Guess what? Nobody will ever believe it - I went running today! I ran a little over 14 miles with Sheryl, Lisa and Sue. I braved the rain (well, okay, it wasn't raining that hard) with my new Patagonia rain jacket. Don't I look fashionable? I'm standing next to my trusty '95 Toyota 4-runner. I got up around before 4am (I was actually awake around 3:30am!). I remember a time when I was young when I used to go to bed at that time (or later)! We had a great time, and were blessed with a light rain shower, wonderful cloud cover, and a slightly lower temperature.

I remember when doing a half marathon (13.1 miles) seemed like a very long way to run. Now, I run that distance regularly!

Just goes to show you, where there is a will, there is a long distance run!

One hilly Saguaro Monument 8 mile loop run

Today, my friend Nancy and I ran the Saguaro National Monument East 8 mile loop. The race is fast approaching on Labor Day, so we got in one last training run. We're ready! It was about 95 degrees when we started but we saw 2 javelina (they can be seen in the picture, but they are good at blending in) and a beautiful sunset, so it turned out okay after all. Javelina are pretty crazy looking - they are often called wild boars or wild pigs. They can be seen around Tucson, mostly in the outlying desert areas. It is always great to do a little wildlife viewing when I am running in the great outdoors.

God, thank you for the beautiful sunset, the amazing desert, wonderful friends, a husband who loves me, strong legs that move me and the power to walk through whatever comes my way today.

Dixie Dog is back! She has been going with me running again in the mornings, about 4.5 miles at a stretch. She has been climbing mountains in Colorado, so she is in great shape and really enjoying running with me. I sure have missed her. I have been taking her running along the Rillito River path with me. The wildflowers are blooming everywhere there and she really had a blast running across the soccer fields at Brandi Fenton park.

Of course, that means that my husband is also back! We have had great fun together this week, catching up and just enjoying being together. It is only for a few days, because he and Dixie are leaving again soon to go back up to CO. I'll be seeing them again in September when I head up to CO to visit them. I couldn't ask for a better husband - he is loving and sweet and I trust him unconditionally.

I'm doing a cutback week with my running, so instead of 40 - 42 miles a week, I only did about 30. I did a shorter long run this weekend (10 miles) - I usually do about 12 or more, so it was a little break for my body. I have been tired and I think it is good to listen to your body. I'll be refreshed for the coming week of running! While out on my long run today, I ran into these beautiful white dogs. The lady actually has 5 of these kind of dogs, but she can only walk 2 at a time. I have seen her and her husband out walking all 5 before, but I guess he broke his ankle, so she has solo dog walking duty. Very pretty dogs! It was very hot today on my run - about 90 degrees. At least I thought I was pretty hot - these guys were wearing fur coats! Here I am wearing my atalanta skirt again. Love it, love it! http://www.skirtgoddess.com/

Another 12 miler Saturday with Lisa, Nancy, Laurie and myself. I tried out my new atalanta skirt (http://www.skirtgoddess.com/). Wonderful service from Heather. It is so silky and wonderful! The 'bumhugger' underwear are made out of a silky fabric with no tight elastic squeezing your legs! I really enjoyed my run today in it. Can't have enough running skirts, right? This one is a coolmax fabric in black, with hot pink trim on the sides. Wicks like crazy.

My sister Andrea and I met my cousin Christy, who lives in Utah, out at Miraval spa/resort today. Christy is having a girls weekend at Miraval and we got a chance to catch up with her today, which was great. Too bad we couldn't enjoy some spa services, also. It is a beautiful resort - maybe someday we'll do a 'sister' weekend out there. Check it out - http://www.miravalresort.com/

Nancy, Sue and I ran Saguaro National Monument 8 mile loop again today (a redeux of last week!), and it was pretty fun. There was a whole group out out there getting ready for the race which is only 3 weeks away! The hills are feeling easier every time with practice. I think life is like that. The more consistent I am in working towards a goal, the better I become in my career, my relationships (especially marriage and God!) and well, what isn't like that? Go out and get what you want - just chop that goal up in small pieces and before you know it, there you are!

