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HILLRUNNER's Recent Blog Entries
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Although it was just another day in paradise over here across the "pond", being American, I still carry on with the traditions I remember. It was similar to having a work day AND getting ready for a dinner party.
I had cooked the October pumpkin so it was ready to be made into a pie and froze the rest to get me through the year. The pie was made on Wednesday to save oven time on Thursday.
First on my list after doing some necessary business paperwork was a lovely quick 5 mile run down the hill out of the village and to return up the other side. Great start to the day and chance to be thankful for the ability to do this.
After cleaning up, it was turkey time and I got the Tom in just before my son phoned from the US to wish me a Happy T-Day! It had been lightly snowing where he and family were visiting and very cold; nothing like a phone call from a child to brighten any day.
I planned a couple of new additions to my menu of roast turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie. I found a lovely light salad to start our meal and a yummy delicate sauce to dress the steamed asparagus.
My elderly in-laws arrived on time although the turkey was a bit slow at finishing so we spent the time in conversation with me also finishing cooking detail in the kitchen. The meal was much appreciated and we enjoyed each other’s company. I once again explained the history of the day.
I wrapped a good portion of the leftovers and gave them to my in-laws for them to enjoy during the weekend. They appreciated the “goodie bag” and were off on their way the short 3 miles home.
To finish off the day, I attempted to touch base with my other two children but was unable to reach them so I phoned one of my siblings, my younger brother, and enjoyed the surprise reaction to my trans-Atlantic call. It was a great way to reminisce of other holidays spent together and verbally touch base. After all, isn’t family or friends that feel like family, what make this holiday even better?
Monday, November 05, 2007
I love the Lake District of England!! Saturday 3 November gave me another chance to run a trail race in this fantastic place. I had never been to Ullswater in Cumbria and this was well worth the 90 mile drive.
The day was a perfect November morning with leaves of gold, flames, and evergreen pine around. The motorway up to Penrith was clear and the views were beautiful and a forward to what was waiting. I always enjoy seeing the wind farm visible from the road! So cool to see these giant pinwheel blades spinning like a misplaced giant child's toy.
The turn off to the A road was easy to find and we were gifted with view after view that I just was wowed by. Snaped as many pics as I could and then we arrived near the finish. Once organized and changed, it was a short walk to the lakesite field where I picked up my number and where all the competators would board a classic steamer boat to take us down lake to the official start. SO cool!!!
At the other side of the lake it was all off and quick instructions given and off we went! What a trail!! It was almost uphill immediatly. I was going at my own pace and not knowing what to expect I took it carefully.
The trail was rocky underfoot and I was constantly watching my footing. It was a 12K (8 miles actually) distance but very decieving due to the 3 uphills, one I thought the marshal was joking about when I saw how steep it was.
The views are pictures in my mind that I hope to be able to capture on film one day. From various points along the trail I could see the Lake and the additional steamer boats bringing more racers for their staggered start times.
From the 10K mark it was finally an open grass decent to the farm gate, the road out to the main road, then .3mile to the finish field. I ran with my heart and although I was tired I was elated to have the energy and stamina to finish with a great run in.
My wonderful husband, cheerleader, photographer, and all around great guy, caught this snap of me as I ran across the finish line with a time of 2:06:59! I'm already looking forward to next spring for the start of the 2008 Lakeland Trail series events! (more pics to follow on my other blog)
http://milestogo-babciaruns.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
How to measure achievements? How to feel like I am getting someplace? What do I feel like when I only use one form of standard…the scale and it doesn’t reflect a downward slide?
If I was to only use the scale to mark my “success” with becoming a healthier person I would really get upset. And when I DO use just the scale I DO get disappointed. I really wish I lost weight quickly and consistently, but with my health issues the reality is I don’t. I loose weight at a snail’s pace and I can put it back on like a jet plane.
Therefore, I need to look someplace else than the scale to measure my “achievement”. Just this week I’ve been noticing these even more. When I put on that great leather belt with the fancy buckle, I will need to put a new hole in it to have it fit me properly. It's doesn't have any more to use.
With the colder weather I put on a running jacket that I haven’t worn since the early spring, and it fits so much better at the hipline. (I remember when I first bought that jacket 3 years ago, it was very snug at the hip and the only way I could wear it was to open the side zippers at the mesh inset to allow me extra room, now I don’t need to do that.)
The gold wrist bracelets are looser and can even slide off without being unfastened.
I enjoy my running and have noticed that my speed has increased with the races I have taken part in this year; in fact I have been pleased with the several personal best times I have achieved. My breathing while out running seems almost effortless at times. The hill repeats that I challenge myself with are enabling me to run better.
It’s a good thing that I sew and have a sewing machine because when Iput a skirt on that I haven’t worn since last winter, I am going to need to take the waist in at least 2 inches! (right now the safety pin is holding it together!)
When I look at pictures of myself from just over this year, I see a dramatic change. There is a glow that radiates from a more toned face and body. I don’t even need to take my measurements, because I know without numbers, that I am achieving.
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