2012 in Review

It seems like just yesterday I was blogging about the Top Ten of 2011 and trying to come up with my new resolutions.  Another year has just flown by! 

2012 was the year of the ultra.  I had been debating whether to even run an ultra -- then I ran 3!  I think I could really get into the Ultra Scene.  It seems like a bit of a lifestyle change, though, which I'm not sure I'm ready for just yet.  I'm planning to run a few more 50Ks in 2013 to test the waters a little more.

I also paced a few ultras this year. Pacing is awesome!  I get to do a long trail run at a great venue with aid and support along the way. It's also the perfect way to see if I want to run that race someday.  AR 50, Western States, and TRT are on my radar now!

Other highlights of 2012 include my relay triple crown last June. Wild Women on the Run won the Club Division of the RTO.  My nephews and I pulled off a win at the Mud Run.  And my Reno Running Company team placed second in the Open Women's Division of the DeCelle Relay.  Relays rock!

I'm proud to say that there were a couple of PRs this year also.  I ran the Eugene half in 1:36, and my 50K time dropped to 4:46 at Bizz.  I didn't get to run a full this year as planned since the NYC marathon was canceled.  It'll go back on my calendar another year, though!

Speaking of calendars, my next goal is to plan my 2013 races.  I'm hoping to finalize those soon.  Any suggestions before I ask for the stamp of approval? 

Thanks, 2012, for all the miles and smiles! I'm looking forward to many, many more in the years to come!   Aloha!

Let There Be Peace

I ran with a heavy heart this morning as I couldn't help thinking about the awful tragedy that took place in Connecticut last Friday.  This post is dedicated to the angels and heroes of Sandy Hook Elementary School. 

Sadly, it takes this kind of heartbreak to remind us to thank our teachers, hug our loved ones a little more, and just appreciate life in general.  Too often we get absorbed in our own trivial issues.  While I wish that we could fix what happened on Friday, I don't think we need lectures and debates right now.   Instead, we need to remember to be kind to each other and to pay that kindness forward.  This video clip is a great reminder that kindness is contagious.

Rather than rant about running in the rain again today.  I'm going to remember that without the rain, there wouldn't have been the rainbow that embraced my son's school this morning -- which, in all honesty, made it easier to drop him off.  I am convinced that the rainbow was the huge smile of the Sandy Hook angels beaming down on a dreary day as only little kids can.

In the words of Jackie DeShannon, what the world needs now is love.  And, maybe some more rainbows!

Pay it forward.  Kindness is contagious.

The rainbow was still there after my run!

A special thanks to the creator(s) of the Give a Little Love video.

2nd Place for Team Lickety Split (aka Team Fumble)!

Despite the extreme wind and torrential downpour, the CIM relay was tons of fun!  Theresa and I got 2nd place in the open women's division, and our fellow relayers, Team Lovebirds (Olivia & Sam) got 2nd place in the family division.  A lot of Reno runners head over the hill for this famously fast race.  We ran into lots of running buddies at the expo, and we had a delicious dinner with the NSET group.  enDUrance Reno had a great showing as well -- and lots of PRs, too!  I hope to include this race on my calendar again next year!  Speaking of calendars, I need to get on that ...

 Fun at the expo!

 How many runners does it take to

exchange the timing chip?!?

Day 9 = Duck Day!

Day 9 is in the books!  Today was a tough one (motivationally), but I stuck to my commitment and did it.

Today was also a little bit different.  I thought it should go down in the records books (or at least on my blog).  Let's start at the very beginning.  As I typed that line I pictured Julie Andrews teaching those young Von Trappers how to sing. 

When you read you begin with A, B, C. 

When you sing you begin with Do, Re, Me. 

 

When you run you begin with Moti-va-tion. 

 

I added the last line, obviously. It seemed very fitting for this post.

Back to the beginning ... Reno weather can wreak havoc on your running routine.  Try saying that 5 times fast! 
 
Anyway -- yesterday my pre-dawn run was done in short sleeves.  Today I was soaked and soggy when I finished my run a little after noon.  I decided to sleep in this morning for a couple of reasons.  The shuffle board game that the wind played with my patio furniture and the worry that my roof would be peeled of my house last night made it really hard to sleep.  I also knew that I had a fairly open schedule today, so when I heard the rain and wind at dark o'clock this morning I thought I could wait it out and run later.  So, I sat in my running clothes most of the morning just waiting for a break in the rain so I could make a break for it.  By noon I gave in.  My ponytail was starting to pull a little too much, and honestly I just wanted to get my run over with.  I was tired of contemplating whether I should go or not: 1) I could count my second run yesterday as my run today, 2) I have lots of work to do, 3) I'm racing this weekend.  Excuses, excuses.

