Just One More Day: Days 142 - 148

Day 142 – May 21, 2012

Whew. Track is finally over. I’ve enjoyed coaching but ten months straight is a lot. Now, I have some freedom to run on my own and according to my schedule. With that in mind, I ran country roads, enjoying the warm, sunny afternoon. The sky was a brilliant blue with white and silver clouds silhouetted against the canvas. Beautiful!

Total – 7 road miles

Day 143 – May 22, 2012

Sometimes it’s hard to get in the car to drive somewhere to run. So it was out the door and down the road today before working with the chipper to make more mulch for my flower beds.

Total – 6 road miles

Day 144 – May 23, 2012

Summer cold, go away! Out of nowhere, I started the stuffy, sniffy, low-grade fever thing last night and felt rotten all day today. I was tempted to do a one or two miler but once I started, I could breath much better. My run turned out to be a standard 6-miler that felt comfortable---expect when I saw a cat, being chased by a dog, get thumped by an oncoming car. Not nice. The car won that battle.

Total – 6 road miles

Day 145 – May 24, 2012

Wow. This cold has put a hurt’n on me. Fever, chills, achy head and chest congestion. Not good. I managed two miles but called it a day. I am feeling really wrung out. Hope it doesn’t last too long.

Total – 2 road  miles

Day 146 – May 25, 2012

Well, I sure don’t feel much better. This was supposed to be my long run in the mountains but even my fingers ache. So it was a real commitment to head down the road. I figured it would be two and no more. It was just two but the run took on a whole new meaning when I met a new neighbor and chatted for about twenty minutes. This was a God-ordained run!

Total – 2 road miles

Day 147 – May 26, 2012

I wasn’t sure how I felt when I woke up but I sure hoped it would better than the last two days. It was. I was able to tackle a number of outdoor tasks and was pleased with my progress. So much so that I thought about sneaking off to the mountains in the afternoon. Boy, am I glad I didn’t! When I headed down the road, my chest was very heavy and my energy low. The jostling made me hack up gross stuff, which I presume is good. But it sure makes a run difficult. Perhaps I’ll be able to make up my missed long run on Monday, Memorial Day.

Total – 6 miles

Day 148 – May 27, 2012

This warm Sunday was going to be a busy day. Church in the morning and house guests all afternoon, evening, and some for overnight. I knew it would be best to get up early and knock out a few miles before church. Besides, I hardly wanted to run when it was sunny and 90 degrees! I was glad to feel much better than earlier in the week even though I still have some chest congestion. I will have to figure out a way to make up for my missed long run in this coming week.

Total – Total 7 miles

Year-to-date: 958 miles

Simple pleasures

Ah. The windows are open, a fan gently whirls, and birds sing their evening praise as the sun begins its game of hide behind the backyard trees. I love times like these.

I also like unexpected pleasures. On yesterday's run, I spied some beautiful flowers growing along side of the country road. I couldn't resist. I stepped into the ditch and started pulling at them. The stems did not break easily, so there I was, running down the road with a handful of flowers, roots and all. I'm not sure if I delighted more in the flowers or the strange looks I got from the few people whizzing by in their cars.

When I smell the scent of freshly cut grass, my mind goes back to my dad and his riding lawn mower. He loved to come home from his dental office and climb onto that tractor. It soothed him. It made the pressures of a solo practice disappear for awhile. Maybe that's why I anticipate my sessions with our lawn mover.


Then, there's the quiet of my house. I'm fortunate to work from my humble little office. It certainly is convenient to grab my coffee and head upstairs to work each morning. Heading down the stairs for a snack has its advantages as well. I can dress up, dress down, or not dress at all when I head to work. (OK. Scratch that last comment. The visual picture is not pretty and hardly what I intended to say.) Anyway, though I sometimes have a hard time leaving work upstairs, I enjoy my situation.

Feelings and memories are wonderful: The warm spring air, the scent of wildflowers, a garden becoming crowded with green, the churn of the pool pump motor, the gentle lapping of the pool water, the energetic bunny that scampers across the driveway, the drone of a plane hidden behind billowy white clouds, the pop-pop-pop of tar bubbles bursting underfoot as I run along warm country roads.

I love this life and it's simple pleasures. Thank you, Lord.

Just one more day: Days 135 - 141

Day 135 – May 14, 2012

The team and I took a short run on the way to the track before doing the last hard workout of the season. Well, they did the hard workout. I just ran laps in their recovery periods.

Total – 5.5 road and track miles

Day 136 – May 15, 2012

This was basically a rest day for me. A few lowly miles with the team.

Total – 2.5 miles on gravel roads

Day 137 – May 16, 2012

As a team, we ran incorporated two half-mile pick-ups within the context of an easy 4 mile run. Short and simple with the state meet coming up on Saturday.

Total – 4 road and gravel miles

Day 138 – May 17, 2012

The country roads called my name with sunny skies and a gentle breeze.

Total – 9.0 miles

Day 139 – May 18, 2012

I was glad to get to the mountains today but was reminded what the heavy rains (up to 9 inches) of earlier this week can do to trails. Many were a mess, some were terribly overgrown, and the streams turned into rushing torrents! I had wanted to get in a few more miles but time was short and I had to get to practice and then meet friends for dinner at their home. By the time I got home, I was worn out.

Total – 24.2 trail miles

Day 140 – May 19, 2012

This was the closest I’ve come to missing a run. I got up at 6 AM, spent the day with the team at the state track meet, and got back to the school at 11:15 PM. After cleaning things out of the bus and loading up the car, I slipped into my shoes and went for a quick spin around campus. It actually felt great to run alone in the dark. I was pleased to feel quick and light despite the mileage the day before. So glad I didn’t weenie out by not running.

