Out with 2013 and in with great things for 2014

So here we are at the end of 2013.  I've never liked New Years Eve.  Always so much pressure to make it a great one, because if you don't it's like you've stamped an omen on how the rest of the new year will turn out.  So we again have chosen to just chill here at home.  I made Mike his obligatory New Years Eve pavlova which he is tucking into with gusto, okay and I had a small slice too!  He's finishing watching a TV show and then we're popping a movie on to see us through to the New Year.  He'll go outside and play Auld Lang Syne on his bagpipes up and down the driveway at midnight (which has become a tradition and the neighbours look forward to it).  We'll make a few phone calls back to his relatives in Scotland and then we'll hit the sack.  All quite ordinarily boring I guess, but it suits us.  

But what we do do, is take stock as to how the year has gone.  We've both had a really terrific year.  Mike's business is booming, he can't keep up with orders, which is a good thing for a sole business owner.  I have gone from strength to strength with my running and just love it more than I thought possible, that sense of freedom knowing this old body is coming to the party and doing things I didn't think possible.  I'm maintaining a weight loss, fluctuating 3-4 kg though, so I do need to take hold of that.   I moved into a new role at work when our HR office closed down and am enjoying it.   I got to go to America this year on a girl's trip, what a great hubby for encouraging me to do that.  Actually one of the things Mike said to me at Christmas time was that he loved watching me this year, watching my confidence bloom and sky rocket.  What a nice thing to say.  We just need to work on the work/life balance for Mike and it will be yet another great year ahead, with lots of goals in store for me.

I really like this piece, it's been making the rounds of facebook so I've popped it here.  I think it's a perfect 7 Rules of Life to take on board.  It really resonated with me.  I hope you enjoy it as well and there's something you might take from it.

One thing I have to share is that Mike and I got the most wonderful Christmas gift we could ask for.  We are going to become grandparents for the first time!  Okay so feel free to say I will be the most hip and with it nanna you are ever likely to meet!!  ;-)  After five miscarriages, my beautiful eldest stepdaughter is pregnant and the doctors are happy, and the scan is perfect and she's past the danger period (does the danger ever really stop?) and she feels incredible.  Nanna and Grumpy are both delighted!!!  Roll on the end of June.

And now I have a lot to stay healthy for.  I think back to my childhood, my paternal nanna was very old, she passed away when I was about 4 or 5 so I only really have photograph memories of her, I remember her as being a very large imposing woman.  Likewise my maternal grandma whilst being very short, was also a rather round woman.   I don't want that for me.  I want to be able to move and play and crawl around with my grandchild, I want to be healthy and live a very long time and watch this baby grow into a young man or woman.  So if not just doing this for me and Mike, I now have another reason to take charge of my life.

So from our house to yours, I want to wish you a happy new year.  May we all go from strength to strength in 2014, may we slam our goals out of the ball park, and overcome any obstacles that may stand in our way.  May we rise up against all odds and make ourselves proud.  We all owe it to ourselves.  Yes?

Trial run

So today bright and early I headed into Warrnambool to do a trial run of the Surf T Surf course, in readiness for the 10km fun run next Sunday.

This was my first real deal fun run where I previously ran the 6km course.  The 10km course is the 6 plus it goes further down to the river and up and along one of the coastal roads before joining back up to the 6km route again to being it home.  However I didn't really know the exact route of that extra 4km, so I had printed out the map in a palm size to take with me as I ran.  

HECK THERE ARE A LOT OF HILLS IN THIS COURSE!  Ouch!!  

It was pretty tough going and I had set a hopeful time for my plodding of 1 hour 20 mins, which gave me some leeway for the hills.  Glad to say I did it in 1:18:46 so now I have a time to beat next week.  Not setting the world on fire by a long shot, but I was happy.  To me it's all about the accomplishment. Sure I would like to get faster but I'm mindful of these old knees.

I tested out my new Spibelt I got for Christmas.  I get sick of carrying my phone and I love to record my runs on Runkeeper, plus I like the safety of having a phone with me, and I don't always wear a running shirt with a pocket.  The belt was a great success, it fit my phone in perfectly, fitted nicely around my hips.  Thanks Mike, a great gift.