But none of the excuses were good enough to make me break my streak.  I made a decision to do something, and I wasn't going to let a little rain stop me.  So, I grabbed the rest of my gear and headed out.  And, as it turns out, my run was actually was fun!  Once I stopped shivering and relaxed, I felt good.  Plus, with the right clothing (Thanks, Reno Running Company!) and a visor, you almost (I said almost) can't feel the rain.  The best of part of all was the last part.  I live on a hill.  So, when I run from my house I usually walk up the hill at the end as a good cool down (at least that's what I tell myself) but also because it's a hell of a hill.  Not when it's raining, though.  Today I sprinted up the hill (it's no longer hell) just to get done!

One more benefit of running in the rain today is now I don't have to battle the excuses to not run tomorrow since the forecast calls for snorkel gear again!  Plus, I feel prepared for my race on Sunday.  Look out CIM!  Here comes Team Lickety Split!

So, the moral of the story is if it looks like a duck and acts like a duck ... Oops!  Wrong story.  The moral of this story is just go be a duck and run in the rain.  I promise you won't melt, and you might have fun.   Hopefully my fellow 40-Dayers get their run in for the day!

40-Day Challenge

 
I love Thanksgiving, especially the Turkey Trot!  I love starting off the holiday with a hard run and then hanging out with my running buddies at the finish.  This year was even more special since it marked Day 1 of my inagural 40-Day Challenge.  The plan is to run for at least 30 minutes every day between now and New Year's Eve.  Runner's World is calling it the 2012 Holiday Streak.  A couple running buddies have pledged to complete the streak with me.  (Love you, Karla & Michelle!) 

Feel free to join in all the fun, too.  Even virtually!

Snow!

Gotta love a long run in the snow, especially with no agenda!  It started snowing about halfway through our run on Saturday. (Thanks for a great run, Karla!)  The flakes were huge, too!  Here was our view when we were done.  I love snowy scenery!

Time to get back on the training train, though.  I'm looking forward to some tough, but fun workouts with my R5K friends.  I feel the need for some speed!

I Heart NY!

With my current workload, this once a month posting is about all I can pull off right now.  I was expecting to post something about this weekend, though, as I was planning to run the NYC marathon.  Higher hopes had me posting about a new PR and a great time in the city with awesome running buddies.  Unfortunately that's not the case.  The marathon was canceled.  A bit of a bummer for sure, but it is what it is.  Any energy spent complaining is better used to help those in need right now.  My heart goes out to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  One of my favorite bloggers, SkinnyRunner, has posted some cool alternate races and is also helping out by donating proceeds from her shirt sales.  Way to go, SkinnyRunner!  Check it out here.

 

So, my taper week turned into more of a week off.  Which honestly, I don't think I take enough of and was definitely in need of!  I know all of my hard work won't go to waste, though.  I'm running a half marathon in a few weeks.  Then I'll start planning my 2013 race caledar.  The NYC marathon will be on it for sure!  Dave and I have already discussed making a family vacation out of it.  Here's to next November!

 

 

A Running Riddle

What do you get when you combine sore legs and a blister from racing the day before with a dinner of chips & salsa, Diet Coke and candy corn?  A new PR and a first place finish! 

I had a productive weekend in Susanville this past weekend.  I ran the Bizz Johnson Express Half on Saturday and then the Bizz Johnson 50K on Sunday.  I'm happy with my performances (1:40 in the half & 3rd in my age group and 4:46 in the 50K & 1st female), but I'm also a little confused.  I had hoped to run a little faster on Saturday and thought I did most things right.  Then I was going to take it easy on Sunday and just run for fun.  I think the key to doing well is in your attitude going into the race.  When I don't have a specific goal, I seem to be more relaxed and run much better.  So, that's my new motto -- no more time goals!  I'm just going to run for fun!

Thanks, Coastal Trail Runs for a fun-filled weekend!

Great showing by NSET!

Lots of hardware!

