Test Lab Tuesday

Still sick and asking myself the ultimate question:

Will Running today make me better or worse??

Who knows?? But I am zapped so I am going to take one more rest day and hope for the best.

Today is the day I dedicate to all things I review..

Living, Eating and Running

LIVING:
American Pickers:

The History Channel has a gem of a show all about "Pickers." What are "Pickers" you ask? Pickers are people who dig through houses, barns, yards, estates, etc to find antiques or items of value. During my sick day there was an American Pickers Marathon and I sat glued to the TV. The show is mildly entertaining with the main characters driving an over-sized van and making contact with "collectors," hoarders, and strange old men with long beards who have STUFF. These people have so much JUNK it is unreal!! One man had been "collecting" for 30 years and had 5 acres and countless outbuilding FULL of stuff. And some of them will not even part with a piece of rusting old bike frame for $$$. WEIRD!! It is a History lesson and Psychology class all wrapped into an hour. Check it out!

• EATING:

Clif Shot Bloks:

This could really fall under the eating or running category. I am a Gu Chomps girl, but with so many talking about Shot Bloks I had to give them a try. I tested the shot bloks during my Volleyball game, I avoid trying new thing son the run in case my stomach does not approve. The Strawberry flavor was tasty. I did not like the sticky consistency because the chews stuck to my teeth. I also did not notice the energy boost that I feel once I have a chomp. Overall I give these a "B." Gu Chomps are still my favorite, but since Shot Bloks are more widely available they are not totally out.

• RUNNING:

IFitness Neoprene Double Pouch (HERE):
The wonderful folks at IFitness sent me a belt to "Test". It is black with pink details. I went all out and wore it on my 18 miler this weekend!! Yes 18 miles of test lab fun.

• What IFitness Says:

Water resistant double pouch will keep your iPhone or Blackberry safe from rain or sweat. A second pouch will keep your energy gels or keys, separate from your phone. An inner pocket will hold your ID and credit cards safely. Two reflector strips in the front for your night time runs. This belt will not bounce, chafe or ride up while you run.

• Tall Mom Thoughts:

At $26.95 this is a GREAT value!! I love the 2 pocket concept. I used one pocket for things I would not need while running, Key, phone, ID, money, etc. And the second for Gu, Chomps, Chapstick, etc. Although this time of year most gear has pockets in the Spring and Summer months this belt will be a savior. It did not ride up, I hardly noticed I was wearing it. Comfortable!! VERY COOL!!

• If you have something you would like Tall Mom to put through the Test Lab please email HERE
  

HAPPY TUESDAY!!

Ps. Tomorrow is my 1 year Bloggiversary!

Goals for Mercer Island Half

I am home SICK today... yes I probably pushed it too much this weekend. I am hoping for a speedy recovery since I have a Half Marathon this Sunday on 3/21!! I am not alone, this race will bring out the Bloggies and Buddies alike.

Amanda (Birthday!)
Cassidy and Meghan (No Blog but 1,000+++ Clubbers)
Jill
Kasey
Kerrie
Sarah
Zoe
Did I forget anyone???

After the race most of us will be eating lunch to celebrate Amanda's birthday. It is going to be a blast. But before the fun I have to put in the work. I love the way Marlene posts her race goals so I am going to use her format.

3 Goals for Mercer Island Half:

• A (I hope I can): PR sub- 1:40

• B (I think I can): PR sub-1:43:39

• C (I know I can): 1:53 or Faster

I have heard that the course is HILLY. I plan to drive the course on Saturday. It always helps to get a feel for the course prior to running so I can mentally prepare my pacing and effort. My first Half, The Capital City Half HERE was a rolling hill course. This is the first race of the year. I feel like I am in better shape then any past race. I hope I can kick this sickness so I am at optimal performance by Sunday.

Off to rest!!

HAPPY MONDAY!!

You Dont Sound Like a GIRL

WELCOME new Bloggy pack members!!! Over 400, I am totally speechless :)


Stats for 3/13:
Time- 2:35:50
18.00- Miles
8:39-Pace
Windy run with Fleet Feet training group sick with congestion and sore throat.

In reply to something I said Little Stud #1 said "Mommy you don't sound like a girl." LOL! My voice is gone, I am coughing and had major congestion. I would have skipped my 18 miler, but uninterrupted running with a training team sounded much better than solo running in my neighborhood. I told myself that if I could swallow when I woke up I would go. I could, so I went.

