Monday, December 2, 2013

Running Recap for November 2013

Before I had kids, back when I worked full-time, you could find me on Monday and Wednesday evenings, at 5:30 sharp, running with a group of runners through the streets of Roanoke.  I ran with them on weekends too.  I made some great friends that way, and my running improved.  There's something wonderful about the companionship of a long run with friends.  Somehow, it just never worked out after I had the twins to meet up with the group.  The original group I ran with fizzled away - injuries, kids, and other factors broke us apart.  I miss it often.

These days, my running partner is primarily of the furry variety.  He has a tendency to get distracted by things like deer and basketballs.  Still, I'm thankful to have him by my side for the miles.  He never complains about the cold or the wind.  Or that I'm running too slow (although I bet he's thinking it sometimes). 

No, he's just happy to be by my side.  If he could talk, no doubt he'd be full of encouragement, just as my human running group always was.
I ran 106 miles in November, and lifted weights twice, and did a couple of sessions of yoga.  It was a tough month - the boys were sick frequently (seriously - croup, stomach flu, hand foot and mouth disease, and pneumonia!), and I couldn't get my runs in as much as I'd hoped.  But when I did, the running was good.  Hopefully everyone will be much healthier in December!

27 comments:

Steve Surratt said...

That's a good month considering all the stuff going on! When my kids were younger I just could not juggle running with all that family stuff.

Sunnybrook Farm said...

November was a strange month, it felt like January much of the time and seemed to be a busy month this year. I like your dog, there is more white but it reminds me of our dog in many ways, ours probably has some of that breed in her. She could run with you for awhile but I'm afraid that distractions would take hold of her as well.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh that is the cutest running partner anyone could ever have. I am glad the boys are over all that nasty stuff you will be back running more again soon I am sure. I think you did great in spite of it all. Hug B

Ercotravels said...

Interesting writeup and beautiful photos!

Barbara said...

I hope everyone is feeling better. Your running companion is adorable. I bet he always listens when you want to talk too. :)

Out on the prairie said...

I laugh when my group goal was Ironman before families.Our lives change so fast. I like my family best.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Beautiful dog! I didn't know he was part of your family! and I sure hope December is a healthier month for all of you.

Your running puts my exercise to shame :-) Good for you -

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my gosh, the poor boys! And I bet when one catches something, then they all do. My dog of my teenage years looked a lot like your dog.

Sharon Wagner said...

I thought I was the crazy cat lady. I call myself a cat wrangler on some of my profiles. I don't really think anyone thinks it is funny. More like weird. But I don't care.

TexWisGirl said...

wow, you had a run of illness - hopefully it is done for the winter! :)

LOVE your running buddy! i had to start penning 2 of mine up when i go up and down the driveway as they were bothering the neighbors' dogs too much!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I hope everyone is feeling better now! I'm sorry November was such a month for illnesses, and I hope December is much better. Good for you for continuing to run at all with all that going on. And your dog is so pretty. I bet he is the best running partner. :-)

Sandra said...

I have daughters that like to run! I always feel better when they take along a furry companion!

Sounds like a good November!

LONDONLULU said...

Here's to a healthier month, though November sounded very productive for you! Esp. with that furry cutie by your side!

Mary said...

Aw, you have a beautiful running buddy! He would totally be full of encouragement if he could speak.human! :)

I hope your boys stay well the rest of the fall and winter. And sorry they were so sick..

Michaele said...

Good gosh what a lot of illness to deal with. I think I would prefer running with a dog. I just would - if I ran - which I don't.

Rob-bear said...

You and your partner run with dogged determination! This is good. Glad you were able to do that.

So sorry to hear, again, about the boys' illnesses. That really cn really put a crimp into everybody's life!

blessings and Bear hugs!

Samantha said...

WOW that was a hard month!! But, look what you accomplished. Amazing.

Unknown said...

It was so great seeing you out running this morning and catching up with you!

Endah Murniyati said...

You have run for a long distance this month. I hope your kids always keep on health. You will be a great Mom

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I had a really great month exercising in November- I walked twice a day religiously. I'm still going strong this month, but I'm starting to worry about Christmas- it's my worst time for gaining weight. Cookies, candies, pies, oh my.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

It has to be a healthier one for sure...they've had just about everything! Keep up the pace for Scooter's sake!..:)JP

Harry Flashman said...

When I was younger I habitually ran three miles in under 18 minutes, wearing boots. That was part of our quarterly physical fitness test. Now, I may brave the one mile walk down to the mailbox once in a while, but I dread trying to get back up. Running is for young people. My brother Robert ran consistently into his mid fifties and now he has to have both hips replaced.

Michelle said...

I admire your running, especially with the kids sick as they were. That is always tough!

mail4rosey said...

You still got a lot in (by my standards anyway). :) Wishing you the milemarkers you want to hit for December.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Wow…you did all that and took great care of your boys! YOU are my hero! I so wish I was a runner…it seems such a therapeutic way to burn calories. :)
Your running companion is the cutest thing ever.
XO

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Looks like a perfect running partner to me :) Too bad the boys were so sick last month. Here's to a healthy December!

Unknown said...

What a month! I asked my Mom how she managed to raise four of us without losing it. She said, "I guess I was so busy all the time, I never thought about it". Your story reminded me of that conversation! Amazing, Lisa!