 

Lots of Work & A Little Play

Wow!  I can't believe it's October already!  Things have been extremely hectic since school started.  I'm excited about my new tenure-track position at TMCC -- I love my job!  I'm also taking two classes this semester, which I enjoy.  But ... all the prepping, grading, reading, writing, and committee work has put a damper on some of my extracurricular activities lately.  Gone are the occasional naps. My DVR is quickly filling up with unwatched episodes of How I Met Your Mother.  There hasn't been any time for "fun" reading -- blogs, magazines, etc.  And, until now, I felt as if I had neglected my own blog.  (Sorry!)  Throw in running a household, family obligations & activities, and marathon training and you can see why there's not much of a social life happening.  Luckily, my awesome running group knows how to have some fun.  A few weeks ago I was able to take a break from the daily overload and attend NSET's annual wine tasting event.  It was fun to step out of my running shoes and let the ponytail down! 

The rest of my "social life" also revolves around running.  Early morning runs with Karla and Michelle (with a little Kaia FIT thrown in).  Speedwork with the NSET New York-bound gang.  And, of course our weekend runs.  Long runs are great for catching up with everyone, even our favorite aid station buddies! 

A special thanks to Rachel, Sam & Ranger!

The best aid station ever!

Well, time to wrap-up this mini-hiatus and get back to the grind! 
                                                                      Until next time ...

Balloon Run!

Just a quick post to share a couple of pictures of our super fun run this morning.  Great group and great run!  The Great Reno Balloon Race is one of my favorite Reno events.  No better way to experience it than on a long run!

Stay Strong!

Wow!  August just flew by!  School started this week, and tomorrow is the first day of September.  Where did the time go?!?

The beginning of the school year marks another season in our house.  Gone are the lazy, no-schedule summer days.  It's back to routine and a schedule.  Hopefully this week was an anomaly and not the norm because I am exhausted!  Not only did I start a strength training program and some serious speedwork, but throw in a hectic work schedule and keeping up a household and you've got some very  l-o-n-g  days!  It feels like a lot right now, but things will fall into place soon.  I am grateful for the extra day this weekend, though.  After getting caught up on work and stuff, I hope to get caught up on sleep! 

I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend!

 

 

Happy August!

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.  July was a fantastic month full of many amazing, scenic Tahoe trail runs.  While there are still a few weeks before school starts, it's time to get back into a routine and start focusing on my big race this fall.  Look out, NYC!  November will be here before we know it, so it's time to start some serious speedwork and log some long runs on the roads!

Here's one big hoorah to a great summer! 

on the Tahoe Rim Trail (Kingsbury to Spooner) with Rach

Ultra Fun!

Once again I got to be a part of an amazing ultra run -- the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run.  I jumped in and ran with Cynthia for the last 20 miles of her first 50-miler.  She did awesome!  All of the TRT running buddies did well today.  Way to go, Sara, Jim, Andy, Paul, Jenny (& the other pacers, Vicky, Jim and Liz)!

A quick shout out to all the volunteers, too, but especially the rockin' Tunnel Creek Aid Station!  Thanks, Micheline, Mike and the Capels for all your help out there today!

I am really impressed with the ultra running community.  Everyone is so friendly and supportive!  And, if you're not quite sure if you are ready to take the plunge into the world of ultra running, pacing is a great way to get your feet wet.  I might just be looking for a few pacers myself next year!  ;)

 Bringin' it home!

NSETers!  Happy to be done!

Runner's High

This month just keeps getting better!  Four more fabulous trail runs were logged this week.  I'm grateful my friend, Sara, is around to show me all these treasures!  (Hi Sara!)

Incline Flume

Cyn, Sara & I ran into my friend, Tim, on his bike (again).

Castle Peak

A group of 9 of us took on this majestic mountain!

Running in Tahoe is breath-taking -- literally & figuratively!

A true runner's high!

Into Thin Air

July is off to an awesome start!  Three fun Tahoe runs this week already.  My fingers are crossed that I can squeeze another one in tomorrow, too!  The best part is we are staying in Tahoe for the next couple of weeks.  Running in Tahoe every day = a dream come true!

Fourth of July Run to the Beach 10K
1st in my age group!

A little Desolation Wilderness fun with the ladies!

Another epic Rim Trail run with my TRT buddies!
Mt. Rose to Brockway

Lovin' every minute and every mile!
Looking forward to many more!

The Western States 100!