Nancy and I ran the Saguaro National Monument East 8 mile loop this morning. Nancy was great company and we had a fabulous time in spite of the ever constant hills, which felt easier today for some reason. We were greeted bright and early by a beautiful sunrise, followed by a rainbow. We were drizzled on lightly for almost the whole run, which was refreshing! The desert is such a magnificent place. What a great way to start the day. Afterwards, Nancy showed me the model home of her new house that is being built - huge and beautiful!!!

The annual race on this same course is only a month away, so we needed to get in a little training. I have run the Saguaro National Monument race twice and the first time I was sick as a dog! I am pretty stubborn when I have made my mind up to do something, so I ran it anyway.

Running has given me confidence to try all sorts of new things. I was always the last one picked in gym class in school. I never thought I had any physical ability. Today, I know the race is always against myself. Running allows me to connect with other women and centers me spiritually.

Yet another Saturday long run with the Chiclets et al! Those running with me today were Sheryl, Nancy, Lisa, Sue and Laurie, who I had never met before. Nice to meet you Laurie! Since Nancy and Lisa are marathon training, they each bought a Nathan 'Intensity' hydration pack, just like mine! It is made for women, and has plenty of space for gels, lip balm, camera, etc. They needed the extra water to do their increasingly longer runs. Here we are, all matchy-matchy, modeling our packs. :) I ran about 11.5 miles - we ran through the Canyon Ranch area of Tucson, which is always pretty. Cloud cover the whole time - who could ask for more?

I added up the miles I have run/hiked this past year (I keep a daily log of miles run and track the mileage on each of my pairs of running shoes - yes, I am definitely an accountant!), and here is the approximate tally:

Run - 1,465

Hiked - 111

I averaged over 4 miles a day! I wasn't running as much last summer or over the winter as I am now, so I think that is pretty good! I think keeping a log prevents me from overdoing and inviting injuries into my running. It has worked! I also know when it is time to say adios to a pair of shoes that are past their prime.

Definition:

Corker (n.) A remarkable or astounding person or thing. This is my husband's nickname for me!

We sure have had some crazy weather lately. It is Tucson's monsoon season, so here come the heavy rains! Lots of flooding going on - just look at our backyard! This picture was taken over 3 hours after the rain stopped. The ground is just saturated. Lucky for me, the storms haven't hit in the early morning like they did last summer, so it hasn't affected my running a bit! I have been averaging about 40 miles a week for a while now, and intend to keep it up over the winter to get ready for marathon (and ultra) season. I usually take one or two days off a week, depending on how far my weekly long run is. My muscles feel strong and I feel very sturdy. I run in the morning in the summer, which is a great way to start the day. I get out there in time to see the sunrise, which on some days is just gorgeous. I always see lots of bunny rabbits, people walking their dogs and occasionally, a coyote. I ran the Rillito River path yesterday and took a jog off on a side road to visit my friends, the goats. They want to go running with me, can't you tell? The ones with the really short legs crack me up. I used to want a goat as a pet. The upside is that you don't have to mow your grass as often - the downside is they eat everything, including, but not limited to, garden hoses and other vegetation. Oh well, I think I'll stick with dogs for now.

Running gets me out there to see what life has to offer. If you want to see God's gifts, get out there and check it out. Thank you God for the beautiful sunrise you bless me with each morning.

Today, I hiked up Tumamoc Hill here in Tucson. It is 3 miles up and down. I was having a little shin pain, so no running today. It is about 700 foot elevation gain up, so it is a pretty good workout. In the picture on the left, Tumamoc Hill is on the left. From the top of Tumamoc Hill, you can see over the city of Tucson, with the Catalina Mountains faintly on the left, and the Rincon Mountains faintly on the right in the picture below.

Where are you putting your energy today? Are you putting it towards love, giving, and abundance? Or are you putting it towards failure, self-absorption and fear?