We met at a different parking area and ran a new section of trail. Since Zoe and Janna were not there I scoped out the area to find new friends. I had run with Matt before but I know he is FAST, being sick and trying to run FAST for 18 miles...hmmm. Before I could think about it we were off and I was chatting with Matt who has been plagued with calf injuries and was planning to take it easy. GREAT! A woman named Heide sped past us, I had seen her in the front of the pack in past weeks.

I could hardly breathe and really had to FOCUS on moving. I was glad to have Matt and Heide in front of me so I could focus on something. It would have been the easiest thing to GIVE UP...turn around at any time and head back to my car. But that is not me. What if I am sick on race day? TOUGH!!!

We passed our usual parking area and Heide stopped and looked confused she had blown by the water stop. Matt and I had water so we were fine. We sped on chatting off and on but it hurt to talk. When we got past the cows Matt, the gentleman, told me he wanted to offer Heide some of his water. I slowed and we all joined together for the next 10ish miles. They are strong and fast, I was 2-10 steps behind just trying to hang. When we turned at the 9 mile half way point they sped up even more, 8:11, 8:23, 8:17, 8:01, 8:31....I could not hang any longer. This ambitious pace normally feels great but I was not firing at 333%

This is when the MENTAL TOUGHNESS comes in. When you want to stop, need to stop, should stop. Your legs burn, your head is light, your feet ache. But you continue, one foot then the next. The miles that passed quickly early on slowed to a CRAWL. I tried to reduce it to laps around the track to have a distraction. I picked off some slower runners up ahead. I MADE IT! 18 miles on a windy and sick day.. Besides the random guy in Blue who I dont think is part of our group I took 3rd!! Most of the Fleet Feeters ran 13-17, we did 18!! I sat down, stretched and chatted with the Fleet Feet group. I am not sure I would have made it today without those team members!!!

Can you tell that I am not feeling well? Hmmm... I thought about doing a video post so you could hear my froggy voice, but it is just too scary!! I am soooo proud of the overall pace!! I hit a 1:53:35 Half and overall 8:39 pace when I felt like crap. I am READY. Now I just need to get healthy ASAP.

Coming Up next week on Tall Mom:

• Goals for Mercer Island Half on 3/21
• 1 Year Bloggiversary Celebration
• Giveaway Fun!!
• Announcement of the racers for the Tall Mom Virtual Race for the Cure on 3/27. If you would like to join in please go to the details HERE
  

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

High Five Friday

I have 266 emails in my Tall Mom Inbox!! Organized? I think not.. So I know that I am missing some of your emails about High Five Friday, please do not take it to heart. Please Leave a comment or email me HERE (my less used inbox) and I will get you linked in tonight.

If you Follow me on Dailymile HERE then you already know about my wet, cold, sore and sick run Yesterday. If not here is the quick and dirty report:

I had so many excuses not to run today:
-Busy with work so had little time
-Rainy and Windy
-Did not have the right gear for the conditions
-Stiff neck, sore body, tired and head cold
-Really needed a BREAK

For those excuses I have 5 answers:
1- 7:59
2- 7:38
3- 7:40
4- 7:53
5- 7:54

I was supposed to do 8 miles with 1.5 warmup and cool down, I did not have time due to work obligations so instead I just did the 5 tempo miles. My tempo pace is not too tough for me, but I will really test it at the Mercer half on 3/21. This run was ROUGH, super cold and very wet. But I survived. Now trying to warm up and dry out my sneakers.

This week has been the worst week of running that I can remember....but you know what?? I still got it done as best I could and for that I am deserve a self-five!! Long run tomorrow with Fleet Feet 18 miles. My little Running buddy Zoe is broken so I guess I will be making friends, running pickup line possibilities"You run here often?" "What's your pace?" LOL!!


High Five Racing & Events:
Melissa- 10 Mile Trail run
Jesse- Shamrock 1/2 Marathon
Allie- 1/2 Marathon Rock N Roll Dallas
Shana- 1/2 Marathon Rock N Roll Dallas
Cassidy- (First) 5K


High Five Support Tall Running Moms!!
Please go buy the BOOK!!! I am anxiously awaiting my copy to review, but the lovely TMB has informed me that I am quoted in the book.. HELLO!!! How exciting is that??

