I Heart Us....Running

I am officially a couple weeks into the 100 mile specific portion of the training plan.  Last week went great- especially compared to the week before!  Coach Ian sent my schedule for the next 4 weeks- and well, I'll be pounding the pavement a lot.  It isn't nearly as intimidating as it could have been- so that is a plus!  There are 2 back to back long run weekends, and a trail marathon mixed in the plan- so the weekends will certainly be challenging. 
I ran my long run with Steph, Teresa, and Bill Burns last weekend.  Bill provided much needed entertainment for us, and was helpful in giving us his tips for a successful 100 miler.  He has done Umstead several times- so we picked his brain a lot!  And I can't wait to show him the new dirty girl gaiters :)  Steph and I both ordered a pair this week. 
And since it is Valentine's Day week- and as everyone knows, we do NOT celebrate Valentine's Day at our house since Kris feels strongly that Hallmark made the whole thing up :)- I have decided to say "I love Us" to me and running!  I love the fact that when I have a bad day, a run always makes me smile, and that running is my time with my friends, and that becasue I run- I can eat chocolate....I love the sense of accomplishment I feel after I struggle through a tough run- but keep moving.....and I love the things that I learn about myself through running.  Intersting that Bill said on Saturday- it is amazing what you will learn about yourself during a 100 miler- and I can only imagine...because I truly believe that I have already learned a lot through my previous runs, and my current training.  I heart running!
So, I will take my love of running, and move forward to accomplish this goal that I have set for myself.  And I will definitely use the power of running to help me smile- as we all have times in life that feel like the lemons just keep coming....and I truly believe- when life gives you lemons, make LEMONADE!  So as long as all my friends and family stay safe and healthy- bring on the lemons :)

Is the toenail going to make it?  It has made it this long (since September)- but it seems to be less happy these days (There is a distinct split in the nail itself now).  And how will this work out during the cute shoe season????

Lemonade and Chocolate- Everything is going to be okay :)

Holly and Kris and Holly- too long to explain, but I promised Holly these would make the blog :)

Ella before her first soccer practice!  She was NOT excited- and cried when I told her we were going to get her new shoes.....she did however, participate a little at practice, which is a step in the right direction.  Please notice the knee-high socks she picked out- because if she had to play with boys, she was going to do it looking fancy!