Currently, I am re-learning to run. I am keeping a journal of sorts, at running au naturel.

running.

Yesterday morning, as I hit the road at 5:00 am, it was snowing, and the wind was blowing between 20-30 mph - and it was awesome! (It was above freezing at my start time-so I didn't feel totally nuts.)

When I made it down my first decline with the wind and snow coming at me I even let out a whoop and a holler. It was a good moment. One of the moments worth getting up before the sun comes up for. Thanking God that it wasn't icy yet-and that I could still fit a run in.

At first I said I would run a little, then go do the elliptical. But I just couldn't end it early. I ended up running 5.37 miles. More then I did this morning. And loved the entire run. When there is so many obstacles going on in real life - those miles are like blessings of obstacles and goals that matter-but don't effect the checkbook, or cause too much conflicting of schedules...

They stretch me in such away, that God uses to bring me peace when there is turmoil. I think that is why my recent knee issues have gotten me so buggered. It is worth going to get my back and hips adjusted multiple times in a week, and trying to get a handle on my running form.

Almost Christmas...

And my house is a wreck, Christmas gifts have hardly been bought, let alone wrapped and under the tree. And we are getting ready for snow-and I still have running on the brain.... No time tonight - if it is just snowing in the morning (and above freezing) I may just have to brave it since I wasn't able to run today.

 One thing I am prepared for. Christmas cinnamon rolls. I do have flour and sugar and cinnamon. Can't open gifts without happy birthday to Jesus. :)

Race Day!!

 

Photo credit belongs to 4ProImages Photography.

I managed to get one photo on race day. And that was when we were just starting to set up-so I am very thankful to the two photographers on site to get them.

Race day- busy, awesome, exciting, a true joy and $1700 to go to our local food pantry.

Race results can be found here. 

This is what I've been doing...

Packet pickup starts tomorrow!

trail running, 5k's and turning 40.

photo found through google.

Getting ready for this 5k has been pretty time-consuming. Between Mat and I, we have easily spent more then 100 hours working and preparing for it. We see the time as part of the learning curve, knowing the next one won't take so much time because we will already have some things figured out. And knowing that we are helping families this winter is a huge motivator. 

Still, in the back of my mind, I have thoughts of making time for some trail runs, and back to running more miles again, and setting goals - some of which would take me to my 40th birthday, but will probably take me at least that long to train for and reach. After December 15th I need to focus on some very late birthday parties, and Christmas, and then? Well then - cold or not - I am going to do my best to make some trail runs and long runs happen again. So, until then...

A link to some  great articles from Ben's Trail Running Site if I'm not the only one ready to run on the trails.

The Hot Chocolate 5k...

reminds me of my favorite hot cocoa recipe.

Hot Cocoa

{found in Country Home December 2000}

-serves 1-

-1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

-1 tablespoon sugar

-1 tablespoon water

-1 cup milk

-a few dashes of cinnamon and cardamon

*2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon powdered sugar.

Heat the first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan until blended.

Add the milk and spices and heat (medium heat) until ready to drink. Do not let it boil.

Pour into a coffee cup/mug and enjoy.

*If you enjoy toppings, I whip the cream and powdered sugar to make a whipped cream to dollop onto the top. Also, if you have a hand held milk frother, I love to use mine so the hot cocoa is a bit frothy.