Pinprick at the end of the tunnel

I'm starting to see it...it is only a pinprick but it is a means to an end nevertheless. Packing is tomorrow and all of the changes are approved. The changes are feverishly being worked today and hopefully I'll have the errata started and halfway completed tomorrow. Today was a productive day and I feel like I have a handle on what is left to complete before Friday. I say that now and I'll get a change that has to be made or we will lose half of the space station. Love those!

Prepping for a cold front to hit tomorrow evening...I'm searching for running tights as by the time I do my 8 miles on Friday it will be in the high 40's. I'm a little bummed I haven't ran since Thanksgiving but I also know work has been crazy and although I promised work wouldn't get in the way of my running I have to be realistic. So...one week out of 7 week flight prep is something I can be proud of.

Until tomorrow!

"Looks Like We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat"

Oh good grief...the day is drawing to a close. THANK GOODNESS. Changes...changes...changes...there is a change cutoff for a reason. Who cares if we pack in a day. Who cares if we pack the middeck locker next Tuesday. Who cares we have 371 pages currently in the errata. No one will care until December 7th when we lauch that big ole rocket into space! Whatever...that's all I can muster. Yes, not very articulate but it's not even worth it. Ok...moving on.

Work has been crazy and I haven't ran since Thanksgiving. I managed to squeeze in a quick 4 miler before prep for dinner. It was chilly when I started out then it warmed up really fast. I was a buckethead and wore a long sleeve freakin hot shirt. But it was nice to run around the neighborhood for a change of scenery. As I ran through the hood I could smell various turkeys cooking and laundry being done in prep for the big gatherings. It was nice and but a smile on my face.

This was the first Thanksgiving for the hubby and I to host. Several of the fam was in attendence. As hectic as the last hour and half became we had good eats and good company. It is a shame the entire family couldn't be there for their own reasons.

Friday we recovered and stayed away from the crowds. Saturday we took the in-laws to Old Town Spring. It was a nice day to walk about. Sunday was prep for the week and I still didn't manage to get another run in. I weighed myself and actually lost a few pounds. Wow...I was shocked. I ate really bad all weekend and then some. Running is taking a back seat this week. I refuse to add more stress to my already stressful days. Currently there are not enough hours in the day. One day...

"After all...Tomorrow is another day."

That day would be Thanksgiving! A day to be thankful, spend time with family and EAT!!! The in-laws made it in safely and I am sure the hubby will keep them busy with errands and shopping. The season of "the pies" began a day early. Nicole asked me to make my pecan pie for her Thanksgiving get together. It's award winning...lol. I make my own crust...I love my pies! If I could make a living at it I would. We have about 15 people coming over tomorrow. Alot to do between now and then but I don't let that stuff stress me out. It is what it is and it always ends up perfect in the end. Relax, enjoy and be thankful for EVERYTHING!

I decided not to run yesterday...too much going on. I'll try today but I may do 3 today and 5 tomorrow and 7 on Saturday, that way I won't feel so bad about all the food I plan to consume tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and be safe.

"Frankly my dear...I don't give a damn"

Yes...that is exactly my attitude right now with work. Everything seems to be spinning out of control because of one reason or another and I'm expected to figure it out and put it back together again. While some days this is rewarding...I'm now getting the feeling that I'm being taken advantage of. So...I'll put everything back together because I'm a team player and I'm done until next September! YES!!!

I had a nice moment with the hubby this morning...not that...but I did wish we could crawl back in bed and snuggle. It was that kind of morning. LOVE HIM!

Yesterday I did my 3 miles in 30:00. It was refreshing...the weather was in the low 60's, a bit on the chilly side in the shade but once I got in the sun it was nice. I ran faster than usual, not on purpose, I was trying to get my body temp up because I was cold. Bryan and Jodie ran on the trails as well...Jodie waited for Bry so I passed them just over the 2 mile mark and saw them again on their way back when I was driving home. They looked cold.

