Rondy is staying with us for a bit. This morning she went for a run with me. Good girl Rondy!

It's been a long time since I've seen this view! I'm determined to continue pushing aside all my reasons/excuses/fears and getting back out on my bike this summer, too! Here we go...err...better ease back into it. My body isn't used to this position! Ouch 🤣

I know it's hard to believe, but I kept my phone in its pouch during yesterday's canicross race. Thankfully Ed was there to capture it for me! It's hard to explain the feeling of working together with your dog, when you're both focused on the same goal. It's just awesome. Ed commented that Buffy's line was tight the whole race. Coming from a musher, that's the highest praise that can be paid to a dog. ❤️ She knew Mama was on a mission and she was there for it!

I'm not out there trying to beat anyone but myself. My goal was to be faster than I was the night before. No real reason for it, other than the mark was there, and I decided I wanted it. I was afraid it was unattainable because that course is so hard, and there are so many things that can and did happen when dogs are introduced to the scenario.

Also - the Sunset 5k took a lot of effort after working a 9 hour day, and I didn't know what the price would be for that. I did what I could to make it happen. I made sure that I got up on Sunday morning early enough to prepare a protein filled breakfast, drink plenty of coffee, stretch, and warm up. The bright & colorful sunrise was a special reward for that effort, visiting with friends was the icing on the cake, and legs that felt fresh and full of energy were the cherry on top! We ran hard and met our goal. That finish line photo might be my favorite ever!

This race was my first introduction to canicross 15 years ago. We've missed it for one reason or another the last few years, but I was determined to get back this year. I'm so glad that we did. Thank you ALL for cheering us on, we could hear you! Thank you Nooksack Racing for the best gear, thank you Ed for the pictures, and most of all, thank you Buffy!!

Okay, so that was fun! Although I always forget how wicked hilly that course is. But, we persevered and laughed our way around it for the Sunset 5k at the Trail Festival at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine. 

Somehow we even managed to place 2nd in each of our age groups!

This shells heavenly, from several feet away! So good. ❤️

3 miles down to the lake and back...but I forgot to wear my gloves...

The squirrels were taking over our porch, so we decided to put up a clothesline to hang the bird feeders on. Hopefully this will help!

You didn't think I was going to stop posting silly selfies & running pix, did you? No such luck! 🤣 I'm still happy to get outside, and if I can inspire just one other person by sharing my story, I will be overjoyed.

So, yeah. I got back out there this morning. I'll admit - it didn't go well. My legs felt good, but sluggish and I wasn't picking them up high enough. Needless to say, I took my first digger of the season! Nothing injured except my pride, thankfully. I was glad I remembered to wear my cycling gloves. They kept my hands from getting torn up. I always wear them when I run on the trails for that reason. Poor Buffy was so confused, though!

Anyway, it's a beautiful day in New England! Hopefully everyone has a chance to take a walk, or a ride, or a paddle, or golf, or a run, or climb on the playground with your kids, or a hike, or drag your yoga mat outside... whatever you prefer! Just enjoy it!!

Recovery is going well today. My knees are a bit ouchy, but not nearly as bad as I thought they would be! The rest of me is fine, though, so I've got to say that Hal Higdon's Novice 15k training plan really set me up for success. I had remembered that way back when I ran my first half marathon years ago I had followed his training advice, and it went well. So, despite the fact that someone talked me out of it a few years ago, I gave it another shot this time around. I have zero regrets and will do it again. I think the reason it works for me is because it's so simple. It's written out in black and white. I just copied it down on my calendar(adjusting as needed to fit my schedule) and then checked off the days as I went. You can call me old fashioned. I don't mind at all.

If you're curious, you can check out the website. There are plans for several other distances, as well. Here's the link: https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/15k-10-mile-training/novice-15k-10-mile/

My mantra today was, "I've done the work." I have been struggling with feeling imposter syndrome and wondering what the heck I was doing lining up for this race. It's been so long since I've tried to race anything longer than a few miles. Whenever the doubts started to sneak into my mind, though, I would push them out with my mantra. The first half of the race went well, and I was able to run most of it, only stopping for a pit stop and water breaks.

