Running and rain

Today my running buddy L and I ran the Seattle "Beat the Bridge" 8K. The idea is to make the 2 mile mark and cross the University draw bridge before it goes up (usually 10 min miles). We signed up for this race weeks ago in the hopes it would be a good training run on our quest for our 2nd 1/2 marathon in June. Three weeks ago, our training and running schedule changed with some injuries. It's been a frustrating 3 weeks without running and enduring some hip pain when I tried. Despite the running drought, race day came and so did the rain.

We braved the weather, constant rain the whole 5 miles and we actually 'beat the bridge!" Having not run in 3 weeks, I did not think it was even possible. However when our heat started our options were to run or be trampled. So we ran, and our bodies felt ok, so we kept running. We had no aspirations to actually make the bridge in time but as we got closer we knew it was possible. The smiles across both our faces were evident and it was so inspiring to realize that we could do it!

With the rain, our drenched state and sore muscles we walked most of the remaining course; nonetheless we finished. We know that completing the 1/2 will be a challenge as our training plan is on standstill and progressing into longer runs is just not realistic at this point yet. These injuries are still a bother, but we will still try and see how it goes.

When I got home, I thought, "I'm not really that wet, I'll just change into new clothes", I was drenched, soaked down to the bone, hair dripping wet. It was the best feeling of accomplishment and the best hot shower in a long time. We topped off our morning with a victory breakfast and a little eggs benedict.

What are the odds?

This afternoon I was busy in the kitchen preparing lunch. Since we have non traditional schedules, sometimes a nice meal comes at lunch time. (chicken mozambique!) Typical activities were taking place, food prep, chopping, finding the right pan, digging for the cover, rearranging items in the fridge, you know the drill. Shortly after our delicious meal, after I had cleaned up my mess, I noticed in horror, "My ring...2 diamonds are gone!"

The hubby and I quickly started trying to retrace my steps (as if) in the kitchen and there we were hands and knees on the floor and we found not just one but both missing diamonds!! This was not my wedding band but rather my 'right hand ring', a gift I purchased for myself in 2005 right before I graduated from medical school. I am quite attached, as it has significant sentimental value, though much less now that I have my beautiful rings from Pat, but still close to my heart nonetheless.

Of course we found these sparkly gems along with several other not so fun items on the floor, crumbs, dust, veggie parts, chips, pennies, cheerios, rice, pen caps, markers, bag clips, the missing spatula etc. I've just returned from the jewelry store where my stones will be reset and the prongs fixed, thankfully for no cost from my little maintenance plan I bought many years ago. I just could not believe the stones would be found, just what are the odds? Now I'm off to clean my floors. :)

Live, Laugh, Run

Just got back from Texas after a week long conference. I'm not really sure I like that state as I was trapped in an industrial park hotel (which was very nice) outside of Dallas. We escaped one night for a $30 cab ride to another middle of no-where town which was Grapevine, your classic little Texas town with the water tower in the backdrop. If I saw a tumbleweed go by I think my experience would have been perfect.

Thankfully food was delicious at the conference and quite plentiful. Keeping up with my training program wasn't so easy. I thought about running outside, but I was not prepared for the dark morning conditions in an unfamiliar area. I managed to hit their tiny gym at 6a one morning, with another 20 people, so I cross trained on a stationary bike till the treadmill opened up. I ran for about 8 minutes till I excused myself back to my room. The bike work out was excellent, but jumping on the treadmill right after was a mistake as the muscle memory from the bike made my legs feel like bricks. It was hot in the little workout room and before I passed out or fell off the treadmill I just terminated the workout. (That would have been embarrassing! )

It was a long week and disappointing on the diet and exercise front. I returned home late Friday though to a little treat. A friend of mine and fellow runner, sent me a little gift in the mail. It was a total surprise and the best encouragement and inspiration that I needed to stay on target! A running headband which also keeps the ears warm and covered. "Live, Laugh, Run" Thank you M! Kudos to her for running in the Hyannis 1/2 marathon today in February winter conditions!!

Walking away...

After 2 counter offers from us, our seller is not interested in lowering his asking price, despite the listing price 10% over market. We are walking away.

We have no interest in buying something beyond value price. No surprises here, I'm a bargain shopper! We have heavy hearts but at the same time realize 'what is meant to be will be'.

I really thought that was our home, and maybe someday it will be- for the right price of course. Rather than wallow in this moment we are taking it one day at a time, walking away from a bad investment and running towards the hope of what the future will bring.

We'll be ok, in the meantime it's green shag carpets, small bathroom and lead paint in the kitchen :)

On a happy note, I completed Week 3 of the 'couch to 5K' (only 3 weeks late!) what can I say, I've had a busy schedule!

Get out of my head

Back in Seattle after a week of cold weather and more snow in Massachusetts! Had a wonderful visit with the family and shared Mom's Birthday topped off with a massage and pedicure. Running when it's icy and snowy outside is not an easy task. I was able to run on the treadmill at my parent's gym one day. (Yes, can you believe it, they joined a gym!)