Today it is 5, I'm still debating on doing it or waiting until tomorrow. I guess it will depend if we eat Mateo's for lunch. I still have a lot on my plate with work and a few more things to get before Thanksgiving on Thursday. We'll see how it goes. So now I will put a smile on my face and tackle the day with gusto...I'll get through it, I always do.

9 and Barely Walking & Recap of the Weekend

Last Friday was my 9 mile day, a new PR for mileage. The weather was nice, about 70 but got cooler buy the time I finished 1:44:05 minutes later. The first 3 went smoothly, I didn't even mind running the street, it seemed to go pretty fast. I was thinking about trying a new path so I didn't have to go out of the gate then back in BUT I chickened out about halfway down the new path, a car was coming and I believe there was a sign that said do not enter. I'm such a chicken. I was all excited because I was going to get a small break and eat my gel and I decided on Gatorade for an extra boost. Note to self...open Gatorade bottle prior to running. I spent at least 5 minutes trying to open that freaking bottle and I finally had to run back to my car and get my water cause the lid wasn't budging. That was a site.

I debated the entire length of my 4 and 4.5 mile on whether to go to the 2 mile mark or turn around at the 1.5. I decided what the heck and run the four so I would only have 2 miles left after my second water break. It worked out except that last mile and a half I struggled. I had bonked. I may have ran fast in the beginning, I tried to monitor my pace but who knows. I think it is more my body getting used to the mileage. I was happy to finish. My knees were screaming.

I of course called the hubby and he was very proud of me. He offered to pick up the boy since I finished a bit later than I wanted (stupid work). That was a relief and I was very thankful! I also knew the boy would be happy getting picked up a bit early and spending time with his daddy.

Sitting in a car after 50 minutes is not advised. Dang...I could barely walk. I immediately went to take a shower and just sat. I was freezing from the temperature drop and the sweat. It was nice. I found a mist setting on the shower head and it was totally relaxing. I was recovered by Saturday.

The rest of the weekend was busy. My in-laws are coming in on Tuesday so we spent the entire weekend prepping and working off items on the "to do" list. We finished our plant ledge. Got a chair and a cane and some books. It looks really nice. I'm a little creeped out by the "antique" factor because I've heard of spirits being attached to items. We purchased a desk, chair, cane and a few old books. When I walk by I half expect to actually see someone sitting in the chair. I'll take a pic and post. I am actually happy with the way it turned out. I was going for a Hemmingway travel theme.

So...our cleaning lady flaked on Tuesday and my husband fired her, I may have mentioned that in a previous blog. We thought we were in good shape for another cleaning lady because our neighbor referred hers that she had for 17 years. Unfortunately it took 3 days to get the number, on Thursday, and the cleaning lady doesn't speak English and our neighbor is the go between. Turns out our neighbor is a flake too! We were trying to get the cleaning lady in on Monday before the in-laws come in but by Saturday I understood that would be a no go and planned on cleaning all day Sunday. Sunday morning we finally got a phone call from our neighbor and Elena didn't have Monday open anyway and she will stop by on Friday to talk with us about regular cleanings. I'm not holding my breath.

Wow...this is a long one! Alot has been going on and I haven't even brought up work here. Which...I'm not doing. Except...work is what it is and I'm doing what I have to do and what is expected of me and I'm not worrying about everyone else doing their job. I'll let the manager do that!

Until tomorrow!!!

3 and Out

I remember the day when 3 miles sounded like 25 miles and actually running it was sheer torture. Now...3 miles has become a walk in the park actually relaxing. Funny (but makes since) how perception changes with repetition and accomplishment. Jojo and I ran 3 yesterday. It was supposed to be my off day but since I didn't run my 5 on Wednesday due to the winds I went ahead and just did 3 so I wouldn't wear myself out before my 9 today.

It was a pretty good run, I always run faster in cooler temps and with Jojo 31:29. And I have to stop trying to catch up with people when the pass. It's that whole competition thing. Thankfully I run earlier than most so I'm not passed too much. I was however hating my lunch in the beginning of the first mile. Note to self...no more Sonic burgers before running...even on low mileage days.

