Weekend Ramblings

After last week's personal training session I decided I needed to incorporate strength training into my routine again.  AND I DID!  I was horrified when I saw the date when I had last done any at my gym. It was August 19.  Wow! Not good.  But it truly felt good to be back at it and I plan to keep it up.  I tried some of the balancing that I told Top Notch Training Guy  I couldn't do when I was whining and had no problem. Amazing at how quickly I gave up the first time.  So I am telling all of you that I will do ST from now on. Hold me to it please!

Saturday was a GORGEOUS day!  The sky was bright blue and the sun was out in full force. The temperature was in the teens and multiple layers had to be put on once again but it warmed up fairly quickly.  We ran 10 miles at many different speeds. At least I did. T seemed rather consistent and when I was fading in the last two miles she was speeding ahead.  We stopped for a couple pictures and tried to use the self timer again but it wasn't meant to be. I got some terrific shots of my hand as I was trying to balance the camera on the snow without it tilting down.  T tried to make a little cup in the snow that would support the camera but it didn't help at all.  We got a couple shots of the beautiful day and then me with the gorgeous mountain in the background but none together.

I got a call from my daughter who had finished yet another marathon! She was giddy and happy, that wonderful feeling when you are so jazzed up and pleased with a race. I was jealous and happy for her at the same time.  She raced her first trail marathon in under 4 hours. How does she do it?  It's hard to believe that at one time I COULD NOT GET HER TO RACE WITH ME!

Today -Sunday - was just gorgeous. It was slightly warmer than yesterday 20 instead of 14 but it felt fantastic.  (My daughter thinks I am nuts when I tell her these temps are what I am calling warm.) Less clothes, bright blue skies, gorgeous sun once again and my patient friend, T, to run with me.  I know she could sprint ahead and leave me in the dust!  Today we ran 6 which I have to say is a perfect distance. It is not far but just enough.  Our 6 mile run goes to the 3rd bridge on the route, slightly up the Gap Road for a quick turn around and a faster return.  The first 3 miles are slightly uphill although you don't really notice it but boy you appreciate the gradual downhill on the return.  All our miles today were at a great pace and I was thrilled with our time.  We realized between the two of us we have a lot of weekends coming up where we won't be able to run together. :(

Good news in the weight department.  I weighed myself for the first time since my vacation.  Over the mentioned vacation I ate everything in sight and then went elsewhere looking for more. In spite of that  a mere week later I am at my pre vacation weight. I'll take it!

One last thing......a quote from a book I am reading. It mentions the blessed trinity:  Food, clothes, exercise.  How much can I eat while still looking half decent in my clothes?  How much exercise must I do to eat as much as I want?  Well, I could never exercise enough to eat all that I want.  When I was taking a marathon course several years ago the teacher said we were at the point where we could eat whatever we wanted.  Un uh.  Not me, not ever.  But I do like to look a certain way in my clothes.  It takes no time for those favorite pants to become slightly uncomfortable but I would say the same is true in the opposite direction.  Thank goodness I love running and have it to help with the whole equation.

All in all a good weekend all around.  The report cards are done, the son returned home for dinner, a long talk with the daughter on the phone and hubby happily watching basketball.  And it's not over yet!