I'm on 'week 3' of my running plan and am very aware that it is the second week of February and I should be on week 6. What can I say, there is a lot going on.

For those of you following along, we found a house, put an offer in this week and now are in the awful haggling process with a very delusional and unreasonable seller who thinks his home is worth about 150K more than what is appropriate for the location and market! He did counter offer last night, but only by lowering his price a smidgen. We're still in negotiations, but I'm not feeling too positive that this outcome will be successful. I didn't ask to fall in love with this property, it just happened. Therefore, rather than a business deal I feel it is an emotional process as well which makes it more difficult.

Given this stress, I couldn't wait to hit the trail and run last night. I had been up since 4am, but nothing was going to stop me from an evening run. My bestie Liz and I hit the trail and did our run in the dark and 45 degree weather. We had on reflective light-up vests and only wished we brought the head lamps to see the ground. It was dark out there!

I had always heard running helps clear your mind and last night I experienced it for the first time. Running is not only physically beneficial, it truly is healthy for emotional and psychological well being. I felt much better when I got home.

Long day ahead and an early morning tomorrow. I hope to get back out there again on Friday.

Could this be THE ONE?

OK, in all honesty the original reason for my blog back in July was to document and express thoughts and emotions during the heinous process of buying our first home. My hubby suggested it as a way to vent and commiserate with the masses who have done the same before. But who wants to read about that? So I found alternative topics to discuss and put the home buying discussion on the back burner.

Here we are, it's 3:15am and where am I right now? Awake, blogging and perseverating in my mind- as I'm sure my husband is too- about the infamous question: to buy or not to buy.

After 85 + homes, the pros outweigh the cons, walking in the door put a smile on my face and we both left with the same feeling "we could live here". No home is perfect, but this one seems to be for us. Since our walk though on Sunday, I can't get it out of my head, it's all I think about and dwell on. I really can see my life in that house. Well that is a first, after many, many duds.

This is sort of like finding your spouse. You date a fair number of potential options and then one day it hits you...he's the one! Home buying is kind of like this too. Just like porridge, really. Some too big, too small, too expensive, too much to do to move in....and then...to find 'the one'.

But how do you know it is THE ONE? Given my emotional attachment (i hear that is bad) I think it's been found. It's such a huge plunge, a giant leap into adulthood, the most expensive item ever purchased in our lives......AAAAAAH! No wonder I have insomnia right now!

Of course, those who know me best also know I am a frequent sufferer of 'buyers remorse' and occasionally return things or mull over choosing "which one". Again, at least I have a reason for my insomnia tonight! We hope that 'sleeping on it' will allow it all to sink in and find a place within ourselves where we feel comfortable to take the leap, put out an offer only to then.....wait. In the meantime hoping and praying that someone doesn't do it first and scoop it right out from underneath us....aaaah! This is so stressful!

Truth be told, I've never been so excited about a house before. I really think this one could be our home. Prayers tonight for guidance that this is all right and the way it should be.

The future is bright.

Whistler with the Litzler's

Ski weekend was a success! We headed up to Canada, to Whistler Blackcolm mountain. Great weather, great friends and lots of fun on the slopes. I never thought I'd consider myself a 'skier'. 3 years ago when I moved to Seattle my husband encouraged the idea of having my own set of ski equipment. He thought if I was ever going to learn, the process might be easier if I had the consistency of my own pair of skis. He was right!

The first year out it took me at least 5-6 trips to the mountain to actually feel like I enjoyed the sport. Over the past 2 years I've gradually advanced from green runs and this year to the blues...

I took a lesson the first day and was so proud of my ski success, blue runs all day!

Day #2 wasn't so fantastic - not for me at least. Legs were sore, boots too tight, fell twice (while standing straight mind you! ) and I had lost my confidence in myself.

(View from Gondola on Peak to Peak)

Day #2 on top of Blackcolm at 'Seventh Heaven", most gorgeous sites!

More from Seventh Heaven...

Sometimes pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone can be helpful to advance to new levels of skill and to really prove to yourself that 'you can do it'. This was all true on Day #1, and it felt great! Day #2, my body just wouldn't do what the mind wanted and in the end wasn't so fun.

Day #3 I listened to my body and stayed in the lodge! Hubby and friends went for some great runs themselves and got the most out of our last day on the slopes.

What I learned was to continue to build my skills and become a master of them on the easy slopes- greens. Then I can gradually advance to the harder runs. Maybe next time I'll have 3 great days instead of just one. :)

Nonetheless it was a great time!

On the running update, I completed Week 2 on the 'couch to 5K'. Would have been nice to keep it up onto Week 3, but thanks to a good old fashioned head cold I've been work and couch bound. Next week I'll hit the road once I recharge my batteries.