What a whirlwind weekend!  My long run this past weekend was in Auburn, as I was lucky enough to be a part of the incredible WS 100!  I paced a new friend, Craig (a complete stranger before this weekend) the last 20 miles of this amazing run.  I left home around noon on Saturday with my running gear in tow.  I met up with Craig's brother and hung out at Foresthill with lots of other crews and pacers.  It was fun seeing so many Reno peeps!  Reno has the best running community!  After snapping a few pictures of the dynamic duo (Craig & his bro), I hustled off to Green Gate, my starting spot.  The logistics of this event can be tricky, especially for newbies.  But, luckily for me, Craig was right on pace.  I jumped in at Mile 80, and we ran in for a sub-24 hour finish.  Goal achieved and silver belt buckle acquired!  Then I jumped back in my car and headed home.  Then I slept til noon on Sunday.  :)


The WS 100 is an extraordinary event!  It is very well organized.  The course is gorgeous. And, hats off to all the volunteers -- they couldn't be more helpful or friendly!  I'm inspired.  Perhaps I'll earn a coveted silver belt buckle someday ...

 

Happy Summer!

Let the Tahoe trail running begin!  So excited to run the awesome trails in Tahoe again!  Here's a glimpse of what this summer holds -- 23 miles on the Tahoe Rim Trail starting at Diamond Peak.

It doesn't get much better than this!  There's just something about being up there ... The sky is bluer; the air is better.

To obtain the air that angels breathe, you must go to Tahoe. 

~ Mark Twain

Power On!

What a great start to summer!  I ran 3 super fun relays this last week -- aka Running Camp.  The week started off with the Reno Tahoe Odyssey.  I had a great time hanging with the Wild Women on the Run for a couple of days!  And, I was happy with my splits, despite the very warm weather!

Then I made a quick trip down to San Diego to run the Mud Run with my nephews.  Not only did we have lots of fun in the mud, but we came away with some hardware!  First place! 

Finally, the week was topped off with a second place finish in the DeCelle Relay!  Such a fun day filled with lots of laughter, beautiful views and some quick splits.  Reno Running Company powered on!

                               

Summer is just heating up, too! 
I am looking forward to lots of epic running adventures!

Running Camp!

I've got 3 relays in a row coming up -- the RTO, the Mud Run and the DeCelle Relay.  Lots of running and so much fun!  It reminds me being at running camp when I was younger.  We would run, eat, hang out, run, eat, sleep, run.  Did I mention that we would run? ;)

Besides running in some amazing places (Tahoe & San Diego -- it doesn't get better than that!), I get to spend lots of time with some great people! I'm running the RTO with last year's team. Go Wild Women on the Run!  I'm running the Mud Run with my nephews.  And, my DeCelle Relay team is not only super speedy but also lots of fun!  It's a perfect start to summer!

Speaking of running camps, I have my eye on a few.  I would love to do one of the ZAP fitness camps, one of the ultra running camps with irunfar, or one of the McMillan camps, just to name a few.  (Need a gift idea, Dave?  Hint, hint)

I also thought it would be fun to organize my own informal running camp.  We could head out to Mill Valley area and run around Mount Tam.  In between runs we could hit up Lululemon, Athleta, Title Nine and the Sports Basement.  Let me know if you want to join in on all the fun!

All in the Attitude (or in my case, the Altitude)!

Running is like golf in the sense that it only takes one good shot or one good drive -- the kind that feels good, sounds good and looks good -- to keep you coming back.  It just takes one good race to motivate you to register for another one.  Unfortunately, the opposite can also be true.  One bad race can make you swear off running forever (or at least for a long time). 

I had higher hopes for my 50K this morning.  Mission was not accomplished.  I finished (although I contemplated finding an alternative way to the finish at various points).  I ran it in 6:22, which is a respectable time.  I actually didn't have a time goal for this race since I have never run it before.  But I would have liked to have felt better about the race.  I can blame it on a number of factors:

   1. I race too much.
  2. It was a stressful week.
  3. My water bottle broke.
  4. I race too much. ;)

But it really comes down to one thing.  The left side of my brain (the analytical side) got the best of me.

I am not a hill runner.  I love going downhill, but that's the only reason I put up with the uphill parts.  This race had a lot of hard climbs.  Sandy Hill (or Hell) is probably the hardest climb I have ever encountered.  It made me an unhappy camper; it broke my spirit.  And it won today.  It was all downhill from there, literally.  But, I had a hard time even enjoying the downhill parts because of my attitude.  I attempted to change it around a few times and get back in the race, so-to-speak.  But I just keep hitting it into the sand.  Dun, dun, dun ...  (Click to hear the drama effect.)