Sarah and Dimity- Run Like a Mother Book Website

High Five Birthdays:
Aussie Mel
Steph
Derek

High Five Giveaways/Raffles:
Please tell them Tall Mom Sent you
I Have Run- Vanilla Gu ends 3/15
Marcia- Kettleworx ends 3/12 today!!
Melissa- Birthday Giveaway ends 3/25
Anne Marie- Athlete gear ends 3/17
Lauren- Brooks for her ends 3/12 today!!
Happy Runner- Words to Sweat by towel ends 3/15
Katie A- Relay Giveaway ends 4/11
Alicia- Itunes for Autism ends 3/18
Tricia- One More Mile ends ?
Dorothy- Saucony shoes ends 4/1
Lisa- Music Giveaway ends 3/14
Erica- Oiselle Giveaway ends 3/19
Laura- Raffle for Joubert Syndrome ends 3/19
Mother Runner- Great Giveaway ends 3/15
Katye- Raffle Fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ends 4/1 ***Please tell Katye I sent you, I could REALLY use a new Ipod!!


***If you would like to be added to one of the lists above, or start a new list, let me know and I will LINK you in (as soon as I can).. Also, if you have something coming up for a FUTURE High Five Friday, email me HERE and I will add it to the Tall Mom calendar….If you give me the info you may end up getting a HIGH FIVE or two, or three…

HIGH FIVE it's Friday!!!

Do you, or anyone you know, deserve a High Five today? Let me know..

Tall Mom 1,000+++ Club Check in

The Tall Mom 1,000+++ Club is in Full Swing. Today is the 70th day of the year, CRAZY!!

With the help of the handy Spreadsheet I have some...

FUN FACTS:

1. Collectively we have run more than 21,055 Miles

2. The top runner is Sherri with 449.5 miles!! Too bad she has no Blog. The top Blogger is Shelly HERE with 426.6. Shelly became an Ultra-Marathoner last weekend with her 33+ mile effort.

3. We have 4 Canadians, I am sure that thinking in Miles instead of K's is throwing them off.

4. There is a Mom and Daughter on the team

5. This weekend, as long as all goes as planned, I will cross the 300 mile marker!!!

6. There are 128 people in the Club

7. 6+ of the club members are currently nursing injuries


I will have a better summary when we hit the 1/4 Year mark in 21 days, for now I would like to introduce you to the folks who are taking on the 1,000+++ Challenge. There are a few people who have recently asked to join, I will add you to the list soon. This year the club will max at (surprise) 133 so I have 5 slots left.


Name- Blog
City, State Age Miles updated on 3/9


Tall Mom-http://www.tallmomontherun.com/
Puyallup, WA 30 285.75

Alicia http://aliciaruns.blogspot.com/
Lehi, UT 32 172.5

Alisa http://ambitiousaspirations.blogspot.com/
Portland, OR 27 156.13

Amanda B. http://5mls2mt.blogspot.com/
Tacoma, WA 30 143

Amanda C. http://www.fatwuzhere.blogspot.com/
Antioch, CA 27 95.07

Amy http://pushmeineedyou.blogspot.com/
Lincoln, NE 26 82

Amy T. http://runningcommentaries.wordpress.com/
Sacramento,CA 27 260

Andrea http://wwwagegroupsrock.blogspot.com/
Lincoln, VT 56 269.9

Aneta http://confessions-of-a-runner.blogspot.com/
Aurora,Ontario,Canada 27 54.45

