Happy Hour Chatter

I ran my first 5K race today.  I took part in the Sheyenne Shuffle in VC, ND.   I'll tell you how I did... in a bit. I'm asked often, "Why are you starting to run now, you're almost 50"?  My classic answer, "Because I can and I want to."  I've never been one to follow society - I tend to march to the beat of my own drum.  And starting to run at age 50 (or close to it)  definitely isn't normal.  But I have quite a few friends and coworkers who have taken up this nasty habit, so I decided to see what all the rage was. I found out today. I and my good friend Rick (his wife was supposed to go also but wasn't feeling well), headed to VC bright and early this morning to head to VC - my old stomping grounds.  We discussed or rather Rick gave me all kinds of wonderful advice on the way there.  "Don't get caught up in the start, watch your pace", and "run in the center of the road, there's less slant there," and ...

I started my Sunday by picking up breakfast from Hardees and heading to Blaines house where he and Peggy were waiting with hot coffee. Blaine had a game plan and let me tell you, he's quite the task master!   We set about packing up his game room, bedroom ledge, and living room of all of his collectibles : he's an avid collector of everything!   Unfortunately his new place is a little smaller, so we had to determine what things he was going to store and those he was taking to the apartment.  He's got a good head on his shoulders and reasons well.  He made effective decisions and Peggy and I honored them.  I was, and am, very proud of him! We finished in our time frame...12 or 1230 and finished with beer and lunch at IDK. A good reward I'd say! We're still not done ...but that's alright..with Blaine in charge,  it'll get done!

Why does everyone in Eldridge township decide to drive the country roads as I'm doing my training run? I even waited until 845 to go out ..positive that there wouldn't be any traffic.   Wrong!  I had to stop (walked) while five vehicles zoomed by me.  I didn't want to be roadkill so I pretty much hugged the ditch with each of them.  I even wore neon green tonight so they could see me better.  Smart cookie, ain't I?! So, I've decided Im a cool weather runner.  I came home from the gym at 7pm, fixed dinner, ate, cleared dishes and sat to let it settle for a little bit.  Then...strapped on the heart rate monitor, laced up the sneakers, set the playlist to "Run!" then headed out. It was gorgeous!   Cool, calm, a little humid and perfect for a struggling runner such as moi. I wasn't going for speed...I just needed to run the 2 miles in my training plan.  So, I enjoyed it.  I listened to the geese flying overhead, the sound of m...

Nothing changes. That's the Motivational quote my new trainer hit me with during our first session together. Needless to say, a whole lot of changes are being made.  We're looking at my diet, what to do (and not do) on my training days - both at the gym and on my running program- AND a whole new mindset while in the gym. He may be my 7th trainer, but he's given me a wealth of knowledge. I feel good about this. Change will bring change!

"Nature's soul is revealed in every sunset." ~ @Wordhugs