Break in the Vacation Posts

I haven't been able to regularly post this week because I have all my trip pictures on my home computer, some on my phone, but to adequately keep up with my posts and my weekly low-down, here is the random post.

Last Sunday, T and I had the most perfect 8 mile run.  If we both didn't have families to get back to, to get ready for church, I think we could have run forever.  I cannot describe how beautiful the clouds were, but the picture above does a pretty good job showing.  Thankful for iPhones to take pictures, but also thankful we weren't eaten on our run and I didn't have to use it to dial 911.  We definitely had 2 dogs chasing us, a pit bull and a border collie.  I wasn't too worried about the border collie, the pit though, made my stomach jump into my throat.  I may have uttered some not so nice words when I thought that I was about to be ripped to shreds.  I apologize now for the inappropriateness that flew from my mouth.  Thankfully, we were fine and the dogs left us alone as soon as we got away from their owners property.  I was a bit surprised they ran all the way onto the highway with us.  I had seen them run up to the fence, did not know there was a huge hole in that fence they could escape through.  I'm sure you are all glad to know that I am now armed with pepper spray in a cute pink camouflage case.  It fits perfectly into my running belt along with my gels, keys and iPhone.  Who am I kidding.....I need a freakin' back pack.

In other news, T and I have decided to run the full at the Marathoning for Miracles race in November.  If you remember last time we agreed to train for a full, I ruptured my back.  I feel completely different this time around.  We are extending out our daily mileage and upping our weekend routine.  It is going to be crazy squeezing it all in, but we want to get one under the our belts ASAP.  We've done so many half-marathons, we are ready to see what we can do.  Of course this instigated much Amazon shopping so that I am prepared for training and race day.....

Super cool running sleeves to add on those days when the run starts out cool, but you can strip these off when you warm up.  I have some lined black ones for when it gets super cool, but these pump up the attitude! They kind of match the sunrise up on top...

Cannot do without our caffeinated gels....I like the mandarine flavored ones, T likes the latte ones. I always try to replenish the stash when I go to the store, but they were out of my mandarine.  Latte = disgusting

We go running so early in the morning, adequate reflective gear is a must.  T has a great vest thing to wear, but I decided to add to our body decor by getting a cool LED light that is red and some reflective strips to add to my clothing.  It is super obvious when a car's headlights finally hit us and the driver sees us.  They practically jump across the median to the other side of the road.  It is kind of comical.

Who else thinks this stuff is amazing?!? When we get dehydrated on our runs, we daydream of a cool lime refresher.  Starbucks is out of these all the time.  Currently the whole country is out of limes, so they won't serve them.  Luckily, Granbury stores just replenished their stash of the VIA.  Scored us both several boxes!!!

To help the ol' legs recover and feel more refreshed since I drive all day......I've been reading up on compression sleeves for your calves.  Here I am modeling them for you while I watch Twilight on my computer while simultaneously editing pictures and doing some graphic work.  I have to say that I'm multitasking.....????

To assist in my back health and to hopefully stretch out my hamstrings, I bought some yoga tools to help me out.  I am so tight and afraid of injury, so on my T/Th evenings I'm trying to get in a good stretch before bed.  I'm crossing my fingers to stick with it.

Last, but certainly not least, I got some new minimalist shoes by Merrell.  They are the glove, so hopefully my transition to a zero heel to toe ratio can be complete.  I am still working down to them, but can tell a difference in how I run.  I do feel the tension more in my calves and do not want to over do it, so these will only be utilized on shorter runs until I'm ready to take them out for a long run.  If you've had a chance to run in these, let me know your opinions.  I've read some great reviews.....we will see! 

The end!  Cuddle time with Mace!  Please ignore the half makeup on/off look I've got going on here.  Yikes!