YAY! BOO!

Yesterday I did it!! I ran a 10K in an hour 3 minutes & it was not planned! I was only supposed to do 5 miles and just kept going... YAY!

Today I have to run 3 miles and my legs are crying out, "NO!!!" ... BOO :0(.

10K Training

Yes...I'm doing it again! Can you believe it? I've been training for 6 weeks with the YMCA Swift Creek training team. It's been quite a ride so far, but I've been very pleased with my progress. I've gone from running 3-3 1/2 miles 1-2x a week to 4 or 5 miles multiple times a week. I'm also thrilled to have broken my speed record. I couldn't seem to break my 10 min mile average and the other day I ran 9 min 30 sec. I think I was in the zone, feeling great, and listening to one of Jerry's guitar solos :0). On the flip side, there have been days (usually in 20 or 30 degree weather) when my legs feel like concrete, everything hurts, and I just want to be home. It's definitely challenging to run 4-5 times a week!

I decided to sign up for the program this year to learn some running techniques from the coaches and to stay motivated. I was just planning on running by myself, but I met another mom who runs at the same level, teaches, and has girls. It's nice to have someone to chat with when you're running for 45 minutes :0).

So...my goal last year was to run the entire race. This year all I want to do is beat my time :0). We'll see!

One of our coaches sent this quote and I love it:

"You only ever grow as a human being if you're outside your comfort zone." Percey Cerutty

Introducing Amelia Earhart

Last week, the second graders at Winterpock had their Wax Museum and Elise decided to be Amelia Earhart. She researched her, prepared a report, and I put together the costume (it wasn't as easy as I thought!) Amelia Earhart was a perfect choice for Elise. Amelia was brave, daring, and adventurous...just like Elise. She was beautiful, smart, and determined...just like Elise. She wanted to do things that few thought she could...just like Elise. And...she was strong and willful...just like Elise :0). It makes me wonder what Elise will accomplish in her life!

Goodbyes~

Buxton passed away on Saturday. It was a very sad day for all of us. We miss him dearly. I still find myself crying when I look to see if his bowl needs water, or when I peek outside to say hello, or when I think I hear his tail hitting the floor with delight. I know time heals all wounds, so we'll just have to take it day by day. He was so special to us, he was always there, and he always wanted to make us happy.

Goodbyes are so hard...even when it's a family pet. To us he was more than a pet though...he was our sweet boy. Yes, he could be smelly...VERY smelly...yes, his bark could drive me up a wall...and yes, his fur was everywhere. It's funny how when they're gone, you miss those less desirable qualities. This morning I would have done anything to hear him bark...it was so quiet.

We miss you Buxton & will always hold you in our hearts. You were such a good boy and we love you :0)

Our Sweet Buxton

We found out Monday that Buxton has a large tumor on his liver. He wasn't eating for three days. Sadie & I spent 2 1/2 hours at the vet where they did over $400 worth of tests to determine the outcome. Now, he's on special food and three types of medication to keep him comfortable. It's horrible to watch a pet age and so sad to know the time is coming where we'll have to say goodbye. Right now he's at the vet getting fluids because he can't keep anything down. We made the decision to let the girls know that Buxton was sick and it breaks my heart to see them so sad about it. We're doing everything we can to keep him comfortable, but the vet said we need to be realistic about his condition. I don't know how many more days he'll be with us, but I do know that I'm going to enjoy my time with him and show him how much he means to us. I took him on a walk yesterday around the lake and let him off the leash to go where he pleased. He was thrilled and went straight into the water. For a moment I saw my sweet energetic puppy again :0)