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE running?!? The Chiclets (me, Nancy, Lisa and Sheryl) ran around Tucson this morning. I ran 15 or so miles! It was fun - what a great group of women. I'll miss Lisa when she moves in November. She'll be headed to Bend, Oregon, which was named one of the top 30 places to live in 'Outside' magazine this month. Lucky Lisa! Here she is in her 'biking attire' at Sabino Canyon. Lisa is a 'Tri-Girl'.

Thought I would do a running skirt review because I have so many! I started wearing running skirts in Tucson before very many people did, because they are great! It is really catching on now. I try to support individuals who are earning living with their own business, so I haven't tried any of the skirts from the 'big names' in running apparel. Here is my review:

1. Scout Performance - one of my favorites. Find it at http://www.activasports.com/

Pros: Tactel fabric is buttery soft. Shorts underneath are shorter than many skirts and they don't squeeze skin. The color is fabulous. Love the wide waistband, which is very comfortable - it comes down in front in a V, which is very flattering. I have a lot of Scout Performance clothing - it is all well made stuff.

Cons: No pocket and a little pricey (although, very worth it!). However, you can join their 'Diva Club' and save a little that way. Not very many colors to choose from.

2. Atalanta Athleticwear - decided to buy it since Catra Corbett, an ultrarunner, raves about them. Find them at http://www.skirtgoddess.com/

Pros: Two pockets, one on each side in the back, which are huge! The fabric is super comfortable. I have the 'commitment' (shown in the black), which has shorts underneath, which don't squeeze and don't ride up. They just came out with a skirt with the underwear attached which I haven't tried yet (this is my next skirt purchase). Very well made. Fabric wicks nicely.

Cons: I think they accent my hips a little, which I don't like, but otherwise, very nice skirt!

3. Skirtsports - my first running skirts (they practically pioneered them). Find them at http://www.skirtsports.com/

Pros: The fabric wicks like crazy - very light. It has a pocket on the side (the newer versions have a pocket in the back) to put gels, etc. The skirt that I have with the attached underwear has a flattering cut.

Cons: Pocket on the side can make me look heavier if I put something in it (which they have fixed by putting the pocket on the back). Fabric (speedsilk) is so light, that it tends to ride up in the back when I use a waist water bottle carrier. The skirt with the attached shorts is not as flattering as the other one and the shorts tend to squeeze my thighs a little. All this being said, I own 3 which I wear regularly.

4. Running skirts - find them at: http://www.runningskirts.com/

Pros: Tons of colors to choose from and fabric is very nice. Two pockets, one on each side. Nice, wide waistband, which is flattering.

Cons: Not as well made as some, but price is a little better, too. Pockets are on the side, which are not that flattering depending on what you put in them.

Okay, gals, there you have it! I love wearing running skirts.

Remember to treat yourself gently today and remind yourself of how beautiful you are.

Dixie Dog and Kenny trip!

My faithful running companion, Dixie Dog, is vacationing in Silverton, CO for the summer with my husband Ken. Dixie does actually do a little work - she is the greeting dog for my husband's art studio in Silverton. They took a trip up to Silver Lake last night which just about wore them both out. Dixie carries her own pack. Isn't Colorado beautiful?

The columbine is Colorado's state flower.

No running today for Renee. Resting my legs after the runs this weekend. Resting from time to time is good for runners, I believe, but hard to do....

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." ~ Booker T. Washington

Up early again for a new run! This morning I ran Sabino Canyon, which is 7.4 miles total out and back. it was my first time running this canyon, although I have walked it before. Sabino Canyon was nearly destroyed in the summer of 2006 when torrential rains caused a flood. Many repairs are being made to get it back to where it was. It was still really beautiful! Nancy and I ran together and right behind us was Debbie and Lisa's husband Brian. Lisa rode her bike up. I was so hungry afterwards, I made and devoured a 4 egg (with 2 egg whites thrown in, too) vegetable omelette. Yum!

To my sweet husband - you are very missed. I wish I were in Colorado with you now.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~ Harold Whitman

Saturday is long run day!