Total – 2 road miles

Day 141 – May 20, 2012

I really thought I would run two miles and call it a day. I was really tired from a couple whirlwind days. But I decided on my standard six-miler and ended up licking flowers along the way! It was a nice way to end the week although I have to say, the few cars that passed by did a double-take at a runner carrying a bouquet down the road.

Total – 6 miles

Year-to-date: 922 miles

Just another day: Days 128-134

Day 128 – May 7, 2012

With a workout on the track that required my attention, I squeezed in a run before practice, manning the stopwatch as the kids whirled around the track.

Total – 6.5 road miles

Day 129 – May 8, 2012

This was our last trail run of the outdoor track season. With a little adventure on the side, we did a tour of two off-the-beaten-path cemeteries. What a great bunch of kids who love to explore!

Total – 5.6 trail miles

Day 130 – May 9, 2012

This was a mixed up day that resulted in less than intended miles. I’ve been working at a school all week, met one of my athletes for a special practice after that, had a track meet canceled, got rained on, then ended up at home to get dinner on the table. Hence, low miles.

Total – 3.5 track and road miles

Day 131 – May 10, 2012

After working a full day, I was glad to hit some easy, flat trails before heading over to a track meet. Felt good to run.

Total – 5 trail miles

Day 132 – May 11, 2012

Gary and I shared a ride to and from work today—at least part way from work. He dropped me on a country road and I ran the rest of the way. With the sun shining and a light breeze, the tour of back country roads was a great way to end the work week.

Total – 7.2 road miles

Day 133 – May 12, 2012

With our team having to host the conference track meet at a school other than our own, a huge chunk of the day was used to set up, run, and clean up afterwards. I managed to get in some miles on trails in the Blackwater Creek area in Lynchburg. It was nice to find some off the grid trails that I had no idea were there. Apparently, not many other people know about them either. They are true single track and not well-traveled.

Total – 8.5 trail miles

Day 134 – May 13, 2012

I am a little disappointed not to get in a long run this week. At about 45 miles, it was one of lowest in the last couple of weeks. The problem this week was that I actually had to go to a job everyday this week in addition to my regular jobs (teaching online, writing, and coaching) Free time was non-existant. I am hoping this week will be better.

Total – 8.5 road miles

Year-to-date: 867 miles

Just another day: Days 121 -127

Day 121 – April 30, 2012

For a day that was forecasted to have a 20% chance of rain, it was wet, foggy, and drizzling all day long. At least the temps were in the 60s. A jumbled schedule at school meant that only a few of the distance kids showed up. However, with an easy day on the docket, we enjoyed a short road run.

Total – 4 road miles

Day 122 – May 1, 2012

Whew. After a cold and rainy spell, I’m not sure I was prepared for 80 and humid. I even had to strip my short sleeves off and run bare belly despite the old abs not being extraordinarily attractive. Oh, well. At least the 62 degree pool water cooled me off in a hurry.

Total – 6 road miles

Day 123 – May 2, 2012

Off to the woods with the team! We had a blast, taking a newly created trail that has eight stream crossings and ends up at a wonderful swimming hole at the bottom of a water fall. Needless to say, on a 90 degree day, every single one of us got a purposeful, complete soaking. It was so much fun!

Total – 5 trail miles (and lots of goofy around)

Day 124 – May 3, 2012

With a meet tomorrow, the practice schedule I made up in these weeks leading to States, a light practice was scheduled. And light it was. 3 mile around campus with a stop midway to get a free ice cream cone! Creeks and waterfalls yesterday. Ie cream today. Who said running with the distance team wasn’t fun?

But, I did feel a little guilty. When I got home, I got in another run right before another storm hit.

Total – 7 road miles

Day 125 – May 4, 2012

Just another lap around my country block. Not very exciting.

Total – 6 road miles

Day 126 – May 5, 2012

With cloudy skies and on and off rain, I sure enjoyed a run on the AT. The rhododendrons were in full bloom and beautiful! Even though it was an out back run (from Bobblet’s Gap to Salt Pond Forest road), I didn’t mind. A great section of trail!

Total – 21.6 miles

Day 127 – May 6, 2012

Things to do. People to see. Places to go. Finally cleared the way to a couple miles late in the evening.

Total – 2 road miles.

Year – to – date: 822 miles

Just another day: Days 114 - 120

Day 114 – April 23, 2012

On a cold and rainy day, practice was cancelled, leaving me to run country roads by myself. . .and loved every minute of the good run!

Total – 6 road miles

Day 115 – April 24, 2012

The practice schedule was a little messed up today when we needed to borrow a track across town. We enjoyed a 3.5 mile warmup through a beautiful part of town: tree-lined streets, stately homes, and manicured yards. After that, I was needed to time both sprinters and distance people. So for me, it was a short but sweet run.

Total – 3.5 road miles

Day 116 – April 25, 2012

What a wonderful way to start the day: in Horton’s truck and heading to the mark the Promise Land course. Fun, good running, beautiful scenery, and contributing to the ultrarunning community. Good stuff.

Total – 6 trail miles

Day 117 – April 26, 2012

The kids ran hard yesterday at a track meet. So today, it was Runner’s Choice. I took a group up on the trails at Chandlers Mountain, where we explored some trails in the direction opposite what we normally run. Things look a lot different! But what a great time!

Total – 5 trail miles

Day 118 – April 27, 2012

Off to the woods with my trekking poles in hand. Didn’t even trip myself once! I think I’m getting the hang of it. Trying to hike/run like I will be doing this summer for 14 days straight (32-46 miles a day.) I think me and my poles will become best friends.

Total – 15.5 trail miles

Day 119 – April 28, 2012

Will someone please kick me ext time I have a chance to run some miles at Promise Land with sweepers Sophie Speidel and Jennifer Nichols. I knew it wouldn’t be very long since I needed to go coach at a track meet. But had I run in the morning, I would not have had to figure out when to run later on when it was cold and driving rain. Stupid!