Talking about Christmas gifts, there were a few running lovelies given to me by my wonderful husband.  

He gave me the Katherine Switzer "Marathon Woman" book, the story of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967.  I'm so looking forward to reading this.  The book says it is her personal story about how she overcame the odds and public ridicule to open doors of opportunities for others.

Mike gave me another book entitled "Running like a Girl" by Alexandra Heminsley.  I love that the front of the book says "If you've ever wept, 'why do I want to run?' your answer is here".

And a new supply of Body Glide.  Yes!  I swear I would put this on my whole body if I could, ha!  Well not quite, but I haven't had a foot blister problem since I started using it, thanks to Di of Ultraprimed fame.

So good hubby, he had been paying attention!!!

Oh and I also got the most gorgeous set of pearls.

They might not help me run faster but they sure make me feel pretty!!

Christmas, Boxing, the whole shebang...

So here's a quick view (or not so quick, depending on how you look at it) of how Christmas Day and the following Boxing Day panned out for us.  So relaxing hiding out here in our little town, just enjoying Christmas day, the two of us, we make it special, we spend it quietly, and it's just brilliant.

I got up early, it was going to be a warm one, and went for a 4km run.  I had promised myself I would do this Christmas morning, complete with Santa hat.  Okay, so there's a reason that Santa is not a runner, oh boy!  My hair was literally dripping wet by the time I got home, it's pretty darn hot running in a furry hat in this weather.  Not many people out, not like in the days when I was a kid, we'd be out playing with our toys as soon as we were able.  Things have certainly changed.  Although I did get a few toots as I headed home down the main street of town.

Breakfast over and it was time to give the menagerie their presents from Santa.  Looks like I have their undivided attention here.  Although whilst Molly wasn't sure of the fuss, Lucky took off with his little green bone and chewed and chewed it.  And it's still in one piece.  Winner!

I set up the tripod for a quick pic, must admit there were a few arse shots whilst I was trying to jump on the porch next to Mike.  They will not see the light of day!!

Hmmm, hard to cut the ham when there are eyes on me.  Lucky was patiently waiting for me to throw him a tidbit, so Mike decided to wait as well!!  The ham, courtesy of our local butcher who smokes it here in town, was absolutely BRILLIANT. 

I had gotten to, oh mid last week, not even contemplating what I was going to make for dessert this year.  We don't do the whole plum pudding thing unless we are elsewhere for Christmas lunch.  I usually grab some recipe out of a magazine or online an decide that will be it.  Very late in the piece I decided on a Chocolate Fudge Brownie cakey slice thing.  Definitely not on 12wbt.  But everything in moderation, right?  And well ... I did run this morning!

Complete with blueberries and raspberries and served with a scoop of icecream, it was AMAZING.  But oh so rich. 

Bon Bons were cracked and there were silly paper hats...

The dogs also got spoilt with Christmas lunch, which I can tell you was devoured and the bowls licked completely clean. 

Mike even did the dishes, he was really smiling, but decided to scowl for the camera!  His stomach by this stage was smiling broadly.  

What a day, perfect perfect weather for Christmas, the sky was blue, there was no wind, and it was warm.  We actually had the air conditioner on in the afternoon, I think it got to a top of 30 in the end, that's 86F for you Northern Hemisphere peeps.

We love to prolong the agony, and decided to unwrap the presents after lunch.  We did however unwrap pressies from our Christmas stockings earlier.  Mike loves to play the guessing game, it takes him an age to open a present.

Amongst a number of sporting things, which I'll go through later, I got this great book, you think Mike might be telling me something???  This is the story of Kathrine Switzer, who was the first woman to run the "all male" Boston Marathon back in 19 (something or other).

By late afternoon we were pooped.  The best part of Christmas here at home is that we can just lounge around.  I went out and found the cat had gone to sleep.

Molly was completely disinterested and dozed and gazed and dozed and gazed.  She just wasn't sure what the fuss was all about, although she did like her lunch!  Must admit, last year we wondered if she'd see this year and so glad she has. 