Nancy, Sheryl, Lisa, Sue and Renee

Here we all are on our run through the Canyon Ranch Resort area in Tucson. The beautiful Catalina Mountains are in the background. We did about 12 miles (Nancy and Lisa started early, doing about 16, since they are training for the Chicago marathon). Debbie, who is an old friend of these gals, came with us and took our picture. Thanks Debbie - it was nice to meet you!

Congratulations to the Hardrock 100 (mile!) race finishers! Scott Jurek (left) has already come in 1st place today in 26 hours and 8 minutes. The others have until tomorrow, Sunday, July 15th, at 6am to finish. It is a very grueling race, with a combined elevation gain of 33,000 feet!! It starts and ends in Silverton, CO, where my husband Ken is at for the summer. Kenny was there at the start of the race and he watched Scott Jurek come in to finish. Apparently, Scott's ankle was not doing well (check it out below!), since he twisted it on Monday playing soccer, but he perservered and set a course record. Thanks Kenny for taking pictures for me - it was almost like being there!

Congratulations also to all runners who even attempted the Hardrock 100. These are true athletes in my book!

Happy 4th of July!

Today is all about freedom. It is so great to be free to make my own choices in these United States. I am also free in spirit. I have been graced with freedom from alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and compulsive and destructive behavior. A loving God has graciously allowed me to experience freedom of the soul. For that, I am grateful! I show my gratitude by being of service to others.

I went on an 8 mile run in Saguaro National Monument East (the 8 mile Cactus Forest loop) this morning. Sheryl and Nancy were there, but Lisa was doing an organized bike ride today. It is very hilly, but it is a good training run for the race held on that exact course on Labor Day. I have done that race twice now and will be doing it again this year. Check out the elevation map of this course:

http://azroadrunners.org/maps/monumentloop.jpg

No wonder I'm so tired today! It is a good workout, especially when it is hot like today. Today, the temperature in sunny Tucson, Arizona reached 110.5 degrees! I stayed inside for the rest of the day! Ken is in Silverton staying cool. Lucky Ken. The high in Silverton today was around 80. Nice. I wish I was back in the North Carolina running on this beautiful path (in Tsali recreation area):

http://main.nc.us/graham/hiking/tsali.html

If you are ever in North Carolina in this area, don't miss a trip to Tsali! Beautiful and shady!!! I can remember the smell of honeysuckle now...

Suggestion: Do something nice for someone you love today without expectation of anything in return. You will experience joy!

Saturday morning run with the Chiclets!

We ran about 14-15 miles around town today. Lisa and Nancy are training for the Chicago marathon in October, but me and Sheryl are joining them in some longer runs just for fun! You have just got to get out there TODAY and live life, because you never know what tomorrow holds. Good job on the long runs gals! We are a sturdy group of women, I'll tell you. It was hot out there!

Kenny is now in Colorado for the summer. I miss him a lot! I'll be keeping busy with a lot of projects (I always find lots to do-I will never ever be bored!) One thing I'm doing is creating window frame art (yes, accountants have a small streak of creativity in them!) using fabric and flowers and old window frames. They are a lot of work but they came out really nice, I thought. I'm always proud when I get done with each one. You have to take pride in your work!

Here are some of the pieces I have done:

This one was my favorite. I love the little pink roses. I'll probably make another one just like it for myself. :)

This one was Kenny's favorite.

This one has some very interesting 'crackle' fabric that I found.

I'll be doing more of these, but these were all I sent with Kenny to Colorado to put in his art studio. I hope they sell! At any rate, I'm not quitting my day job. :)

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Sunday, June 23rd - Deep Creek hike with family

Today, part of our family went on a hike to the Deep Creek area in the Great Smoky Mountains. We saw three waterfalls (which I had previewed yesterday on my run):

1. Juney Whank (funny name!)

Me and Ken

2. Tom Branch

Ken with his monster cup of coffee

3. Indian Creek

Theresa, Ken, Andy, Billy and Erich