Total – 6 road miles

Day 120 – April 29, 2012

Unlike yesterday, it was crystal clear, sun shining, and about 70 degrees. I decided to put some tunes in my ears and get in some more miles. I normally don’t listen to music while running but it was perfect for a couple hours. With a variety of music, it kept me moving, thinking, and praying. I was very pleased with the pace, feeling strong.

Total – 15.6 miles

Year-to-date – 768 miles

Lessons learned from a race I did not run

Being a TrailMama is almost as hard as being a real mama. I know this for a fact.

My beloved UltraGirl, previously blogged about as "UltraBaby," ran another race that I didn't get to see. Today it was the Promise Land 50K, a tough trail race with about 8,000 feet of climb and the same amount of quad-punishing descent. Being a (reasonably) responsible adult, my coaching calender told me there was a track meet I needed to attend. Though I long for the day to run a race with UltraGirl, it wasn't going to be this time-again. Three races in a row, she raced. I didn't. But I thought non-stop about her, just like any good Mama would do.

Shivering Sarah Quigg with brother Zach (center) and finisher Dylan Perry

When I saw her at the pre-race event last night, her face carried a peculiar look. To me, it said, "I'm worried about my knee. It hurts. My confidence is non-existent." I knew she had been having some problems the last couple of weeks. There were cryptic Facebook messages and a few texts asking for advise. Knees are can be tricky and I'm no expert. Back off. Rest. Ibuprofen. That's about the best I could do.

I searched high and low for her this morning before the 5:30 a.m. start, official timer in hand, poised and ready. Surely, I could see her off before departing for the track meet. I searched frantically but couldn't find her in the large crowd of runners. "Have you seen Sarah?" I repeated over and over. No positive sightings. Where could she be? My heart dropped. A good mama would never let her baby go off to war without a hug and a prayer.

Once the herd of runners disappeared into the darkness, gravel crunching under foot, there was nothing more I could do. After tidying up the pavilion where the masses had guzzled coffee and OJ, and ate packaged donuts, I headed to the car and drove home to get ready. I think I risked a neck crick for glancing down at my watch. "I bet she's on the single track now." Later, "She should be at aid station 2." And, finally, at the track meet, I voiced, "Sarah should be finishing within thirty minutes or so." I couldn't stand not being there, sharing the moment with her. Bad mama. Bad mama.

I texted her, "Well. I want to know." Then I waited. I knew she wouldn't be able to until after leaving the finish. (No cell service in that mountain hollow.) Finally, the call from UltraGirl. This Mama hoped she would hear good news.

"I finished. My knee hurt for 22 miles. I was running in eighth place all day. My goal was top ten women. I  looked back at the third last aid station and saw a crowd of five girls come in. Ugh! I held them off as long as I could. I was able to out-climb them. But the last four miles of downhill were brutal and the pain excruciating.  The five women passed me. I cried from the pain. But I finished under seven hours."

This girl is tough. Super tough. It's one thing to have something start hurting during a race. But to run a race already injured is a whole different thing. UltraGirl, aka Sarah Quigg, learned something about perseverance and keeping her eye on the finish line. The bone-chilling sleet, hail, and rain late in the race forced her to dig deeper than ever before in her young ultra life. The wicked storm punctuated her pain, driving her further into the arena where fear and dreams battle to the death.

Today, the dream drove a serrated knife deep into the heart of fear. UltraGirl's finish just a few places outside of a top-ten finish proved she has what it takes to be a competitive runner. But more than that, the lessons she learned about pain, suffering, circumstances beyond your control, ruthless conditions, and emotional response are priceless. These things can not be learned from a book. She can't even learn them from her TrailMama. No. They must be learned on her personal trail. And what's learned out there translates into wise living off the trail.

No mother wants to see her baby suffer. But today, it's okay. I'm glad she did. UltraGirl tightened the belt and sucked it up. With time, I have no doubt she'll recover physically. What she experienced today was a right of passage. It was a necessary evil. For that passage will lead her to new horizons and beyond.

Dear Mom and Dad

Dear Mom and Dad,

I just wanted to tell you how much I embrace the life you gave me. In July of last year, your plan for me was born, a thought planted in your hearts and nourished by your unfailing love. Oh, how exciting it was to grow cell by cell, day by day. Then one glorious day in late summer, I could feel it! Thump-thump. Thump-thump. My own little heart started beating, rhythmically pounding out the melody of life. I relished hearing my heart in concert with yours, Mother. Your heart beat was soothing to me. I easily fell asleep to its hypnotizing cadence. I felt safe and protected, warm in your womb's embrace.

Mom, I heard you sing to me. Your sweet voice was music to my ears; a pleasant sound delightfully muffled by the water surrounding me. I smiled every time I heard you speak. Yes, I heard the idle chat of those around you, but there was no mistaking your voice. I could have picked it out of a chorus of thousands. I hung on your every word. I always wished I could put a face to your voice. But that would have to wait a while longer. Still, I knew nothing but a beautiful woman could be behind your kind words of affection.

But Daddy, I heard you, too. I loved it when you put your ear to Mommy's belly, listening as I flutter-kicked my way across the pool. When you put your hand on Mom's cute little baby bump, I swung my arms and did a few deep knee-bends just to get your attention. I was so pleased each time I heard you nearly shout with pleasure, "I feel him! I feel him moving."  Daddy, I'll let you in on a secret: I was playing with you, ya know. Sometimes I played hide and seek just so you would come back later and look for me. You thought I was sleeping, but I wasn't. I laughed every time I fooled you! I liked to play with you, Dad. I'm so glad you liked to play, too.

As I grew into a big boy, I have to admit it was getting a little crowded in my bubbled home. I liked it, to be sure. I got to be with you every minute, Mom. You took me wherever you went. Yippee! Lots of field trips. Loved to travel! I got to see and do so much. But, Daddy, don't feel bad. I know you were there, too. Somebody had to drive the car!