Even Lucky, who never stops carked it in the afternoon.  Just waiting to get his second wind up.

And what can I say, there are no words!!!

Look who got very spoilt, a beautiful set of pearls - necklace and earrings!   Hmmm, the man is romantic, this was not on my radar.

And all good things come to an end.  Made some phone calls, checked in with my bestie to see how she was faring for the day.  And you'll never believe it, her hubby got her a pearl necklace and earrings too.  What are the odds!!!   We decided to just chill and watch a DVD on Christmas night (Gravity) and sip coffee (courtesy of the new coffee machine Mike got for his birthday from his family) and just enjoy the aftermath of the day.   What a beautiful evening it had turned out to be.

And that my friends is how Christmas came to pass in this neck of the woods.  I hope yours was also a brilliant day.  We then got to do it all again on Boxing Day but just easier, as the kids are came for dinner.  A relaxed affair and so nice to just enjoy each other's company and exchange gifts. 

I had the menu planned - just a pick what you want to eat:

• A garden salad
• Tomato and Bocconcini Tart
• Caramelised onion and feta tartlets
• Honey soy chicken drumsticks/wings
• And an icecream which has crushed up meringue, frozen raspberries and pistachio nuts all mixed in
• And the piece de resistance a gingerbread house to devour (pictures forthcoming) 

And then came Boxing Day...

So first things first, they know the drill. A family photo courtesy of the tripod and self timer.  I told them. No photo = no food!  Ha.  Bribery knows no bounds where there are memories to keep!

The beautiful Gingerbread House.   The daughter of One of the ladies at work was making them this year and I ordered one.  The most delicious gingerbread ever.  I was delighted when I received it.  It had our name on the roof, and there were two dogs and a kitty with Lucky, Molly and Bo's names piped on them.  I was sooooo nervous driving this home and Mike was in awe when he saw it.  

We won't talk about the split in Lucky.  I had the house which was all wrapped in cellophane on the kitchen table and the cat jumped up on the table, something she NEVER does, so it must have been the smell she was attracted to.  And before I knew it she had her paw up almost pointing at the house, and Lucky got a split in him.  Typical love/hate relationship she has with him.  Out of anything that could have broken, she broke him!  I kind of put him back together with a smear of butter ready for when I brought it out to the surprise of the kids.

Just some snaps.  Me and the beautiful Britt.  She really is the most beautiful young woman, inside and out.

Mike and the boys.  Oh boy!  The rivalry now that they are older and Tristan has found his voice, and his muscles!  If Wes said black, Tristan said white.  Having said that it is nice seeing Tristan excel at his physical fitness which is something he has gotten into.  And Wes likewise, going from strength to strength with his football umpiring.

Tabby opening up one of her gifts with Aaron (still wearing the paper hat) looking on adoringly!  Gosh those two love each other.

And Britt's dog Samson, absolutely knackered after running around with Lucky for a couple of hours, ready to head home.  The pic with the tongue hanging out cracks me up!

But before I go, I want to wind back to Christmas Eve, we got a very VERY special gift.  Tab and Aaron came out to visit and had a card for us.  Mike said he'd put it under the tree and open it on Christmas Day, but they were very insistent he open it straight away.  And so he did, and I hear a whoop!  And the card had a sweet ultrasound photograph on it and inside it said "Dear Grandpa and Grandma, Merry Christmas, see you on June 28th".  We're going to be grandparents!!!!!

So exciting!  They've been through a lot those two, five miscarriages, including a devastating molar pregnancy which saw Tab being tested for cancer and being monitored weekly from the Royal Women's Hospital for six months.  They are now past the danger stage, the doctor is happy, Tab feels terrific and there's a sweet healthy growing baby on the ultrasound.  I can't tell you the emotions going through us right now, life is definitely good.

Christmas Eve (not so cool) runnings...

Most people finish work on Christmas Eve and rush home to get ready for Christmas or out for drinks with friends.  Not us.  Workmates Di T and Kelli P had thought it would be an idea to run the Hopkins Road hill before the end of the year and Christmas Eve was going to be it. 

