Taking my running on the road

Wow! All of a sudden, things have gotten a LOT colder in NE. Though I have worn some of my new running apparel this week, I didn't really NEED to due to the temperatures. But today, I needed it because it was 39 degrees. You're supposed to dress like you would if it was 15 degrees warmer, so I figured I'd be all good in tights and a cold-weather pullover. I did fine, but 9 miles outside in this weather definitely left me feeling chilly by the end. It will soon be time for me to make the mental transition to running inside. It's been a long time since I've done a long run inside, as I try to soak in as much time outside as possible during the warm months. :) I got new running shoes on Thursday (they're hot pink!) and so far, I think I like them.

The next few weeks will be busy ones. Tim & I will be going to Missouri with his mom Kitty for a week to see his grandparents and help with Town Meeting on Tomorrow--an awesome leadership conference for high school seniors from across the nation. After that, it will be back for a few days, then on the road/in the sky to a few more conferences and family gatherings. I will look forward to running in some new locales--and let's hope things will be warmer in New Mexico in November! My mileage will continue to increase over the next few weeks.

Miles run this week: 18

Keep on steppin'!

Feeling 40..and 4, all at the same time

I took a day and a half off work to travel to Alexandria, MN with my dear friend Amanda. While there, we did lots of scrapbooking and I was able to enjoy some running after taking a few days off after the half marathon. Saturday morning, I took off for a solo run outside. It was great to just enjoy being outside, listening to the pounding of my feet on the pavement. I left the iPod at the hotel and just enjoyed myself. I stopped to pet some horses, saw some awesome lakefront properties on Lake Darling and dodged the light ran that accompanied my run. Seven miles is a great way to start the weekend. I also stocked up on some cold-weather running gear at a Nike outlet store, so there are NO excuses not to run just because it's cold and/or rainy. :)

When I got back into the office today, the dreary Minnesota fall weather followed me back to Nebraska. I was feeling kind of 'blah' due to the weather and I was wondering what would be waiting for my in my email inbox. What a pleasant surprise to find several envelopes in my mailbox with donations in them! I was totally blown away by the generous amounts people have given. I felt like a 4-year-old at Christmas as I opened each envelope! So many of you wrote encouraging and thoughtful notes--thanks to you for that. I am keeping them to take with me when I travel to FL and also to look at if/when the day comes that I don't feel so much like going for a run.

I'm feeling 40 because....with all of your generosity, I've officially hit 40% of my fundraising goal! I am continually amazed at how giving people are, despite the tough economic times facing our country. Each donation really does make a difference. I am thankful for each of you!

Less than 100 days...Keep on steppin'!

100 days!

The countdown is on--officially 100 days (and a few hours) until the big day! I'm also nearly at 25% of my fundraising goal. I have taken a few days off running after my half marathon on Sunday, but I'll be starting up again this weekend. Yippee!

Keep on steppin'!