Then one day, I got the sense something was changing. I did a flip turn and felt myself get pushed along head first. It was pretty exciting. Maybe this was the day I dreamed about. Maybe this was the day I would get to see you face-to-face, Mom and Dad.

Sure enough, there you were. It all happened so quickly, but I saw you. I really did! I was so excited I could hardly stand it. You were more beautiful than I even imagined! But just when I was about to give you big scream, something wasn't quite right. I closed my eyes and settled into your comforting caress.

Mom and Dad, those days we shared were precious. Thank you for staying by my side. I loved you being near. I felt your fingers wrap around mine. I sighed contentedly when you rubbed my head. I know your tears flowed out of love for me. On the inside, I was crying, too. I love you both so much.

But I'm not crying anymore, Mother. And Daddy, guess what? You'll be glad to know a kind angel carried me to the arms of Jesus. He loves me and he told me he loves you, too.

But do you know what else I learned? Where can I go from his Spirit? Where can I flee from his presence?  If I go up to the heavens, he is there;  if I make my bed in the depths, he is there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there his hand will guide me, his right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to him; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to him. For he created my inmost being; he knit me together in your womb, Mother. I praise him because I was fearfully and wonderfully made; his works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from him when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. His eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in his book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are his thoughts! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

I know we can trust God, Mom and Dad. He made me just the way he wanted. God shared me with you for nine wonderful, joyful months. I know we were just getting used to living together. None of us saw this coming. But God says that you can come live here too, one day. He says he has a house waiting for us. I think I might decorate it just the way you like, Mom.

I will never forget you. Never. Ever. I love you with all my heart and soul. You loved me into existence and no one can take that away. But for now, I will close this letter and await the day when I can see you again.

Love,
Ezra Ryan Masters
Conceived to life, July 2011
Born to the world, April 21, 2012
Returned to the Father, April 23, 2012

Just one more day: Days 107 - 113

Day 107 – April 16, 2012

It sure was warm today; 85 and sunny. But what a great day to take the kids to the woods. I felt strong but was a little surprised at how wimpy some of the kids seemed. They usually aren’t that way but it must have been the heat. We ran a little more than I intended (oops), but was pleased with no soreness or fatigue from my weekend outing.

Total – 6.7 trail miles

Day 108 – April 17, 2012

This was a ridiculously easy practice. After some time with core exercises, we took a three-mile slow jaunt around campus. The kids are running a meet tomorrow so a down day was appropriate. I wanted to run extra but ran out of time.

Total – 3 road miles

Day 109 – April 18, 2012

85 and sunny Monday. 75 and overcast Tuesday. 55 and rainy today. Not sure I like the trend. Nevertheless, I managed to get in a great 6 miler, feeling smooth and efficient. Yahoo!

Total – 6 road miles

Day 110 - April 19, 2012

With a track meet this Saturday, I knew I needed to squeeze in a long run today. Heading across the valley to the mountains, I ran 12 miles of the MMTR course and then hopped on the AT for the last 11, including a big climb up Bluff Mountain. I only tripped myself once with the trekking poles, an improvement. I am actually like having them. They are extremely light and do seem to offload some weight. I’ll be using them on every step of this summer’s adventure. Maybe the jiggle will leave the wiggle part of my arms after a while.

Total – 23 trail miles

Day 111 - April 20, 2012

I couldn’t resist a friend’s invite to run more trails this morning. We explored a newly finished trail called “Idiots Run.” Great trail! Despite a  little new issue after my run yesterday, my legs and energy levels felt good. Very pleased.

Total – 7 trail miles

Day 112 - April 21, 2012

Let’s see. Mow the grass. Do some other outside work. Shower. Drive to another county for another track meet (got home at 10:30 last night from the last meet). Do errands during a rain storm on the way home. Put away groceries. Cook dinner. Run before I sat down. A short and snappy road run.

Total – 4 road miles

Day 113 - April 22, 2012

So much to do. So little time to do it in. A busy morning at church and only about an hour at home to get I my run in the chilly rain and get ready to go of to a wedding. A couple miles was all I could fit in.

Total – 3 road miles

Year-to-date: 710 miles

Just one more day: Days 101 - 106

Day 101 – April 10, 2012

I was really excited for our Tuesday Adventure Run. Jack Mountain, a long, steep rocky trail underneath a power line, is the toughest climb in the area. I had gotten reacquainted with it last week and wanted to share the wealth. I ran the 6.3 mile course before practice to make sure we would have enough time. Then, we ran it as a group. Their eyes about popped out of their heads when they first saw the mile-long climb. But, they loved it and I could tell they felt pretty accomplished. I listened to the chatter and laughter throughout the run. That’s probably the best part; knowing they are embracing being out in the woods and doing things most would think crazy.

Total – 12.6 trail miles

Day 102 – April 11, 2012

After a couple of challenging practices, we did a light run around campus. Nothing special but a pleasant time in surprisingly cold, windy conditions. It was surprising to be running with temps in the 40’s after days in the 80s.

Total – 3.5 road miles

Day 103 – April 12, 2012

After last Saturday’s run at Blackwater Creek, I knew I had to take the kids there. On the bike path, we did a 1 mile warm-up followed by a hard 1 mile effort. (I worked hard to pull off a 7:07. My goal is to go under 7.) Anyway, we ran back to the cars on the Creekside Trail, a lovely ribbon of real estate bursting with scents of honeysuckle and lilac. This part of the run was quick, keeping the pressure on the whole way. A couple of ladies walking their dogs asked who we were and said they were impressed with the kids. Good times.