This particular section of the road is purported to be the steepest in Warrnie, is exactly 1km in length and a very steady and steep hill rise.  We aimed to conquer it.  We donned our running gear and headed to the Blue Hole to park and warmed up running to the start of the hill.  How come the hill doesn't look half as steep in photos!!!

The sun was a bit fierce (a lot different to the night before) and heck, the flies were bad.  I note that I snarfed a number of them as we set off.  A pic of our hopeful faces at the start.

The girls placed me as first runner to set the pace, and just quietly so I wouldn't drop off the end.  I set a slow and steady pace and chugged my way up.  Oh heck my legs were screaming but I kept my gaze ahead on the speed sign, I was heavy breathing and a number of times felt like chucking, my stomach was churning, but we all relentlessly kept running until wonder of wonders we made it to the top and found the water bottles we had secreted earlier on prior to starting the run (we had driven up with the trip meter on so we knew where 1km hit). 

Thumbs up at the end.  We walked our way down and wonder of wonders we decided to do it again.  Are you freaking kidding me!  Actually Di decided we could do it again and persuaded us.  Hmmm she can be very persuasive.

This time on the way up Di shot passed us setting her own pace, she is super fit and off she flew.  Both Kelli and I continued to plod until my lungs and legs gave way half way up the second time and I had to walk a bit and told Kelli to continue on.  I did bring it back home at a run, but a bit disappointed that I did have to walk some, but still elated I did it.  Check out the elevation on Runkeeper.  Hysterical!

So we did it.  I travelled home on a high, got ready for Church and went to the Christmas Eve service which was just lovely and a wonderful wind down and end to the day.  

Got home and Mike made two of his Santa calls, one to my bestie's son and one to his nephew.  He has been making these calls for years, and totally has to get into character when he becomes Santa.  

He had to think quick this year as Tabby arrived and the dogs started barking.  Err, did you realize that Santa has guard dogs to chase away the snow bunnies that try to eat the Christmas wrapping paper???  Where the heck did he come up with that one.  When questioned why he just didn't put the paper up on a shelf again he had to think quick ... oh because the elves are so short and they wouldn't be able to reach the paper to wrap the presents for Santa!  So there you have it.  Just in case you were wondering ha!

More to tell but I will leave it for another post.

Run girls run ...

You may remember that when I was in Houston recently on my USA trip, I stayed with my dear friend and penpal of near on 15 years, first time we have met in person.  It was terrific.  Particularly as she is running too.  Lisa Beth has recently done the C25K program and has now partaken in a few fun runs.

When I told her that I was training for the half marathon on 27th April, putting myself out there on a limb and trying to achieve something quite grand (in my opinion), she has decided to do the same.  She's now found a 10km fun run for 26th April that she is going to enter and train for.

The idea behind it is her 26th April is our 27th April and we'll be running around about the same time at different ends of the earth.

Now ... that is WAY cool !

Here we are in the middle of a run we did when in Houston.  Now that is something I'm going to remember, running with my dear friend from the USA.

Eh, and we got all arty farty and took a photo of our feet when we got back, complete with scattered Autumn leaves!!   Cause that's what you do right?  (Instagram anyone?? tee hee)

138 days...

138 days till what you might ask?

138 days till a complete nervous breakdown?

138 days till I have certifiably lost my mind?

138 days till this ...

See if I make the picture teeny tiny it won't look quite as scary, or will it????

Yes, yes, I know it was part of the master plan for 2014, yes yes I know September will be looming and I promised myself a half marathon before I was 50 ... but putting a plan down on paper (or screen as the case may be) and actually laying the fifty bucks down and signing up are two entirely different things.  So in a bit of a facebook frenzy pm exchange with two other nutters, the ever motivational Leitchy and my newest running pal from afar Sarah, we have all signed up.

138 days, I need to find myself a ticker.

Oh dear!  I've just made a ticker and there's 136 days, I miscounted!  FAAAAARK!!!!!  Two days less of training.