Well, I've owned up.  Now it's time to buck up and chalk this one up to a learning experience.  (More ups -- ugh!)  If I ever run this race again (Look, Michelle, I changed it to if instead of never!), I know what to do differently.  This is not the end-all race.  Or even the end-all 50K.  Sometimes an unaccomplished race just makes you hungrier for the next adventure!  Look out!

A quick shout out to my running buddies who did awesome today!  Way to go, Jenny, Liz, Steve, Jim & Katie!  And all the half-marathoners!

And, thanks to John Trent and his crew for putting on a very well-run race!  Cheers!

Two Hour PR!

Second annual 100-mile week is in the books!  And, I ran it 2 hours faster this year!  I only ran about 15 miles by myself, too -- thanks to Liz, Rach, Abby, Aimee, Karla, Jenny, Michelle, Theresa and Olivia!  You all rock!  It also helped that the Rock-n-River marathon was during my 100-mile week.  Sunday's 17 miles went by fast (literally) since I was cheering and pacing for friends.  A quick shout-out to all my running buddies who met their goal in that race.  Way to go! 

Here's this year's watch:

Going for sub-14 hours next year!

A New Tradition

I love traditions, especially ones that involve running!  Last year I decided to conquer a 100-mile week in honor of moving up to my new age group.  Well, it's that time of the year again!  I started my 2nd 100-mile week on May 1.  So far, so good!  I love that it's become an annual event.  Plus, it's great training for my upcoming 50K! 

Here's last year's watch.  I ran the 100 miles in 16:32.  Faster this year?  Hopefully!

Go Ducks!

I became a University of Oregon fan this past weekend.  Loved, loved, loved the Eugene half marathon!  College towns are so much fun, especially those that embrace running like Eugene does.  Everything was perfect -- the course, the weather, the fans.  It was a great weekend!  Not only did I get to run an awesome race and land a new PR (slight, but still a PR), I also got to hang out with one of my favorite running buddies, Cara, and my newest running buddy, Katie.  Next time we need to make the trip longer, though, so we can rest up before hitting the outlets!

I also came up with a new tradition.  I brought Reno Running Company shirts for both Cara and Katie.  And, Cara gave me a Shu's Idaho Running Company shirt (she's from Boise).   I am hoping to add to my new collection each time I go somewhere new to race.  Better stock up, Aimee!  ;)

 

Back to the race ...                                                        
Here are my stats:

• finished in 1:36:25
• 197/3719 overall
• 45/2416 women
• 5/297 age group

Overall, I am happy with my race, but not completely satisfied.  A sub-135 is next on my goal list.  Just need to find a good race!  Any ideas?

Until soon, Sportsfans ...

 

Happy Earth Day!

Spring is in the air!  I love that it's getting warmer and lighter now.  And, the high desert is exploding with color!  It also means that long trail runs require my camelback now.  I like to be as free as possible when running, so it's not my favorite to mule around lots of stuff.  But the advantage is there's a spot for my camera!  Here's a pic from this morning/turned-into-afternoon's trail run.

We ran up to the antennas way up there!  The beginning of this run was up, up, up and more up.  (Also not my favorite.)  But the return down was so worth it!  I love running on rollercoaster-y single tracks!  I'm looking forward to the Silver State 50K (the route follows these same trails). 

New Kid in Town

The mother of all marathons, the Boston Marathon, will be run this Monday, 4/16.  Good luck to all my Reno running buddies -- Aimee, Karla, Rachel, Vicky, Joanna, Liz, Lara, Mark, Jim, Anthony, John, Ashley, Mike.  Run fast and rock Beantown!   

While running Boston means you've left your mark on the distance running scene (I am proud to say that I ran Boston in 2007), there seems to be a newer, more esteemed race in town.  And, it is literally in town -- well, in Rhode Island.  The same weekend!

Looks like I have a new goal!  The Gansett Marathon.  I remember reading a brief article on this new race a couple of years ago in Runner's World.  I wasn't sure if it would continue, but it seems to be picking up steam!

Boston will always be held in high regard.  It'll be interesting to see where this Gansett gig goes ...

The Untitled Post

Another Bucket List Item
Got a Pacer?
The Ultra Scene

I'm so excited about this post I'm not really sure what to title it.  Maybe the title will come to me after I am done writing ...

