Just Plodding Along

Because original ideas are hard to come by and I am leaving this area I thought I would copy my friend Cat's idea of listing the 75 things I loved about living in the El Paso area. Some of the things on the list are outside of El Paso put happened because I got to live here.  Be sure to check out her list of the Bay Area.  She has 100 things but then she is also a bit of an overachiever ;). This is also to counteract all of my whining recently about the Army, the heat, allergies, pokey things....etc...etc....etc... 1. My amazing running friends (they by far have been the biggest happiness factor for me living in El Paso. I will miss running and brunching with them so much.) 2. The lack of snow and bitter cold 3. All the sunshine 4. Up and Running 5. Riviera's Tacos 6. Carlos & Mickey's Margaritas 7. Lazy Cow Trail 8. Tuesday night runs 9. My house's proximity to Orange Leaf 10. The 3 mile running loop on base 11. Camping in Ruidoso 12. White Sands...

My friend Cat over at My Heart's Content had a great idea to highlight the best places to run in your area. So this is running 101: El Paso Edition. Places to Run: The Canals There is a long line of irrigation canals that run through the the west side of town towards the New Mexico border. You can do varying lengths of runs out there including long runs on a dirt surface. The canals also hook up with the Rio Grande river so you can run along that as well....sometimes there is even water. The easiest way to access the canals is to park at State Line Barbecue Restaurant cross Sunland Park on foot and head towards the New Mexico border on the sidewalk until you meet up with the canals or the river on the right hand side. Hit up 150 Sunset for brunch after. Mount Cristo Rey Or as I refer to it, the Big Jesus. This statue can be seen from afar throughout the city. Located right across the border in Sunland Park New Mexico, this is a dirt trail up to the top an...

So all the German speakers out there can correct my google translation of 'run fast' but last Saturday night I really did try to schnell rennen at Oktoberfest. Now typical of all races that have an afternoon or evening start I was totally not into it. Couches are comfortable and air conditioning is just so dang nice. There was a moment of hesitation when I realized I had the shirt...and that seemed sufficient. But you know money was paid, plus some of my favorite people were also doing the race so I knew at the very least it would be fun to see them. And while 4.9 miles in 90 degree heat was a bit sweaty and gross this race was pretty fun. A flat, flat course made it a bit easier to try to put in some speed but the blaring sun made it super uncomfortable. For the most part I liked the course, a big loop through base, though when the 5k split off there was a moment when I regretted my life choice of the 8k. It was hard to see them head back to the beer and brats so soon. ...

Not gonna lie. When I started training for this four months ago the race I ran was not what I had in mind. After many weeks of speed, tempo and long runs I was hoping to be closer to two hours or even PR. But a strained adductor derailed the PR train. This was the first half in a fairly long time. I used to just bust these babies out like every weekend but I realized on Sunday that I had not run a half since last March. Crazy. The finish line reminded me what I like about running- the excitement, everyone is happy and exhausted all at the same time, free food....medals....Mile 8 reminded me what I don't like about running. If you do half marathons or full marathons at some point it seems like a long freakin way regardless of how fit you are. Oh and also if you run with an injury you will over compensate on your other side and end up injured on both sides. Tada magic. At least I am evenly injured I guess. Yes husband of mine you were right. Running while injured is not the best idea...

Yeah we have internet again!!!!! Unfortunately our stuff has not arrived yet so we are living the minimalist life. We couldn't take anymore time in the hotel so even though we are stuff-less we have moved into our house. Air mattresses are so ....comfy.... Let me out of this hotel. I believe I was promised a yard! My three most favorite things about the house we rented:  1- Awesome backyard. Little tropical paradise!  2- Huge walk-in closet!!!!! YES DREAMS COME TRUE!  3-Sweet kitchen with stainless steel, granite, and tile. It is like I picked everything myself! 3 least favorite things: 1- still haven't been able to make a doctor appointment because I didn't exist in the system...blah blah Army blah blah. Hoping tomorrow I exist.  2- I am starting to miss running. I want to explore the area on foot but can't yet. Annoying!  3-I miss my friends in Georgia so much!!!!! Hey y'all come on down to Texas...well maybe wait unti...