Ang http://angfammarathon.blogspot.com/
Utah 30 82

April http://mommysfitforaking.blogspot.com/
Trinity, AL 31 145.2

Aron http://www.runnersrambles.com/
Concord, CA 28 381.1

Ashley http://ashcav.blogspot.com/
Massachusetts 22 256.8

Badgergirl http://adventuresofbadgergirl.blogspot.com/
Oshkosh, WI 30 122.05

Barb A. No Blog
Elmhurst, IL 45 188

Becca A. http://onerunaway.blogspot.com/
Ben Lomond, CA 27 132.05

Becca S. http://runningbooboo.blogspot.com/
Charlottesville, VA 29 118.76

Becky http://www.slowlygrowingoldtogether.blogspot.com/
Washington DC 32 168.59

Beth http://jacksonandcarter.blogspot.com/ St. Louis, MO 36 145.01

Bethany http://ourloveontherun.blogspot.com/
Boston, MA 24 121.5

Candice http://ihaverun.blogspot.com/
Pleasant Grove, UT 34 64.45

Carlee http://chasingfg.blogspot.com/
Cheshire, CT 27 399.38

Carol http://girl-runner.blogspot.com/
Huntsville, Alabama 43 80.7

Casey http://greengirlruns.blogspot.com/
Florence, KY 27 112

Cassidy No Blog
Orting, WA 31 190.05

Cassie http://www.dailymile.com/people/hokiebird90
Reston, Va 41 123.4

Christie http://christieisarunner.blogspot.com/
Clarksville, TN 31 161.24

Christina H. http://lazybonesrunning.blogspot.com/
Phoenix, AZ 40 263.9

Christina J. http://christinamariejohnson.wordpress.com/
San Francisco, CA 27 237.69

Cinthia No Blog
Anchorage, Alaska 50 172

Courtney No Blog, but on Nike+ as CourtRae
Akron, Ohio 26 185.54

Croughwell http://croughwell-runninginhawaii.blogspot.com/
Ewa Beach, HI 34 153.35

