events I loved in 2008
1. Fort Worth Kidney Walk
2. Dallas Katy Trail 5k
3. Kenny Chesney concert
4. The last Cowboys game at Texas Stadium

4 things I liked in 2008
1. Happy hours with old friends
2. Running
3. My job
4. Fishing

4 things I'm looking forward to in 2009
1. Big D Marathon, baby!
2. Karen's wedding in Puerto Rico
3. 10-year highschool reunion
4. Starting a family? :-)

4 people I tag
1. Elsbeth
2. Art
3. Dano
4. Marshall

Enjoy the day!

"50/50" Is Here!

Man, the weather here is just gorgeous! It's about 77 degrees, sunny, slight breeze -- just beautiful. And I was soo excited to check the mail today. Nestled amongst bills and ad pages, there it was -- a big white package post-marked Canada. I knew instantly it was the book from Sonia at Solo Running Chick, 50/50 by Dean Karnazes.

Since the book is about Dean's journey to complete 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 different locations, Ted at Ted's Running Journal started the brilliant idea of passing his copy of the book around to different bloggers around the country. I heard it's been stuck up north for awhile, so I'm thrilled that it's now able to spend a little time down south. Once I finish the book, I'll post the rules and get it passed to the next lucky person. I am SO excited to start this book -- I heard it's awesome! And, it'll be a nice break from the chic lit I've been reading here lately. So, thanks Ted for starting the trend, and thanks Sonia for passing it along to me!

On a side note, I did take advantage of the bi-polar weather yesterday and put in a nice four-miler on the farm road near my house. I was shooting for six, but since it was 80 degrees and I wasn't carrying any water, I decided to cut it a bit short. The smell of cow crap and the chirping of birds provided a great distraction, and I was glad that I had left my iPod at home. My knee held up quite well, though my ankles ("cankles" as I like to call them) were a bit sore this morning, probably from running on the uneven gravel.

Don't be too jealous of the weather though -- tomorrow is supposed to be back down into the low 40s, just in time for a long TEAM run. Funny how that works, isn't it?