I'm looking forward to today. I wish I could just go run and get it over with now, this morning. It will be a new mileage PR and the weather is perfect. I have that pre-race feeling in the pit of my stomach, excited and nervous at the same time. Perhaps I will try to sneak in a massage this weekend as a reward to myself! Plus the familia is coming in (in-laws and my out-laws). A pre-Thanksgiving massage sounds like something that I deserve in order to get through the next week. Not to mention I our cleaning lady flaked on us Tuesday...fourth time...so hubby fired her. I'm desperately trying to hire another one but I'm told she doesn't speak very good English. Nice. Yes...I'm am spoiled with a house keeper. Thankfully my husband understands our time is better spent not cleaning a house. Thank you to those that do that for a living...you make my life MUCH easier!

I'm just tired...

Working 10 hour days, running anywhere from 3-9 miles 4 times a week, preparing for a Shuttle flight with things are still changing, family coming in for Thanksgiving and a wife and mom...I'm just tired. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with it all. I just want to sleep for a couple of days and be lazy with the hubby. Perhaps a spa where we can both get a massage, pedicure, facial. Oh that sounds like heaven. Oh and I remembered we get the week between Christmas and New Year's off! Whooo hooo!!! Now that is something to look forward to. That spa thing may become a day spa experience locally. Not a bad compromise. Me and my man and have some time to ourselves and remember what it was like when it was just us. Two crazy kids with their whole life in front of them. Was it ever just us?

Now back to reality. Running is going ok. A front came through yesterday and dropped the temps to the high 50's and the wind was gusting 40+ mph. I was still planning on running until I went to visit a friend that just had a baby at the hospital and nearly got my head ripped off from the wind gust. I'm thinking I'll just run 3 today so I don't die during my 9 tomorrow. Another mileage milestone I may add.

The hubby surprised me this morning by reminding me that Tuesday is our four year anniversary since we met at a speed dating gig. Funny huh!! We love to see the expression on peoples faces when they find out how we met. Priceless. Hubby is great about remembering dates, anniversaries, I never I have to "remind" him. I was surprised that I hadn't thought about it (See first line of this post).

Catching up time...now that I have the time I might as well get it all down or it will be forgotten. Last Friday was my 8 miler, second of the week since I switched around my training days. It begins ok, I got out to the trails later than I wanted cause of work stuff, I have a small window depending on my mileage and if I don't get out on time it gets dark and I pick the boy up later than he likes. Anyway...I evidently packed the shirt from hell to run in. It was a Nike sleeves but it had ridges throughout the shirt. What was I thinking? Around mile 4 I was chafed so bad under my arms and tired of running holding my shirt down I finally took it off to finish the run. Which kinda freaked me out. I'm not in horrible shape but if I'm going to be running around without a shirt and only my sports bra in public I would rather not have any unsightly bulges. Thankfully Friday was a holiday where I work and I was alone on the trails. Anyway, between fighting with my shirt, chafing and getting to the trails late I only did 6 miles. I didn't beat myself up about it. Monday, when I got to work Nicole told me she saw me running on Friday and I replied, with or without my shirt. LOL...it was kinda funny.

Monday and Tuesday runs went ok. I did 3 (30:49) and 3 (30:33). I was supposed to do 5 on Tuesday but decided to do my Wednesday 3 on Tuesday so I could run 5 on Wednesday with Jojo. Didn't work out with the gusts and all...we'll try again today although it's going to be chilly, may have to invest in a long sleeve shirt at lunch.

