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Echoes Of My Neighbourhood 9

I am joining Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha from A Cooking Pot and Twisted Tales for her series, “Echoes of My Neighbourhood,” where she challenges us all to share a photo of bits and pieces of wherever you are at any point in time.

It’s time to see bits and pieces of Seattle!!

Above: The Columbia Tower… currently the 2nd tallest building on the West Coast and tallest in the State of Washington.

Above: The Clock Tower in front of Century Link Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders.

I live about 35 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, but it sure is fun to go visit every now and again!

Have a great weekend!! Who’s got a race coming up??

Echoes Of My Neighbourhood #8

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I live about 10 miles/20 minutes from where I work. My travel is purely through farmland and the back roads of the country. I know I annoy a lot of drivers, but I am constantly looking around during the drive as I never know what I will see, such as…

Usually a few deer:

Lots of horses, ponies, and goats:

And cows (this particular cow was quite willing to have her picture taken):

Various farms and houses, such as this one:

And this one:

And the beautifully landscaped yards and driveways with freaky trees that have arms:

And beautiful carvings from tree stumps:

Regardless of my view during my drive, the highlight is when I finally get there and see this guy waiting for his breakfast salad:

Daryl

Month One Down

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I think it’s been awhile since I’ve written anything… I’ve been enjoying getting caught up with all of you so much, I forgot I should probably write something too!

I was finally able to hit my beloved trail again last Saturday for my long-ish run (“-ish” as it’s only the first week of training). The trail definitely looks a bit different in the winter! But now you can kind of see how tall and skinny the trees are and why I freak out so much when it’s windy. Because things are so bare, I actually discovered a house that I didn’t know was there before. (No, I didn’t take a picture of it, :D)

About 3 miles up is a walkway out to a hidden treasure, Lake Cassidy. People fish in this lake, but I can guarantee you I wouldn’t be eating anything that comes out of it. I see what floats around in that lake… it’s disgusting. To be honest, I wouldn’t even swim in it… which people do as well. Regardless, it’s nice to have and is gorgeous to look at and so peaceful, especially during the summer.

I’ve thankfully been hitting all my runs, including my streak runs. I’ve been streaking for 34 days now, and my total mileage since starting is about 70. Well… hmmm… that number should improve as I amp up my training mileage. By the end of February, I’ll be at my peak, so it’ll be interesting to compare the numbers month to month (my next race is March 5th). But then I’ll have 2 weeks of recovery in March again, just like I did in January, so my numbers will be low in March too. Such a vicious circle, haha.

James and I had our celebratory karaoke night last Saturday. We’ve decided to have one of those every time we finish a race. We can’t do it while we’re training as the *drinking* part of it tends to interfere, but when we’re in recovery mode, look out! Turn up that music and turn on the mic! It’s time to get footloose and fancy free! Our child even got involved and decided he wanted to sing too! I’m a proud mama! Especially as he was tackling some tough ones that I had no idea what they were! Yep, super proud mama!

Anyone besides me love to karaoke? Go ahead… ‘fess up! You’re amongst friends!!

Have a great rest of your week!

Me? Run A Marathon?

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No.

But this is the conversation between The Motivator and I tonight:

ME: I think I need to train for a marathon.

JAMES: <shocked look, jaw dropped>

ME: If I train for a marathon, it might help me get faster in my half-marathons.

JAMES: Let me write this down… “Let it be noted that on January 31st, Paula said she wanted to train for a marathon.” This way when you’re saying ‘why the f*** am I doing this‘ in about 8 months, we can review my notes and know it’s because you said you wanted to.

I didn’t say I wanted to run a marathon, just train for one. 😀

Vibrant: My new PR running shoes!

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My new running shoes arrived on my doorstep this afternoon… Brooks Glycerin 13! I ordered them at the beginning of the week so I would have them in time for my long run this weekend! After melting my feet in Maui, I learned a huge lesson not to stray from the tried and true, and because of that, I believe these are going to give me a new PR at each and every race I run in 2016! They shall now and forevermore be known as my 2016 PR Shoes! Woo hoo! They are, indeed, vibrant!!

And so it begins… again…

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What a cool-looking dude!

James and I were doing a finger count tonight, and there are now 38 days until our next half-marathon in Lake Sammamish. Don’t know why we thought it was 6 weeks away; hence, the counting on our fingers. So today began the start of my next short and sweet training cycle. As I just did a half and don’t really have the time on the calendar, I won’t be cutting back in mileage much. My long runs for the next 4 weeks will be 8, 10, 12, 6, then 13.1. Hmmm, that’s kind of scary. But doable, especially as the weather is now cooperating and all the snow and ice has moved east (sorry East Coast). Once again, I can run outside! (Happy dance!)

Tonight was a scheduled 3 miles. However, I was feeling pretty good and decided to attempt Mo Fo Hill, my nemesis. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. At least I got some major work in on improving my VO2 (major major). And just when my legs were feeling pretty good after my recent half, now my quads are screaming at me. No pain, no gain! (lovin’ those good old motivational mantras right now!)