First of all, I am very proud of my friend, Jenny, who completed her first 50-miler yesterday.  Way to go, Jenny!  I got the privilege of pacing her the last half of the race.  It was pure awesomeness!  I loved it!  The course was beautiful -- right along Folsom Lake.  The spring flowers and butterflies were out. The weather was perfect. The views were remarkable. We even saw this black beauty -- a cormorant. 

Gotta give props to NorCal Ultras again, too.  What an amazing organization!  The course was very clearly marked.  (Those who have run trails with me know that this is key.)  And, the aid stations were incredible!  It was like showing up to a party every 3-5 miles.  The volunteers were super nice and the food -- talk about a smorgasbord!  I wanted a little bit of everything on the table -- Oreos, lemon cupcakes, hard candy, pretzels, chips, soda.  But, luckily I listened to my stomach, not my eyes, and stuck with the delicious orange slices, pretzels and Gu.  Oh, I had a couple of handfuls of M&Ms, too.

I enjoyed the entire experience -- and I was just a pacer!  The AR 50 is definitely going on my 2013 schedule.  The whole thing.  So, my first thought for a title was something about my bucket list.  I'm digging the ultra scene, though, and I don't think these races will be just a one-time-only thing.  So scratch bucket list.

Speaking of pacing, that was awesome too!  There's something about being a part of the race without really racing.  I needed a long run this weekend, so why not go somewhere new and beautiful and have fun with some friends.  I'm thinking about pacing for a few other ultras in the Tahoe area this summer.  Anyone need a pacer???  I'm also reading Rachel Toor's book right now.  I just finished the part where she talks about pacing.  It's fun to be able to relate to the book first-hand.  Hence the thought of the pacing title. 

So, are ultras going to be my new thing?  I have really enjoyed my little taste of them lately.  I don't know, though.  The Eugene half is just around the corner.  That's going to be my focus for now.  At least until May!

Still no title ...

Fun Stuff!

Borrowed these from another blog that I follow (and highly recommend).  http://ccooper.typepad.com/writing_on_the_run/

(Added the highlighted comments myself.)





You Know You're a Runner When ...      
 

. . . the theme from “Rocky” gives you goose bumps.  Or is your ringtone!

. . . you keep running clothes in the carry-on and regular clothes in a checked bag.  Don't want them to get lost.

. . . you give up running for Lent.  I'd rather give up sleep.

. . . you plan vacations around races.  Absolutely!  Where are we off to next, Rach?!

. . . you spend $100 on running shoes but buy other shoes on sale.  I think I own more running shoes than other shoes.

. . . you can easily convert kilometers to miles, and vice-versa.   50K = 31 miles

. . . you have a tan line when you take off your runner’s watch.  Other tan lines, too!

. . . you’re excited that your next birthday will put you in a new racing age group.  Whoo-hoo turned 40!  And celebrated with Karla!

. . . you get a massage but it’s not for pleasure.  Every month.

. . . you use “easy run” and “5 miles” in the same sentence.  Or longer . . .

. . . you go into Starbucks more often to use the bathroom than to buy coffee.  Pretty close, but yeah.
. . . you enjoy going to the golf course, but not to golf.  Good times with Laura & Blue.

. . . you give up Friday happy hour because you have a long run the next morning.  I actually trade my husband – he gets Happy Hour on Fridays if I can run both days on the weekend!

. . . you spend more on running clothes than on school or work clothes.  (See the 5th one.)

. . . you’re the only one outside in the pouring rain.  Or with Aimee in the blizzardy snow!

. . . you’re actually proud of your blackened toe nails.  Proud of my calluses, actually.

. . . there is a “running” playlist on your iPod.  My iPod is only for running.

. . . you go for a run the morning of your wedding day.  Check!  Great run with Noni.

. . . you get mad that an injury keeps you from running, not that it damaged your body.  Injury?  What's that?

. . . your first question to the doctor is “How soon can I go running gain?”  Or to Olivia right after I finished my first ultra!

. . . you have no problem awaking early Saturday morning, but hit the snooze M-F.  Actually up early every day.

. . . you’d rather take the steps than the elevator.  Even after running a 50K.

. . . you generate more laundry than a newborn.  No wonder . . .

. . . you know exactly how far that daily run was.  And have logged it multiple times. Right, Joanna?!

. . . you run for fun. No, seriously.  This one’s for you, Ali!

Your turn.  How many describe you?!?