Denise http://run-denise-run.blogspot.com/
Ambler, PA 33 300.8

Derek http://tri-golfer.blogspot.com/
Burleson, TX 42 260.16

Dion http://mash4077homefront.blogspot.com/
Ft. Benning, GA 34 127.3

Eliza http://elizaontherun.blogspot.com/
Miami, FL 31 150.78

Emily http://sweatonceaday.blogspot/
Washington, DC 25 92.2

Erica http://www.ericarunning.com/
California City, CA 26++ 96.5

Erin http://echers.wordpress.com/
New York, NY 29 239.1

Ewa http://trailskinnybunny.blogspot.com/
San Jose, CA 52 152.86

Felice http://thehappyrunner.blogspot.com/
Wynantskill, NY 39 50.6

Gene http://www.genesoboleski.blogspot.com/
Hartford, VT 41 68.26

Ginny http://nofsahmof3.blogspot.com/
Richmond VA 33 10

Harmony http://harmlove.blogspot.com/
Pullman, WA 34 121.77

Heather http://sideofsneakers.com/
Greensboro, NC 25 123.24

Heather F. http://pokeyslowrunner.blogspot.com/
Clovis, CA 34 69.7

Heather G. http://www.runfastermommy.com/
Myrtle Beach SC 27 39.17

Holly http://www.hmm114.wordpress.com/
Annandale, NJ 34 32.8

J http://yummyrunning.blogspot.com/
NY 23 174.6

Jamie http://www.runningdivamom.blogspot.com/
Sun Prairie, WI 29 252.3

Janice http://runningfarstrong.blogspot.com/
Paris, Ky 32 252.5

Jay No Blog
Round Rock, TX 44 248.62

Jen http://runjenhrun.blogspot.com/
Austin, TX 24 52.35

Jen G. http://settingufree.blogspot.com/
Rockville, MD 32 134.3

Jesse K. http://thejesseblogs.blogspot.com/
Elk Grove, CA 29 115.37

Jesse N. http://runtotheborder.blogspot.com/
Kansas City, MO 30 176.14

Jill http://runwithjill.blogspot.com/
Denver, CO 46 339.68

Jill E. http://running2sanity.blogspot.com/
Tacoma, WA 31 158

Julie http://minnesotamilage.blogspot.com/ 114

Karyn http://marathonmaiden.wordpress.com/
Boston, MA 23 397.1

Kasey http://blondemomruns.blogspot.com/
Selah, WA 28 275.6

Kat http://www.thespottsblog.blogspot.com/
Bellevue, WA 27 189

Katherine http://www.reykjavik2011.blogspot.com/
Plymouth, uk 35 113.9

Kathleen http://runbikeswimgirl.blogspot.com/
Richmond, VA 260

Kathy http://runkathyrun.blogspot.com/
Portland. OR 48 267.3

Kathy G. http://kathygurl02.blogspot.com/
San Gabriel, CA 25 138.36

Katie A. http://one-run-at-a-time.blogspot.com/
San Jose, CA 30 395.5

Katie S. No Blog

Katye http://runninaround.wordpress.com/
Baltimore, MD 21 230.25

Kavitha http://kavi-musings.blogspot.com/
Piscataway, NJ 35 295.2

Kera http://runkerarun.wordpress.com/
Wakefield, MA 23 105.32

KK http://icanbearunner.blogspot.com/
Northern CA 20's 0

Krista http://www.middlenamemarie.blogspot.com/
Kansas City, MO 26 4

Kristin http://unathletichalfrunner.blogspot.com/
Vienna, WV 28 108

Lacey http://objectsevents.wordpress.com/
Watertown, MA 26 282

Laura http://lolasrunning.blogspot.com/
Burlington, Ontario, Canada 39 222.77

Lauren M. http://irunslowerthanthetortoise.blogspot.com/
Centerville, GA 25 40

Lauren W. http://laurenhappens.blogspot.com/
West Lafayette, Indiana 29 225

Libby http://from0torunner.blogspot.com/
Bradenton, FL 22 25.28

Linda http://momrunningfromcancer.blogspot.com/
Madison, WI 54 111

Lisa http://www.earlymorningrun.blogspot.com/
New York, NY 28 300

Lois http://foodlovelanguage.blogspot.com/
Tucson, AZ 53 144.01

Lorian http://runningguaranteessanity.blogspot.com/
Katy, TX 41 209.64

Maggie No Blog
Edmond, OK 32 134.7

Marcia http://teamarcia-runningmouth.blogspot.com/
Long Grove, IL 47 256

Marlene http://marleneontherun.blogspot.com/
Toronto, Ontario 27 319.88

Maryann http://bygfamily.blogspot.com/
Riverton, Utah 35 214.6

Matthew http://www.the1000milechallenge.com/
Surrey, England, UK 31 164.86

MCM Mama http://mcmmama.blogspot.com/
Arlington, VA 39 269.5

Megan http://megan-corey.blogspot.com/
Luling, LA 30 134

Meghan S. No blog
Graham, WA 154.75

Melody http://willrunformargaritas.blogspot.com/

Michelle http://letsrollmama.blogspot.com/
Knoxville, TN 118.06

Micki http://www.reddyrunning.blogspot.com/
Yacolt, WA 31 155.33

Molly http://imasleeperbaker.blogspot.com/
Syracuse, NY 105.5

Morgan http://cautionredheadrunning.blogspot.com/
Orlando, FL 28 352.91

Nancy http://littlefancynancy.blogspot.com/
Lynn, MA 30 174

Natalia http://runlikehermes.blogspot.com/
Cambridge, MA 44 0

Nikki http://armywife142284.blogspot.com/
Henderson, KY 25 100.92

Paige http://tworunnersandabrowndog.blogspot.com/
Chattanooga, TN 36 162.82

Priscilla http://priscillatris.blogspot.com/
Norman, OK 36 135

Rachel http://manicdefense.blogspot.com/
State College, PA 27 151

Renee http://aitiomoe.blogspot.com/
Honolulu, HI 23

Runsher- Sherri No Blog
Lincoln Park, NJ 38 449.5

Ryan http://ourloveontherun.blogspot.com/
Boston, MA 24 88.2

Sabrina http://riding2deathandback.blogspot.com/
Calgary, Alberta, Canada 30 180.8

Sami http://seesamieat.blogspot.com/
Southern CA 20 17

Sarah http://runrunsarah.blogspot.com/
Salt Lake City, UT 28 109

Sarah S. http://www.brunetteontherun.blogspot.com/
Seattle, WA 25 180.7

Saundra http://marathonfun.blogspot.com/
Canton, GA 37 223.8

Shana http://onebadrunner.wordpress.com/
Newton, KS 40 163

Shannon No Blog
Woodinville, WA 39 189.11

Shawna http://www.moving4life.com/
Tulsa, OK 32 207

Shelly http://itsjustonefootinfrontoftheother.blogspot.com/
Bedford, PA 26 (+14) 426.6

Sherry http://buzzandsherry.blogspot.com/ 0

Stacey http://runnergirlsblogspot.blogspot.com/
St. George, Utah 38 0

Stacie http://stacie615.blogspot.com/
Chehalis, WA. 33 202.68

Steph A. http://50marathonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Cincinnati, OH 24 212

Stephanie http://myrunninglife5k.blogspot.com/
Crystal Lake, IL 31 17.8

Suzy http://runningonmytime.blogspot.com/
Clifton Park, NY 33 189.71

Tabitha No Blog
Bella Vista, AR 39 0

Tammy http://realrunner-tammy.blogspot.com/
Mt Vernon, IL 36 49.1

Terry No Blog
Ellicott City,MD 56 149

Tonia http://racingwithbabes.blogspot.com/
Glen Allen, VA 27 225.64

Traci http://interdisciplinarysuperwoman.blogspot.com/
Shenandoah, PA 29 95.29





Tricia http://enduranceisntonlyphysical.blogspot.com/
Stuart,Florida 27 47

Wendy http://victoryrunning.blogspot.com/
34 79.5

Zoë http://www.runzoerun.com/
Kent, WA 26 262.08


And there you have it. I still cannot believe the amazing turnout. I KNOW that each and every one of you can accomplish this goal! And trust me it feels sooo good!!