Tonight was glorious running down along the foreshore, I only did a 5km run from the Breakwater to the Flume and back, but my goodness it was one of those late afternoons that it was great to be alive.  This is an example of part of the running track - which you have walkers, runners, bike riders, roller skaters, all join you on, everyone very courteous, everyone keeping to the left, or ringing a bell or a quick "passing" or "on your right" as they are overtaking.  Yes, I'm a plodder, I get overtaken a lot.  But it's no wonder I love to go running after work here, than head home (40 minutes inland to my little dry dusty town), which don't get me wrong I love, but lets weigh it up here.   :-)

Well things to do, haircut tomorrow, I may even go an even deeper shade of red!  Loving my red hair.  Who knows.  Funny how you lose some weight and you gain some confidence.

Christmas!

So Mike asks me the other day "what do you want for Christmas???"  It is just a tad annoying when he does that.  On the one hand yes it would be great to get exactly what I would want.  But on the other hand he should know me enough to know what I want.  Or is that asking too much? Hmmmm.  I might have a think about that one.

Also I like the surprise element.  But there are surprises AND THERE ARE SURPRISES!  Trust me on that one.  Like I won't bore you with the story about our first Christmas together and he gave me a very expensive jar of hair removal cream, thinking it was like the mecca of gifts, he had hit the mother lode of ideas and he handed me the package like a precious cargo.  Urrgh.  Surprise?  You betcha.

So thinking about what I wanted for Christmas, I started a list of a wide range of different things, realising that just about everything had something to do with fitness and/or running.  Am I that one-minded now?   Or has this way of life just become that important to me that it's what makes me happy.

Anyway this arvo I was having a little look on etsy for something, don't you just loooooove etsy.  And I don't know why I haven't put "running" into the search engine there before, but look at some of the goodies that came up, all linked back here to the various sellers.  Probably way too close to Christmas now, but maybe pop etsy on your ideas list for 2014.


What a great way to keep those precious bib memorabilia and any medals you might get along the way (seller: runningonthewall) ...

What a neat looking Christmas ornament for a runner's tree, I love this.  Mike ... are you reading this!!! (seller: ShineOnSportyGirl) ...

And I do so love a piece of unique jewellery (seller: TheRunHome)...

A bit of fun for a half marathoner in your life (seller: StephLawsonDesign)...

And I am sooooo going to buy this one for myself, love it! (seller: SunshineMountainTees)

So apart from the usual things on the list - running socks, new tights, running books, whatever, here's a few more ideas to think about.

Back to work for me tomorrow.  Then I'll be back into a semblance of routine and I'll be able to do my runs around the foreshore once again before coming home.  I so love that run around the foreshore!

Legs like tree stumps

Trying as I might to get my kilometres up so I decided to go for my long slow run this morning.  It was slow alright, but it wasn't long.  Only totalled 5.2 kilometres.  Actually there was a time I would have thought that impossible, but here I am now disappointed I could *ONLY* do 5.2 !  

And there was a bit of walking involved in that too.

Makes me realise that some runs are great, you feel like you are flying, it's effortless.  And some runs are just plain hard work.  It was hard work this morning.

So in one of my walking moments I decided to take some photos so you could see what a usual weekend run involves for me around town.  I like to hit the outskirts of town, we live on the edge of town or thereabouts so I head to the other side of the golf course which is at the end of our street and run up the stock route.  

Hmmmm, that power pole looks perilously on a lean there!  Or was it me on a lean?  I don't think so.  On my way home.

The sky was a beautiful shade of blue and the clouds were making some lovely patterns in the sky.  At least one thing on these (supposedly) long weekend runs, I do appreciate nature and living in a small country town.  Perhaps I'm a bit of an oddity, a farmer will look up from his paddocks and see a lone runner in pink pounding the often gravel roads.

Woops, this time I was on a lean, not sure what happened there!

Ahh well, may as well do a selfie while I'm at it...

Action shot of my feet while I was running, or a foot at least.  This was one of 10, nine of which I failed to even get my foot in the shot!!  You really wanted to see my foot didn't you? ha.

Looking back from whence I came.  It really is a lovely area to run in.

Last day of my holidays tomorrow, then back to work on Monday.  I've had 5 and a half amazing glorious weeks off.  There's a lot to be said for time off in a big block like that, replenishes the soul !