Meeps is thinking he could really go for some overall body toning…

I also really liked the workout that Alana had posted on Living Out Loud, so I wanted to give that a try after my run as well. A great workout! I had to forego a couple of things on her list because my legs just weren’t having it (like the sumo squats and jumping jacks), but it was a great way to kick-start some toning and strength training (as my quads were already screaming at me, they especially weren’t too impressed after the wall sits). So if you are in need of some toning, give one of Alana’s workouts a go! She has lots of different ones to try. Thanks Alana!

And the super good news is that I ordered a new pair of Brooks Glycerin’s 13, a full size larger this time (see, I really did learn my lesson). I will have them just in time for my 8 miles this Sunday! I’m so excited! Can’t wait! (You can read about my adoration of the Glycerin’s here.)

As well, it’s time to lose all that vacation weight! Have you ever noticed that most everything in Hawaii comes with a side of chips/crisps? So the dinner menu tonight consisted of spaghetti squash as the main course for Meatless Tuesday (it’s really supposed to be Meatless Monday, but… well… today is Tuesday).

And yes, according to my 5 running apps, the streaking continues…

Have a happy week! 😀

If you were to rule Mondays as meatless, what would you choose to serve?

My Week In Review

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Okay, really… it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m doing a weekly summary! I just ran a half-marathon last week! Of course I’m going to put my mileage in black and white! 😉 But actually, have you ever noticed that when you go on vacation, it’s not truly restful? You’re on the go all the time, so much to see, so much to do! It’s probably the most active you’ll be all year!! Hence, I’m documenting those miles because they totally count. I wore my Garmin watch all the time as I wanted credit for all those steps I took!

January 16 — Our first full day in Maui, the day before the race. This is the day I wanted to stay off my feet. I logged 7.85 miles… but only 1 of them was actually spent running. I’m sure the rest of them were spent lollygagging. My biggest mistake here was not wearing my running shoes the entire day.

January 17 — Race day! 17.75 miles or 34,901 steps. Cooool! I kinda like the way the steps log. They look way impressive. For those who don’t race or run, there is a lot of going to and fro’ on race day, so the set mileage of the race isn’t the only mileage you get.

January 18 — (Monday, in case you’ve lost track). Keeping in mind this is the day after the race, so with a lot of soreness and ouchies… 4.97 miles. One mile was dedicated to running… the rest were dedicated to visiting the pool, bar, and whatever food we could find and get to easily. We also meandered around the resort to stretch… it only hurt when we stopped. 🙂

January 19 — 5.49 miles. We walked to Castaway Cafe to have brunch, then hung out by the pool, just as it should be!

January 20 — 5.53 miles. Really, more of the same… blah, blah, blah, pool. 🙂

January 21 — 3.54 miles. Okay… this kills me. We spent the entire day on our feet at the Maui Ocean Center. It felt like we walked for miles and miles. This was the least amount of mileage recorded.

January 22 — 2.5 miles… homeward bound. Oh how sad. One mile was dedicated to running, and I’m guessing 1.5 miles was from traipsing around the two airports!

January 23 — 2 miles. First day at home… I don’t even know how I got 2 miles to be honest! Only 1 was actually dedicated to running.

January 24 — 3.31. A 2-mile streak run with the rest of it being logged as doing normal, boring, everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping.

Total miles (for the past 8 days): 52.94. I kinda wish every week could be this productive!! And if you want to get super technical, if I knock last Saturday’s mileage off, then total mileage for the 7 days would be 45.09. Proof positive we are more active on vacation than not, 😀

Great eateries in Maui:

Slappy Cakes — Fabulous breakfast/brunch food! Make your own pancakes on the skillet at your table or have them made. They also serve breakfast skillets and other breakfast items. 5 stars!
Castaway Cafe — I had biscuits and gravy with eggs. To die for! Best gravy ever! They’re a cafe on the boardwalk, so they serve everything. 4 stars! But only 4 because the service was a bit slow. They only had 1 person at noon helping the entire restaurant.
Maui Brewing Company — Home made chips/crisps! The burgers are wonderful! Apparently so is the Brisket Dip Sandwich! It’s a brewing company… beer is home brewed, so quite delicious as well! 5 stars!
Coconut Fish Cafe — With a name like that, how can you go wrong! A favorite amongst the locals! 5 stars! (I don’t usually eat my fries, but these I couldn’t resist).
Plantation House Golf Course — Views of the ocean were killer! Fish and chips were fantastic! 5 stars! Go there! This is a must if you’re ever in Maui! (Beware of very small parking spaces).

Sadly, I think that’s it for Maui for this year. Time to get back to reality as my training plan picks up again on Tuesday! But then again, training is half the fun, so I look forward to the challenge, especially as I’ve learned a lot from running the Maui Oceanfront Half-Marathon!

On a side note, I turned 49 today. Pretty soon my tag line is going to have to say “trials and tribulations of a 50-something novice runner…” Good thing my mind still thinks I’m only 21… and only 21 just so I can legally drink, 😀

Do you find that you’re more active on vacation than you are any other day of the year?

