Another three miles

I don't have another photo today because I'm already in my pajamas, but I did another three-mile run today. I got a bit mixed up because of a few days in Boise, but I did A LOT of walking there, so it still felt like a pretty awesome week. In total, I ran 6 miles and walked for a total of about 6 hours on off days. I feel pretty dang good.

Boise, by the way, was the break I was desperately needing. I went with Anne Marie and my mom, but my mom spent her days in meetings, so it was just me and the little monkey. We went to the zoo, did a lot of window shopping and relaxed. With my wild schedule right now, normally I have to use all the time Anne Marie is taking a nap to get as much work as I can, both from my job and cleaning, etc. Then, when she goes to sleep for the night, it's more of the same. There really isn't a time when I'm not thinking about how to fit a few more minutes of work into the day. Matt is both working and going to school, so he and I are never home at the same time, and it's difficult for both of us.

In Boise, it was nice to get away from work, cleaning, mortgage refinancing crap, etc. Of course, it wasn't a break from the baby, but it makes a world of difference to be able to take a breather while she's napping rather than praying she doesn't wake up until I get a story written. I felt absolutely rejuvenated. I'll put up photos of the zoo soon!

Week one done...

 
18 to go! Today I went on my first "long" run. It wasn't really super long - three miles- but it's a start. I'm on my way!

Finally

 

Spring seems to finally be here. Yes, it's scheduled to snow tomorrow, but at least I have one flower. The tulips still aren't up yet, but there is hope.

I'm running

 

I always plan on running a half marathon or marathon, but it seems I sputter out part way through the plan and give up. This time, I'm trying something new. I've got a new plan. First, I found a man and a training plan where WALK breaks are encouraged. Second, I picked a race that I've seen before and looked like fun - the Mesa Falls half marathon. There is absolutely no way I could get ready for an August marathon, but the half marathon program I chose is a 17-week training plan, and I have 19 weeks. It has several choices, including some for those who are planning to do 16 minute miles. I can do that.

So I've been running/walking for a month or so again, but yesterday Anne Marie, Rosa and I went with a purpose. It was so much more fun than just going out for a run. Now it's "training."

Budding horticulturist

From gardening

Today is the first day that it hasn't snowed in forever, so Anne Marie and I decided to get some lettuce, peas and spinach planted before it gets too hot. I was so dang excited to get back outside again! I have plenty of outside things I like to do in the winter, and plenty of things to do when it's warm, but no one can do anything with 40 degrees and constant wet snow.

You should know that, even though there is some dirt on her mouth, I definitely didn't let Anne Marie eat dirt, despite her constant efforts. She also tried to slip in a worm.

Snowshoeing adventure

From snowshoeing

This is the way Anne Marie rolls when we snowshoe.

It's easy when we're on groomed road. It gets a little tougher when we get in the real terrain. That's why, after a few tight corners and big hills, I gave the reins to Alex.



It was an awesome time, though, and I'm lucky enough to have a baby that's fairly well-mannered when I tie her into a sled and head out into the cold.