• My 5 mile run yesterday was ROUGH!! I struggled with a stiff neck and sore knees. I never found my stride and did not feel comfortable the entire time. I did not want to run, which is really unusual for me. But you know what I learned?? Regardless of how sucky it was, I felt better when I was done. POWER through and find the Runners high, it is a real thing and I cant wait to feel it again. In the mean time, this tough patch is making me stronger and I am working my way toward 1,000+++.

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Winner and Guess What

The WINNER of the Inperspire Towel is:

Caitlin at Fit to be Tied HERE

Thanks to Inperspire for hosting. If you LOVE the towels I encourage you to go buy one HERE. It is the PERFECT addition to your running or gym bag. Caitlin please email me your address and which towel you would like.

GUESS WHAT??

I just realized that next week is my 1 year Bloggiversary!! March 17th was the start of Tall Mom. CRAZY!! I am busy busy today so that is all I have.

I am working on a BIG post to introduce you to the Tall Mom 1,000+++ Club, very exciting. And more SUPER Giveaways to come.

I leave you with a couple quotes about TIME:

• "Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of." Charles Richards
  
  
• "Go for it now. The future is promised to no one." Wayne Dyer

• "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." Fr. Alfred D'Souza
  

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

MOVE!!

The regularly schedule Test Lab Tuesday will be postponed to next week, I generally pull these together on Sundays and since I was travelling I did not have time. Welcome to the new Tall Mom Bloggy Pack members!! Wow almost to 400, when did that happen??

Stats for 3/8:
Time- 2:14:43
15.1- Miles
8:54- Pace
Cold day a storm was trying to come in and brought the wind. I felt tired and mentally out of it.

I was texting with Amanda hoping I could recruit her to run my makeup LONG run with me. Unfortunately it did not work out, Amanda maybe you can come for a midweek run again?? Hmmmm.. I was in for a solo Rolling Hill run in my neighborhood. Once Little Stud #2 was down for a nap I laced up and was ready to MOVE!!
Not to bore you with the details my 15 miles will be summed up in the form of counts ENJOY:

18++- Beautiful Pink trees already in Bloom, Spring is coming!!

1- Man wearing University of Washington head to toe and walking a Husky, die hard fan, LOL!

3- Hawks flying gracefully in the sky.

8- Stops for cars, stoplights, road crossings, etc. (I do not like stopping!!)

1- Nekkid Semi spotting (Sorry Zoe I could not get a photo)

4- Big Hills to slow me down and text my quads.

9- Thoughts about quitting and calling Muscle Man to come pick me up.

6- Negative Nancy crept in my head and told me that there is no way I am strong enough or fast enough to BQ.

1- Half Marathon done in 1:56:14, not shabby for a hilly run on a rough day.

23++- Teenagers walking home from Junior high:

• 1- Girl who pushed her boyfriend in my path
• 1- Boy who asked me what the design was on my shirt
• 1- Boy doing bike tricks in the middle of the road
• 10++- Kids who blocked the path with zero regard for me running their direction.
• 2- Pretty girls with confidence who actually smiled at me
• 23++- Teenagers who are totally WEIRD!!

100++- Times I wish that I could throw my Nike phone arm band, it was driving me CRAZY! I need a belt ASAP to hold my junk. Any recomendations?

15.1- Rough miles that I tackled!! This run tested my mental toughness. I wanted to quit so many times, but I toughed it out and kept moving. IF Marathon training were easy everyone would do it!!

CONGRATS to all the race finishers this weekend. Wow do I have some fun race reports to read tonight. A bunch of PNW running bloggers will be running the Mercer Island Half on 3/21, which is just 12 days away!! YIPPERS!!

• Was your Mental Toughness tested this weekend? How did you power through?
• Any good stories about encounters with WEIRD teenagers while running?