Unfortunately, the second half was more difficult as the sun really started to beat down and it got hotter than anything we saw in training. I made sure to stop at every single aid station for water and Gatorade, even if I wasn't thirsty. My tired body began arguing with me, but I continued moving forward, until finally reaching the finish line in Kingfield. I met some great people and had so much fun enjoying a gorgeous course with them! 

After I finished, I hung out at the finish line and waited for Ed. Despite some challenges, he finished in first place for his age group! We got to hang out with a few of our good friends, and start resting and refueling. Shout out to Rob who also placed in his age group!

Once we were back at the mountain, it was morbidly entertaining to watch everyone hobbling around. At one point we were approaching a set of stairs at the same time as a group of young men. They politely indicated that I should go ahead of them, which I declined, telling them that my knees were seriously slowing me down. They laughed and exclaimed that they weren't feeling much better; lamenting all their many aches and pains as they gingerly made their way down the stairs.

Other than my knees, I don't hurt. The rest of me is just tired. I need to go back to the drawing board and work more diligently on building up the strength in my posterior chain to protect them. I work a desk job and it shows! 

In the meantime - F YEAH - I did it! Thank you all so much for cheering us on. We really appreciate it!!

This is what we've been working towards - The Sugarloaf Marathon & 15k. Ed's running the marathon, and I'm running the 15k; bright & early tomorrow morning! 

It's been a gorgeous evening up here. Quiet and relaxing. So nice listening to the babbling brook behind Angus. We got here early in the afternoon to pick up our bibs and then settled in to enjoy. You know I do love going off grid, but I was grateful for technology for a li'l bit tonight as we watched the Preakness. Another great race!

Then I turned it all off again to visit, and watch the sunset. Ahhh...now to try to sleep through my nerves....

My grandmother grew up in this house in South Windham, Maine. So much history there!

My run this evening was without a dog and felt very lonely. This li'l guy was cheering me on though. It helped me to finish strong!

The other day I shared a story with Ed about an encounter we had on the trail. I guess he didn't like it any more than I did. Unfortunately situations do happen, so he decided I should be more prepared. Just in case. Hopefully I will never need to use these!

It was cool enough this morning that George could join me! He started right out at a lope, then looked back at me, realized why it felt like he was pulling against a tree, and switched to an easy trot. He thought for a minute there that maybe Mama had gained some speed, but nope. Oh well. I do think he does like to run with me, it's just not as much fun as racing with one of the guys! 🤣 Although he did pull these tired ol' legs to a speedy time - 2nd fastest this year. Not bad after that long run on Sunday, if I do say so myself!

Yesterday I was scheduled to do my final long run before my race next weekend - 8 miles. I didn't want it to be too easy, so I chose a new trail, instead of the railroad bed. Mission accomplished. 🤣 The Sweet Trail is so very beautiful, but it's far from easy. We had fun running, hiking where we couldn't, and exploring though, and if the second half was a lot slower than the first half, well, at least I finished it! (And it was more than 9 miles by the time we got back to the car!) Hopefully this will make the race seem easy!

A look back to when I could hold both Nate & Ike in my arms! Motherhood brings so many challenges and so much joy. My greatest adventure. Watching the next generation embracing parenthood is heartwarming. It's bittersweet that mine isn't here to see it. She should be. Sending love to all the mothers of the World and hugs to those who are missing theirs. Happy Mother's Day!

After the party we visited with puppy Gus, and then I met Ike for dinner and finished the day planting Mom & Dad's flowers.

She always planted purple, red, and white petunias in the garden in front of their house in honor of the flag and Dad's service.

What a fantastic whirlwind of a weekend!

Today we showered baby Luke, Olivia and Nate with ALL the love! We can't wait to meet him!!

"Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it's a rebirth of the spirit." —Toni Sorenson

3 more miles this morning! ✔️