It's The Final Countdown!

I'm still in a state of shock that the Ragnar Relay is exactly one month from today! That's 30 days until I get to meet the 11 incredible people that make up our team. 30 days until the trip and experience of a lifetime. 30 days until I get a much needed mini-vacation alone with my husband! We haven't been away on our own since our trip to the Poconos for our 10th anniversary in July '05! Seven years is a long time. I know some people that go away every year. Not us. One, we couldn't afford it, and two, I'd feel so guilty going away without my kids. I don't even like going out to eat without them. It's a problem of mine.

Since it's ONLY a month away, I broke out the pen and paper and started to make some lists. I have the "pack" list and the "to-do" list. I have to make sure I have at least three running outfits with extra socks and underwear, clothes for the finish line party, our Sunday adventures and to return home in. I also pack for Charlie, but he won't be as difficult since he's not running. Then there's the "getting-all-of-my-ducks-in-a-row-at-home" list; the sweep and mop the kitchen floor, buy bagels, chips and pizza rolls kind of list. I always leave a clean house so I come home to a relatively clean house. My niece is staying with the kids so there's an adult around, just in case. I made the lists, but I really can't execute any of it until about the week before! Oh well, I got the ball rolling.

Not much else going on in this neck of the woods. My running streak is still going strong. Today was Day 13. I don't think I've ever set a challenge for myself like this. It's surprising to me how easy it has been to stick to. Of course, there's no work getting in the way. That could have thrown a wrench in things, but let's not dwell on the fact that I'm still not making any money.

On Sunday I ran 6 miles in 1:01. It was about 54*, so I was OBLIGATED to run outside!  The run was tough, but I think I did okay. I'm going for 8 miles next weekend, and then I have to go for it and take a day to run my 3 legs, 8 in the morning, 6 as late in the day as I can and then 2 as early as I can drag myself out of bed the following morning (as per our captain, Rik). Unfortunately, that's not when I'll actually be running in January, but I think I'll save my 2 am run cherry for Miami! On the days I'm not running a certain distance, I've been doing 1 or 1 1/2 miles. I break up my workouts into 15 minute segments, so I'll just run for 15 minutes, usually after doing 15 minutes on the rower and arc trainer. Today I ran 3.2 miles in 30 minutes, a 9:20 pace. I think my quick miles are helping with my speed.

the birthday girl

Yesterday was Molly's 7th birthday. I made her some peanut butter cookies in the toaster oven to celebrate. I finally called someone to come fix my oven, because after 3 small fires in the toaster oven and the noxious fumes it emitted after the cookies, I had to toss it! There's not much else to report. Thankfully life has been uneventful the last few days. (I shouldn't have said that!)