Total – 5 bike path and trail miles

Day 104 – April 13, 2012

It’s an interesting situation to take sprinter and field event kids up the mountain to the “LU.” They are not used to 1) doing BIG hills and 2) running on anything that resembles a trail 3) and covering distances over 400 meters. But eventually, we reconvened at the gazebo that overlooks the entire campus and story of my SB6K adventure as illustration. After that, it was a nice time on trails, taking the round-about way back to school/

Total – 5 trail miles

Day 105 – April 14, 2012

A beautiful day, a long experiment with my Black Diamond trekking poles, and a good bit of patience marked the day. Tons of climb and descent, I put in a solid 32 miles on the AT. I am feeling stronger and so grateful for that.

Total – 32 trail miles

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Day 106 – April 15, 2012

Today’ run was between pool cleaning and weeding the garden. It wasn’t long but it was a good time with Caleb, my oldest son. Very pleased there is no soreness or tiredness from yesterday.

Total – 3 road miles

Year-to-date: 657 miles

Just one more day: Days 93-99

Day 93 –April 2, 2012

Time for some tempo. The team and I ran 2.5 miles to our normal turn around point and after a brief rest, ran back as a tempo run. I told the kids that if they could say more than a syllable or two, they were running too slow. I was pleased to catch and pass a couple of the mid-distance guys that shared the practice with us. Feels so good to be able to run again.

Total – 5 road miles

Day 94 – April 3, 2012

One of my guys commented that he didn’t have a lot left at the end of his last 1600. We did what we could to work on running hard when tired. So, to get tired, we ran a 2.5 mile warmup with 5 150-yard steep hill repeats in the middle of it. When we arrived back at the track, it was 5 x 400 with a 200 active recovery in between each one, run at faster than 1600 race pace. Total volume for the day was not high but it was effective for our purposes.

Total – 4.3 road, hill, and track miles

Day 95 – April 4, 2012

Time to back off with a meet coming up this weekend. We toured campus with a conversational run, stopping periodically to do full body weight exercises, balance, core, stairs etc. I loved to hear all the joking and goofing around. It was a good workout disguised as pure fun.

Total – 3.5 road miles

Day 96 – April 5, 2012

I started off the day with a great run in the woods with my “TrailBaby,” Sarah Quigg. We toured trails new to use, discovered a couple of cemeteries dating back to the mid 1800’s, climbed a HUGE hill, and then ran off of it and got temporarily displaced. Oops. We snagged a ride to make the long run back to the car a little shorter since Sarah had to get to class.

Then, it was time for practice. Another 6.5 trail miles was great fun. Attitudes were perfect and a sense of joy pervaded the group.

Total – 18.5 trail miles

Day 97 – April 6, 2012

So much to do and so little time to do it. When I get in project mode, I have to admit my interest in running declines a bit. I still managed a short run, making sure to do it BEFORE I went weeding the gardens because I knew my back wouldn’t like it much. Hard to run after manual labor.

Total – 4 road miles

Day 98 – April 7, 2012

Track meets are such long hauls. With the meet’s conclusion coming at 5:45pm, my mind was spinning with the things I needed to do in preparation for Easter dinner guests. But I could not resist the opportunity to run my old standard route in Blackwater Creek park. I hit the trails and was immediately embraced with the sweet scent of honeysuckle. It was an instant boost, allowing me to run hard the entire way. It was magnificent.

Total – 5 bike path and trail miles

Day 99 – April 8, 2012

What a glorious Easter day! Once home from church, it was steady activity to get ready for our eight guests. It was such a sweet time getting to know these young couples (all of whom are expecting their first babies), chatting it up long after the meal was consumed. By the time they left and the kitchen was cleaned, it was 10 PM. I put on my reflective vest and headed out the door for a brief jaunt. I ran right down the middle of the country road and felt free. Nice way to end the day.

Total – 2.2 miles

Year-to-date: 592 miles

Top ten indications you are the worst mother—ever.

(My words delivered on April Fool's Day at a baby shower for two first-time expectant women.)

 10. Baby’s bottom is red, white thrush spots decorate the interior of her mouth, and her face looks like she had an encounter with barbed-wired from her too-long fingernails that you miserably failed to trim. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

9. Your baby won’t sleep, the house is a mess, and your husband decides to enter into a sexual feeding frenzy. You really aren’t feeling that. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

8. Your baby is whimpering and you have the audacity to stay seated with your cup of java. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

7. Baby is a two weeks old. You put the little cherub in the crib and she is finally sleeping. Instead of doing the laundry—by hand, on a washboard, outside, in your frock and with a bandana wrapped around your head—you decide to nap as well. Shame on you. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

6. The stack of diapers, so neatly folded and arranged artistically on the shelf before baby came home from the hospital, along with all the other baby-changing supplies in the wonderfully adorned nursery, now looks like a great wind from the northwest blew in overnight. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

5. Your baby is sleeping and you actually vacuum the family room, pick up the phone when its loud ring tone sings out “You’re nothing but a hound dog,” and empty the dishwasher, pots and pans clattering in the process. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

4. Your baby poops while you are bathing him. You accidentally throw the baby out with the bathwater. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

3. You take your baby, who could easily win a Gerber modeling contract, to church and later stop in at Wal-Mart on the way home. You actually allow the adoring masses to touch his cute little fingers and wiggling tootsies. You didn’t even think about sealing the child into the Baby Bubble Capsule for the ultimate in protection. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

2. You have fleeting wishes that you could return your “Gift from God” and snag a hefty refund. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

1. You smile politely, nodding your head in agreement when other mothers generously offer valuable words of wisdom on how to parent—and then you decide to ignore them all and do what you know is best for your child. Yes. You truly are the world’s worst mother—ever.

  

If you ever find yourself guilty of these infractions or a plethora of others, CONGRATULATIONS! You are one of us! You have just joined  the billions of mothers who have come before, that, at one time or another, feel like the world’s worst. Don’t worry about it. This too shall pass.

