Just Plodding Along

So it would appear that is has been about a year since a blog post happened. Why? I don't know maybe because running had been causing me so much pain that I didn't really feel like a runner anymore. Even though I was still trying to run. Or maybe it was because I didn't have a big goal for running any more. And this was first and foremost a running blog. So not much to talk about. Whatever the reason, I feel like sharing again because 1) I have finally started to run (reality check: run/walk) again and 2) I have a big goal for next year that involves training like I have never trained before and this blog has always helped keep me accountable and making progress in the right direction (more on the big goal later).  So to catch you up, in the past year: We made it to Mount Rushmore! and Badlands National Park my bestie and I ran together (the last time I seriously ran anything) at the Twin Cities 10 miler. Running with her is always the best. Since...

Since this weekend was a long weekend D and I decided to go on a mini vaca. Not wanting to spend hours in the car we picked Elephant Butte which is only about an hour and a half from where we live. It also took us right by Hatch which is the home of Sparky's which makes the best green chili burgers. What, do you all not base your vacations on food? Weird. After stopping in Hatch for lunch (and standing in line for like 45 min. this place is popular) we made our way to the Butte near Truth or Consequences. Since we don't own a boat or any other water craft our general plan was to hang out, maybe swim and hit the hot springs in town. When we checked in the office staff made it very clear that the cabins were rustic. That was not a great sign. The cabins were not horrible but they were a bit buggy. Like there was a spider in the bed. And we woke up to a large, drowned centipede (it drowned in the puddle from the air conditioner....cabins had air and a bathroom so not ...

Fun fact- when I blog on my phone while watching episodes of Say Yes to the Dress my grammar/ spelling/ everything is ten times worse that usual. So.... sorry about that last post. D is on 10 days of TDY. It is leave you get to move or settle into your new place. Since D is the luckiest man alive and married to me everything was all moved and set up before he ever went on leave so we have just been able to hang out. Well I still have to work. I was lucky enough to get to stay on part-time for awhile at my old job and work long distance. But man when one person is off and able to do whatever they want all day it just seems unreasonable to ask me to work four hours a day. It is just too much. Could you imagine if I actually had to put on work clothes to work instead of sitting in my kitchen wearing shorts and a t-shirt I would never make it. While I was sad to leave my job because the people I worked with were awesome it is exciting to figure out what I am going to do next...

This past week I have done zero running, lots of eating and a ton of celebrating. And I loved every minute of it. I switched hats from runner to photographer and here are some favorite shots from my sister's wedding. Congrats Sister and Bro-in-Law.  You guys are too cute!

This week was supposed to be the week of running in Colorado oh and my sister is getting married. Instead I will be resting- actively resting- but not running. I did get one run in and it was great but I am thinking no more this week. A pain in my Achilles has finally forced me to be the adult in the situation and say 'self stop being dumb, if your leg hurts that is a sign something is wrong stop running on it'. Uhhhh I hate being the adult. But since I have my final half marathon to reach my 30 before 30 goal in July and have paid a butt load and a half to run two marathons in the fall- Half Moon Bay and Chicago- no time like the present to rest due to fall excitement. Plus there is much wedding excitement going on so really I should be focusing on cake consumption! I leave you with random vacation pictures.

Yesterday I ran four miles in 27:34. (Update: I meant 37 whoa- lets not get crazy here, I am not that speedy). Apparently running in cold motivates me to get a move on so I can get back inside. The last couple of runs have been going well and after about three weeks off from running any sort of distance my legs feel all fresh and happy. This is good as marathon training kicks off in about two weeks. After my brisk run D's parents and I decided that Chicago was the place for us. D had to work so I was in charge of entertainment. First stop breakfast at a local place for exploring fuel.  After lots of driving and traffic we arrived downtown. Of course it starts snowing. Doesn't snow the last four days we have sat around at home in sweatpants. The minute we decide to do something, bam snow. Not cool. Actually it was kind of cool to walk through Grant Park in the snow and while it was cold it was not windy which seems to be key to making a trip to Chicago enjoyable.  Unfor...

This weekend has been amazing. D & I both took Thursday and Friday off to have a little staycation at the house I am babysitting. For us having more than one bathroom in a house is pretty exciting. Throw in a pool and cable and we lose our minds. We BBQ'd with friends, I went on a fun long run with a friend, we ordered out and picked up food (yay no cooking) and just relaxed. Amazing. And then today D kicked it up a notch and took me here to get an early anniversary gift. Tiffany's have a collection of necklaces with bean charms on them. How perfect is that and D thought I needed a necklace that is such a perfect fit with my nickname. He is good, he is very good. I was freaking out and super excited but I think that happens a lot in that store because the salesman didn't even bat an eye and even wrapped up the necklace so I could open it again. How awesome is that. And then D took me to get gelatto because I had a coupon for a free one. Best day ever...

For memorial day my parents came to visit and it has been fun city. Lots of eating, shoe shopping and more eating. Perfect vacation. Vacation fun in pictures: A visit to Total Wine where we found the best vodka ever: Whipped cream. Buy some, mix with orange soda and thank me later. Birthday shoe shopping: fun new shoes for me! Lost of eating out and a gelato stop that resulted in a coupon for free gelato next time. Yippee Visit to the Titan Missile Museum  Fun not pictured: Trip up Mount Lemmon Grilling out Graduation celebration dinner A trip to Sam's club to stock up on bulk items like I have wanted these forever and now I have them. Must label everything. A great couple of days! Don't forget to try for some Nuun .