A Perfect Saturday

This morning we slept in til about 7:30. It was heaven. Doug's had a nasty cold lately and he decided not to run. Which means...I decided not to run. I'll run my 8 miles tomorrow morning.

Instead, we took the pup for a 2 mile walk. And it was so relaxing. I brewed by favorite Dunkin' Donuts coffee, then we mozied to the newly asphalted trail right outside our front door. I'm sooooo thrilled it's completed. It's perfect!

Then it was back home to shower and get ready to head to Dean and Deluca's to meet up with Stephanie and Christopher Elbow...my favorite chocolateer, where he'll be presenting some of his chocolates. Then we're (Steff and me...Christopher can join if he would like) headed to lunch to catch up since I haven't seen Steff lately.

After lunch I'm going to stop by work and pick up my crap since next week is my last week I'll be working there! I'm looking forward to having the Spring/Summer off. I say I don't know what I'm going to do with myself, but it isn't going to be hard to find things to do around here. Doug's already started a list. First thing...sand down the kitchen cabinets to re-stain them. Should be good times! I really can't wait!

Then, I'm going to head back home and start bread making. Abby has me frothing at the mouth to make some homemade bread and it's the perfect day to do it. The windows are open, but it's still just a tad cool, so it'll be fantastic to have the house smelling fabulous and some warm bread to warm the belly.

I'm not sure the day can get much better.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

For St. Patrick's Day, I decided to 'go green' today:

• Make a famous green smoothie
• Take my canvas bags to the grocery store to purchase my goodies for my green smoothie-this being the first time...ever.

Yes...Doug is rolling his eyes right about now. He loves the green movement.

My smoothie....it didn't turn out green. It's more the color of...oh let's say...baby diarrhea. So it looks like I'll have to celebrate with a Bailey's to make it official for St. Patrick's Day.

Took a half day off work to bask in this beautiful 77 degree weather. The Molster and I went for a 2 mile walk and then I ran 3 miles. You can tell Spring is in the air when horns are honking as they drive by and men are in their backyard playing horseshoes, drinking beer, hooting and hollaring as you run by. Gotta appreciate their nerve.

Renewed

With the release of a huge stressor that's been hanging around way too long, today's run was the best ever. I felt light, happy and so invigorated.

The trails were pretty much abandoned today so it was almost as if I had the trails all to myself. And boy, I took full advantage. I sang my heart out at the top of my lungs. I even stopped to dance. Yes. Full on rockin' out. What a goof. I laughed at myself for doing it. But I couldn't help myself. I feel renewed as this heavy burden has just been lifted. Ahhh...

And...I did this all running 14 miles. My longest run since Disney.

Two weeks til Marathon Number 2 for the year.

Tuna to Buddah to Barbados

I love me some BumbleBee's Spicy Thai tuna. However, do NOT eat it for lunch, right before a run. It gives you massive heartburn. I seriously thought flames were going to Burst.Out.Of.My.Chest.

Sunday I was a guest at a Buddhist Community Center. I am taking a World Religions class at school and this was one of our assignments. I have always wanted to visit a Buddhist Temple and learn more about the Buddhist way but just never have. I'm so glad this was an assignment, that way it pushed me out there to do it. I loved it. Loved the people. Loved their way. Loved their reason.

And onto Barbados. Run Like a Girl and Ramblings of a Running Addict are raising funds to run a marathon in Barbados. How fabulous is that! They are hosting a Virtual Run to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation as part of Joints in Motion. Please stop by their blogs for more info. Should be a great time and it's for a great cause.

In the Zone

Last night after school I decided to go for a run.
More of a mental fix than a physical need.
I had to release some energy consuming the brain.
I was so tired, I even told Doug that I was going out for a mile...maybe two if I could make it that far.
But before I even hit one mile, I knew I was going to cover our 3 mile loop.
Something grabbed a hold of me...or rather, let loose.
I ended up in the zone.
It was 100% different than any of my 'regular 3 mile loop' runs.
I've never ended up in the zone on a 3 mile run before.
There has been so much on my mind lately that it was such a calming experience to have my mind at peace.
Not thinking of this or that or what if.
What a great feeling I had during. It even carried over into the rest of the evening and into today.
It's what I've needed for a long time.

A Visit to the Doctor

Yesterday I had my 'yearly' checkup (you girls get my drift) at the doctors.

My doctor is a very active person. She has run a marathon with Team in Training before and continues to run half marathons. She always seems interested in what I've been up to when it comes to running. The first question from her was, "so how many marathons did you run last year?" I had to chuckle. And then we continued to have a long conversation about running, what marathon was my favorite, if I've done triathlons...

After my exam, as she's walking out of the room, she proceeds to tell me, "Kim...you're the healthiest person I have seen in a long, long time".

That made me proud.

Saturday...Sunday...Monday

Saturday
I ran 6 miles (whoo hoo!) and my foot still feels good. Ready for another run tomorrow.
Sunday
I rode Osana for an hour. The longest ever since I've had her.
We gorged on a huge platter of grapes, cheese and crackers and watched Stephen King movies.
Oh...yeah...and some peanut butter chocolate ice cream. Okay...not some...a whole carton.
And ummm...yes...hard apple cider.
Monday
30 minute bike ride.
Jack Bauer for 2 HOURS!
Maybe we'll touch the veggie platter since we no longer have any cheese or ice cream in the house.
More hard apple cider.