Just one more day: Days 86 - 92

Day 86 – March 26, 2012

I ran with my team today plus a little more after the workout. After a warmup, we did 10 x 200 hard with a recovery 200 in between. I like this workout because the pain only lasts for so long.

Total – 4.2 track and road miles

Day 87 – March 27, 2012

After speaking to Dr, Horton’s running class, I took the girls fro a short run. We didn’t have much time due to so many great questions that they asked. Then, I went directly to practice where we ran up to the mountain so we could do hill repeats at out favorite spot. Not a lot of miles but a lot of bang for the buck.

Total – 6 road and trail miles

Day 88 – March 28, 2012

This was a fun day at practice. After two hard practices, the team was ready for a light day. We did a “follow-the-leader” workout. Guess who was the leader? We ran, stopped to do out one-leg balance exercises atop guard rails, ran more, stopped to do 8-counts, ran more, made our way through the indoor skate park, ran more. . .so forth and so on. It was really quite fun and just what we needed.

Total – 3 road miles

Day 89 – March 29, 2012

Trail day! It was great to take the kids out for a jaunt through the woods. Warm and sunny with a nice breeze. Loved it.

Total – 6.5 miles

Day 90 – March 30, 2012

With no practice today, I decided to do the six-mile loop from home. I was so pleased that I felt better and stronger than I have in a long time. My body must be responding to the iron to produce more (and plumper) red blood cells. I actually felt like a runner today. So thankful.

Total – 6 road miles

Day 91 – March 31, 2012

What a day. Track meet until I had to leave early to fulfill a speaking obligation in Roanoke. I finally got home at 7 pm, changed cloths and headed out the door for a quick spin down country roads. Again, I felt like a runner. I could get used to this!

Total – 4 road miles

Day 92 – April 1, 2012

Third day in a row for a certifiably good run. It is so wonderful to run free, fatigued only when appropriate. For a long time, every run has been a struggle; much harder than it should be. But now, now I feel that I can call myself a runner again. Don’t get me wrong; I’m still slow compared to a lot of people. However, I am happy to be running. 

No long runs this week. So busy. I'll have to make up for it this coming week.

Total – 6 road miles

Year-to-date: 550 miles

Just one more day: Days 79-85

Day 79 – March 19, 2012

A 3.5 mile warmup with the team was the extent of my running before putting the clock on the kids as they ran the real workout on the track. But, not a bad thing considering the two recent long runs of 17 and 18 miles.

Total – 3.5 road miles

Day 80 – March 20, 2012

Good thing I ran some trails to measure the course I wanted the team to take. Booming thunder and severe lightening cut the team run short as we fled back to shelter from the mountains. I suppose we should get credit for speed work.

Total- 6.5 trail miles

Day 81 – March 21, 2012

Wow. I ended up with all the distance and middle distance kids today. With many novice runners, the plan quickly changed. A slow run to the intramural fields, a couple 4-corner 5 minute drills, relay games, and the run back. The distance kids and I chose to take a nice trail back to base.

Total – 4.5 road and trail miles

Day 82 – March 22, 2012

Does running on a treadmill getting a stress echo test count for miles? That, combined with a run to and from the track and a run after I got home gave me a few miles.

Total – 5.5 road miles

Day 83 – March 23, 2012

A tight time frame restricted my running to practice time only, which consisted of a giant scavenger hunt with about 55 kids. Chalk up about 2.5 miles.

Total – 2.5 road miles

Day 84 – March 24, 2012

With rain pouring down, the Terrapin 50K and half-marathon got underway. I was not at the start line as a competitor. But, I did have opportunity to cover 18 miles of the distance as the sweep runner. Sweeping is always an experience and today was no exception. I ran predominately with two individuals,  with  intermittent stops to take down streamers marking the way. What great people and conversation! I am so thankful. However, back at the finish, I have to admit I was a little wishful of not being a racer. I’ll miss Promise Land, too, due to coaching responsibilities. Looks to be a bleak spring schedule with all the track meets I am committed to.

Total – 18 gravel road and trail miles

Day 85 – March 25, 2012

Whew. What a busy, busy weekend. Between being at the race Friday night and all day Saturday, and helping Caleb move out of his apartment and back into the house (he is building a tiny house on the property), there wasn’t a lot of time to run until this evening. I put in a pleasant country road run and enjoyed the rain that fell lightly at the end.

Total – 4 road miles

Year-to-date – Approx 512 miles

Boot-scoot'n boogey

Ah, to feel the breeze. To see the landscape rush by up close and personal. To smell the scents of early spring blossoms. These are but a few of the joys of motorscooter riding. That, and the 67 mpg in these days of $4.75/gallon gasoline.

We've had motorcycles before. Plenty of them. I had become adept at making all four appendages shift, brake, and accelerate on cue and enjoyed the open road. But after a hiatus from motorcycle ownership, Gary decided we needed a step-through motorscooter. More storage. easy to ride. Automatic. Low enough for my feet to touch the ground. And great gas mileage. Found it. Bought it. Now we ride it.

I've always been entertained how motorcycle riders seem to have their own greeting. Normally, as bikers pass in opposite directions, the left arm is extended obliquely downward, hand extended. It says, "Hey, I'm cool and so are you." I wondered if my little red scooter (which can still do a brisk 85 mph, so I'm told) would be worthy of such acknowledgement.

Yesterday I had occasion to ride a good distance to a doctor's appointment. It was a beautiful, warm day and lots of motorcycles had left there covers behind in the garage. Sure enough, no matter what kind of bike, a Hog, crotch-rocket, or decked-out Goldwing touring version, that arm dropped in an upside-down salute as they saw me coming. I smiled every time it happened, ponytail escaping the helmet and flapping in the breeze. But I kept forgetting the secret handshake. There I was, waving back at them like a princess on the way to the prom. I wonder what they thought. Probably, "Sheez. That's a girl for ya."