85 in November

Could it be any hotter? Well...technically yes, it could be 86. 5 miles completed yesterday and man...I struggled the first couple (53:52). I had a stressful day and I got to the trails later than I wanted. I was sort of looking forward to the escape but as I took my first couple of steps I no longer looked forward to the miles ahead, I was wishing for it to be over. Since I am reworking my long runs to Friday I am having to suck it up this week and my body is screaming. I made a good decision and decided to grab my Gatorade at the 3mile mark and I that made me feel better and I finished strong. My fourth mile began at the start of the trails and a few runners started behind me and passed me...I just wanted to scream...I've already ran three and I'm running five. Whatever, like they really care. Perhaps I motivated them to run longer because they passed me. My pointer toe on my left foot is bothering me. I'm worried because I already have runners toe on the right foot. I may be gripping or my right shoe may be too small. I think the gripping may be more of the culprit since my left toe never hurt before today. I'll have to check that out. Today I'm resting. I really should get some Yoga in to stretch before my long run tomorrow of 8...and it is supposed to be 87. I am considering running in the morning. I don't want to hate doing my long runs this early in the game. It's all good, it's fun to see the interest in running spread like wildfire. Jojo and I talk about it incessantly and we have others joining the ranks and join in the fun. I'm having a good time.

Catching Up

Sorry it's been awhile. Is there ever enough time in the day? If I could function on less than 7 hours of sleep and not be in the middle of flight prep perhaps I could keep up...I'm tryin. Training for the half is going well, did I ever say I was training for the Houston half marathon in January? Probably not because it wasn't "official" until last week when I "officially" signed up. A bit intimidating but what the heck! It gives meeting to the training that I have been doing for the past two months. Yesterday was my 8 miler (1:29:27). The longest mileage I've ever ran, knowingly. Honestly, I don't think I've ran 8 miles unknowingly...one would know this. I was pretty happy with the run. I managed to beat the rain and take advantage of some cooler temps. I had my GU, water and body glide at the 3 and 6 mile mark and I managed to stay hydrated, energized and chafless. When I finished and commenced with my 45 minute commute to pick up the boy I called hubby, I always call and share the news with hubby when I complete a new mileage milestone. He was happy but a bit distracted, family from Cali are coming in for Thanksgiving and causing a bit of panick to get the "to do" list completed and his work is C-R-A-Z-Y. Anyway...I called Jojo, my inspirator, my motivator, my torturor to share my good news but of course she didn't answer her phone. YOU NEVER ANSWER YOUR PHONE! She did call back to check on me, make sure I wasn't rutted by a mating buck and congratulated me on my run. I am rearranging my schedule this week to move my long runs from Monday to Friday...I'm going to DIE. We are starting hill training in a couple of weeks and the only hill in a 150 mile radius is the Kemah bridge which happens to be a one mile worth of bridge. I'm really going to DIE. I took today off and my knees are thanking me. I plan on 5 tomorrow, Thursday off and another 8 on Friday. I pray for a cool front since it is forcasted to be up in the mid 80's tomorrow. Still better than the 95+ temps I was running in a month or so ago but still hot nonetheless. Jojo will tell you I don't sweat. Whatever...

Here are my times from days past:

Nov 2: 4m: 43:23
Nov 1: 3m: 30:20
Oct 30: 6m: 1:06:40
Oct 25: 3m: 31:01
Oct 23: 7m: 1:16:49
Oct 19: 3m: 31:20
Oct 18: 2m: 20:58
Oct 17: 6m: 1:15:58
Oct 12: 3m: 30:59
Oct 11: 2m: 21:05
Oct 9: 5m: 54:49

So...this morning on my way to work about 6a I was flipping through morning radio and stopped when I heard a DJ talking about the Houston half marathon in January and that she was going to run in the race. My interest was peaked so I listened. She proceeded to admit she flaked on a 5K this past weekend and she then asked for people to email training schedules to her because she hasn't begun her training. WHAT!!! Can you just hear the race committee saying thanks for the $50-60 donation? I actually know people that have ran a marathon, twice...prolly four times by now and not trained for two of them and they completed the race in under 4:30. I know people that could run the 1/2 and not train and finish with a respectable time. With all due respect...she would not be able to run a respectable half and not train. I'm not really sure why I care, it doesn't really affect me personally it just struck me as irresponsible. I shouldn't, but for some reason I care...I guess because this woman has an opportunity to promote running as a sport, how to do it safely and the joys of training and celebrating a personally accomplishment. But...as I am not privy to her personal accomplishment I will stop talking about it. I wish her the best of luck and hope she finds that training program to get her up to speed in 9 weeks.