50 in 50 Marathon Quest’s View on MOM

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I’d like to start by saying thank you so very much for the encouragement and the kudos for this most recent race! Your wonderful support really does carry me through all of the madness… from the first step of the training cycle right on through to the finish line. I’m extremely grateful and appreciative for you! I’ve made some great blogging friends, and I feel truly blessed.

Jamesy wrote a fun article detailing the Maui Oceanfront Marathon. I know my “race recap” was brief and to the point… it was hard and it hurt. But if you’re curious and would like a bit more of a detailed description, go visit his site. He actually makes the pain sound somewhat humorous!

Speaking of pain, we suffered our worst about 48 hours after the race, per normal. Neither of us could walk very well, which called for a great relaxing day hanging by the pool! As of now, my feet have mostly recovered… I’ll lose a few toenails, but hey, it happens. I’ve realized I need to stay with my Brooks Glycerin shoes for every race from here on out as I don’t have feet problems when I race in them, AND, I need to stay about a full size larger than what I normally wear because, yes, my feet do swell that much (the ones I wore in MOM were only 1/2-size larger).

As for James, his calves are still a bit tight, but he’s gradually getting better. He has one more week of recovery before he starts his next training cycle, so he should survive as well.

Next race for us will be local… the Lake Sammamish Half-Marathon on March 5th, in 41 days… just enough time to lose all the weight we gained on vacation. 😀

50 in 50 Marathon Quest … Maui Oceanfront Marathon Recap

Smashrun Badges

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It’s taper week in my household, but we’re still streaking! After logging my 1-mile run last night on Smashrun, I earned 5 badges. This is what makes running so fun! It’s all about the accomplishment and bling! And Smashrun gives you all kinds of incentives to just keep you going!

I have earned the “Chill Runner” badge! I love this! Everyone knows I’m not a fast runner, although I’m working on improving. In the meantime, I simply embrace the fact that I actually run period! What I love about this is the description of the “chill runner!” Because “I am chill.” Hahahaha! “I know how to take my time and enjoy my runs.” Yes! Amen!

Another badge I earned was the “Easy Runner.” Again, read the description! What a brilliant way to encourage slower runners! Love! I laughed so hard and was so appreciative of this badge! The description sounds almost like the infamous Honey Badger! I love being associated with the Honey Badger’s attitude!

Okay, there may actually be some hard-core runners out there who think that I’m disrespecting the sport by taking my slow running so light-hearted; not so. I’m slow, but I work hard at getting faster. It may take me six months to knock another minute off my pace or it may take me a year, but I’m okay with that because I’m faster than I was when I started this journey, and I plan on being faster next year at this time. When I’m 70, I’ll be the one crossing the finish line at the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run with only 5 seconds until cutoff.

In the meantime, I love being a “Chill and Easy Runner.” Because that’s how I roll baby!

Sunday Ramblings

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On frozen pond… but soon to be in warm ocean! 🙂

One week from today, James and I will be running in Hawaii at the Maui Oceanfront Marathon, him the full, me the half (just in case you missed that news in every other post I’ve written for the past 3 months). Gone will be the snow and ice… only sun and fun! I’ll probably be mostly packed for the trip by day’s end even though we don’t leave until Friday. I figure, hey, why not. Goodness knows I won’t be needing any of my summer clothes here anytime soon!!

Our custom bibs for the race came in the mail yesterday. James’s is because he’s running all 50 states (yes, I’m running all 50 states too, but I won’t get mine until later). I opted for a different bib… one in honor of my big brother. He died this past November from cancer. He loved Maui. He got married there, and he went back every year. I felt it was appropriate.

As well, the streak lives on. Yes, sometimes I only run 1 mile, other times I run more. I like looking at the overall picture. While I don’t train for the full-distance marathons, nor do I train to be Speedy Gonzales, I feel these runs are actually helping me to get stronger. As I said before, I’m getting really good at running 2 miles… now if we can just switch that up to say, “I’m getting really good at running 13.1 miles!” Eh… you never know what the year is going to bring!

And in other news, the Seahawks won their football game today (so sorry if you’re from Minnesota, but hey). If you didn’t happen to watch the game, it was unreal. The Seahawks were leading the game 10-9. Minnesota had the ball with less than a minute to go. All they had to do was kick a 27-yard field goal, and the game was theirs. We’ll just say that The Vikings did not have a good day. (Laces out, people, laces out!) Seahawks advance in the playoffs to face the Carolina Panthers next Sunday. The 12th Man Flag will be coming to Maui with us for a little fan support next week. But… we’ll be in the middle of our races when the game is on, so we might miss the outcome. Still… very exciting stuff!

Also, James wrote a great article about running apps here just in case you’re shopping around. So if you’re a technical geek (like we are), go check it out!

Hope everyone has had a great weekend! Are you an extreme sports fan? Did your football team play today? If you ran Disney, show off that bling!!

Never A Dull Bling

The trials and tribulations of a 40-something novice runner

Tag Archives: blogging101

Echoes Of My Neighbourhood 9

Echoes Of My Neighbourhood #8

Month One Down

Me? Run A Marathon?

Vibrant: My new PR running shoes!

And so it begins… again…

My Week In Review

50 in 50 Marathon Quest’s View on MOM

Smashrun Badges

Sunday Ramblings

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