Bikers have this distinct way of acknowledging each other. Surfers do the "hang 10" thing. Snowboarders and skateboarders greet each other with "Duuude." High school girls shrilly shout the name of a friend and join in a big embrace. Cool guys shake hands and do the shoulder-tap, back-slap half-hug deal with the other hand.

The point is, we all have a way to identify ourselves. To the on-looker, we can tell a lot about who someone is by simply watching them. Their true identity is revealed by their actions, gestures, attitude, and the way they carry themselves. All this combines to make a good impression--or not!

We are children of the King. We are royal heirs. We are given all the resources of the kingdom to be kind, giving, unselfish, forgiving, thoughtful, loving, joyful, persevering, hopeful. Do I act the part? Is this what people see when they look at me?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Just One More Day: Days 72-78

Day 72 – March 12, 2012

An early morning trip to the airport and three flights took its toll on my day. I ended up in Wisconsin and on a treadmill in the exercise center. I enjoyed watching some Fox News on the attached TV monitor but was still amazed at how had it was to run relatively slow paces with no incline.

Total – 5 treadmill miles

Day 73 – March 13, 2012

Today required an early morning workout before I headed off to do my thing at the hospital. While the workout last night was hard, this morning sent me for a loop- and that’s not a good thing. I struggled to get in but four miles.

Total – 4 miles

Day 74 – March 14

It was hard to get out of bed four hours after I went to sleep. Not sure what the problem was but my mind refused to settle. All too soon the hotel wake-up call roused me. Groggy and bleary-eyed, I headed down the hallway, into the elevator, and out the front door. It was unseasonably warm (so I’m told) and a nice welcome to the run’s start. It was a follow-your-nose kind of run. Down the quiet streets of Madison, WI, around the capital building, lit up brilliantly against the still-dark sky, and along the banks of the river. Other than an occasional bicyclist or small group of ROTC runners, the clean streets were mine. It turned out to be a great start to the day.

Total – 4 road miles

Day 75 – March 15, 2012

Meeting with a few of my runners, we took to the trails for a relaxed jaunt through the woods. Being spring break week, most of my kids were on beach somewhere. Jealous. But the early spring day and warm temps, easy conversation, and easier pace made it a pleasant morning group run.

Total – 5 trail miles

Day 76 – March 16, 2012

I am so glad my running buddy, Deb Watkins, moved back to the ‘Burg. We took advantage of the mild day to hit Flat Top, Harkening Hill, and Sharp Top, making sure we had a little picnic between each of the three mountains. It was a really nice, relaxed run.

Total – 16 trail miles

Day 77 – March 17, 2012

With building and landscaping projects keeping me busy and on my feet all day long, I opted for a weany 1.5 miles. With 16 yesterday and another 17 or so tomorrow, I didn’t fell too guilty.

Total – 1.5 road miles

Day 78 – March 18, 2012

A Sunday after noon in the mountains with UltraBaby, Sarah Quigg. Loved showing her the parts of next week’s Terrapin Mt. 50K that she didn’t know. It was a lot of up and a lot of down and nothing much in between. So good to have my second girls-only long run this week

Total - 17.8

Year-to-date - Approx 468 miles

Paint projects

A little color for the front entry

Stairwell dandelion

Freehand painted lower hallway rug

Upper hallway painted run (Sorry. Pic won't stay vertical)

Stenciled stair risers

Freehand cherry blossom branches and birds

$2.00 auction dresser gets a paint makeover

Color-blocked upstairs bathroom wall

Twinkling twilight

The view below was mesmerizing. Looking out from my window seat, the landscape rushed by as my plane closed in on the airstrip. Though it was nighttime, I could see the impressive structures of downtown Charlotte jutting up into the dark sky. The headlights of cars made the roadways appear as moving streams of light, worthy to be an ever-transforming piece of art. I could imagine the aggressive, sweat-producing play of those contesting a soccer game on brightly lit fields below. Massive parking lots sat empty awaiting the morning rush, the security lights and their predictable shadows the sole occupants.

And then I saw it, a large area of twinkling lights in an area of otherwise darkness. Whoa. Did someone forget to take down their Christmas lights? It was a beautiful but curious sight. None of the other night lights in the distance were doing the twinkle-toe tango.

Suddenly, an explanation occurred to me. It must have been a residential neighborhood nestled among tall stands of trees. The glow was streetlamps lighting the way. As I watched from my perch in the sky, my constantly changing perspective made it look like the lights flashed off and on. But that wasn't the case. The lights, I'm quite sure, remained lit the whole time. The issue was that the branches of the trees momentarily obscured my view of the lights until my position in the plane changed just as quickly. Hence, twinkle-twinkle.

"God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." (I John 1:5). God is always "on." If His light seems to flicker, it's not His fault. It's mine. Something has come between His light and my viewpoint. Perhaps worry stands between. Maybe its priorities that are misaligned. Or maybe its the fact that I am constantly on the move, failing to keep my focus on that stabilizing light.

Bad things happen when I can't see the light. I stumble in the dark. I trip. Splat, I fall. I lose my way. Relationships suffer because the darkness prevents me from seeing those around me. In fact, my life get all out of whack, losing perspective in the absence of the Light. What to do?

Embrace the light. Gaze into it fully. Do whatever it takes to be focused on the beam. Follow the light. Let nothing come between us and the Light. Remember that "if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (I John 1:7).

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,Look full in His wonderful face,And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His Glory and Grace."

Just one more day: Days 65 - 71

Day 65 – March 5, 2012

We had a little snow last night and the superintendent at LCA made good on his promise. He cancelled school at the sign of the first flake. It wasn’t long until one of my runners called to see if we could run in the big mountains. YES! There were five of us and though there was little to no snow down low, we got into some knee deep stuff up high. So glad to have adventurous high-schoolers! Go team.

Total- 9.5 trail miles

Day 66 – March 6, 2012

Knowing it was the first day to have middle-schoolers join track, it was prudent to run a little beforehand since I would have the youngsters to deal with during practice. I hit some local trails and gave the new kids a little test run during practice. All I can say is that middle schoolers must come from Mars.

Total – 6 trail, track, and road miles

Day 67 – March 7, 2012

It was a warm and windy day, sun shining: a day where the woods calls out to you. I texted a friend and we met so that I could show her some trails new to her. We ran about eight miles before I went to track practice and led the new middle-schoolers through a short run before team pictures.

Total- 10 miles, mostly trail with some road

Day 68 – March 8, 2012

With a trail day planned for the my team, I ran the required course the older kids would be tackling before practice. I have this habit of thinking they can do a little more in the allotted time. When I finished, I headed down to practice, sent the older ones on the way and headed to the hills with the youngsters. We put in about three miles and they did much better than expected. They even got to witness my total wipeout when running downhill and crashing into a tree doing a belly slide. Oh well, things happen when you run trails.

Total – 7.6 trail miles

Day 69 – March 9, 2012

With no official practice today (yeah!), all I had to do was open my door and step outside into the windy weather. A familiar loop was par for the course. The headwind made me feel puny but the tailwind. . .well, I’ll take that any day.

Total – 6 road miles

Day 70 – March 10, 2012

It was going to be a busy Saturday, full of hard, manual labor. My chipper was calling me to make mulch out of piles of branches just waiting to be shred to itsy-bitsy bits. Then, I had to dig about 14 post holes for a raised bed I am building. From past experience, I knew I wouldn’t be able to walk after a good eight hours of work. Therefore, I made sure to get in a couple miles before the work started. I was pleasantly surprised that I felt better than I have in a long time.

Total – 4 road miles

Day 71 – March 11, 2012

I had another good run today. One of my medical issues is a fairly severe microcytic hypochromic anemia. Interpretation: I have too few red blood cells and the ones I have are shriveled and tiny, making it hard to transport sufficient levels of oxygen. (They must be empathetic to the looks of the cellulite on my legs.) The anemia panel suggest that this is primarily due to an iron insufficiency. It takes 2-3 weeks for the iron to start increasing RBC production. Perhaps I am beginning to benefit from increasing hemoglobin levels. I’ll take it, regardless. There are still other issues to sort out but at least one thing is getting better.

Total- 6 road miles

Year-to-date: Approx. 415 miles

Recipe for golden apples

 A few weeks ago my twin brothers had a birthday. Being a good big sis, I dutifully extended my greetings via Facebook. Doesn't everyone do that nowadays?

Then I learned that one of them was disappointed that his phone didn't ring with more frequency on such a special day. I immediately felt guilty. I had actually thought about calling him but pushed the idea aside when Gary and I got involved in watching a good movie. Pretty lame, I know. But the whole incident is causing me to reconsider the power of a simple spoken word.

The smallest compliment given to one of my on-line students produces miles of smiles (or at least that's what I envision when they write back to thank me). An acknowledgement of a race well run seems to give my runners an added boost of confidence in the next practice. Thanking the preacher, acknowledging the musicians visibly produce signs of encouragement. Even making a grumpy Wal-Mart cashier smile seems like the right thing to do.

All these things are good. No, they're great. But I think we forget that those same positive, uplifting comments we consciously dole out to the friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and others are far too rare inside our own four walls.

Why is it that we miss opportunities to speak a kind word or acknowledge a job well done to the ones we love the most? I don't think we intend to be neglectful. It's that we simply take them for granted a little more than we should. Our children and spouses, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, should never have to wonder if they are special. They should never have to wait to be told they are loved. The sounds of silence should not be our song of choice.

 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11)

Just one more day: Days 58-64

Day 58 - February 27, 2012

I had a lot to think about when I ran my miles during team practice. A visit to the doctor revealed a few things of concern, some of which explain why my running has felt increasingly hard. More tests to come. But the good news is that I am, at least, moving. For that I can be thankful.

Total – 5 road and gravel miles

Day 59 – February 28, 2012

It was a beautiful day for a birthday. 55 years on the planet. Hard to believe. But I had to take advantage of the day and head to the hills, running a new trail before practice and then repeating it as a group.

Total – 11 trail miles

Day 60 – February 29, 2012

Leap year! My dad was a Leap Year baby. I thought it was the coolest thing to turn 12 and have him be stuck at 11. The run today was light and fun, incorporating strength, balance, hills, and tons of stadium steps.

Total – 3 miles

Day 61 – March 1, 2012

March. In like a lion. . .The winds blew strong but with temps around 70 degrees, it was a great day to run in the woods. Practice was relaxed as we broke into groups and ran according to our abilities. I was feeling puny on the uphills, and alive only when gravity-assisted. It’s frustrating.

Total – 6.5 road and trail miles

Day 62 – March 2, 2012

Almost too embarrassed to post this but. . .On a windy, stormy day, I sure wasn’t “feeling” practice. But, when I heard we had access to the indoor track, my spirits rose. Still, we didn’t do much at all. 1 mile warmup, 5 x 200m, another mile to end the school week.

Total – 2.6 track miles

Day 63 – March 3, 2012

I am working way too hard for how slow I am working. I know I am anemic and am waiting results of some other tests. When I hit the roads, the plan for was for either 8.5 or 15 miles. It didn’t take very long to decide the shorter version was more prudent. I ran downhills but had to walk on most of the ups. Ugh. I feel anything but an athlete.

Total – 8.5 road miles

Day 64 – March 4, 2012

Another slog fest as I await more lab tests. But 3 miles is 3 miles. Cold and windy with a prediction of some snow tonight. Maybe a white snow in the morning would spur me on to a good run.

Total: 3 road miles

Year-to-date: Approx. 345 miles