Today is Monday, marking less than one week until I run the half. And I am sure you're bored to tears hearing about it, but bear with me. I am learning some beneficial things.
Things learned yesterday on a 10 mile run all around our town:
1.Don't run all around town. Some parts of town are not meant for a solo runner. Especially a woman. Pick areas that are well populated and where you are close to familiar landmarks ie: family friends, the local coffee shop, etc.
2. Don't run in spandex shorts. Though they are THE most comfortable shorts to run in( no chaffing, no wedgies,etc.), they only attract negative attention from different cultures of men in passing. Just not a good thing when you're running far from home.
3. Be on you're guard at all times. If you sense something is wrong, take the headphones off. Listen for cars slowing as they pass you or footsteps edging up.
4. Scream "NO" when a dog comes charging out of a yard. It usually stops them, letting them know you're the boss.
5. Be prepared. Have a phone. Pepper spray or a tazer. Something, if you need it.
6. Always let someone know your running path, what time you begin, and your projected end time.
I think it is all too easy to forget how dangerous a world we live in. Watch the news and you can't forget. I know for myself that when I am running, I feel empowered and full of confidence and energy. It is a good thing to feel that way to make it through those long runs, but don't let it distract you from the real world.
I hate to be a downer, but I got a dose of reality yesterday and I won't forget it.

The rain story

I wish you could have seen Mr. Broome last night. He decided after it had been raining all night that at mid night, he needed to go outside in the pouring rain, lightening, and thunder to close the door to his building and check to make sure no electronics were plugged in.
I objected.
"It is pouring, Pooouuring, Andy, pleaseeee just stay in here until it stops."
But you can't stop a man with a fire man's heart.
He is bound and determined at all times to do as he pleases when it comes to facing danger.
But here is the best part.
He ran outside in his skivvies. White undies, retired fireman knee topping rain boots, and a small little rain coat.
Can you picture it?
Now you can laugh, I know some of his friends will.
It was completely dark as he walked to the building with rain pouring and all but every time lightening lit up the sky all I could see was his white bum shimmying down to the building.
Ah I sight to see!



On a more serious note- Some people have been terribly affected by the rain. Two lives lost thus far and many homes ruined or damaged. Keep these people in your prayers.

Haven't been much for blogging lately. Life just gets too busy sometimes, but tonight I feel the urge.
I run my first half in two weeks and I am in serious preparation. I am trying, really trying to eat energy foods and drink lots of water and read read read of course how to be preparing myself. I know its just a race, but I hate the fear of getting out there and getting picked up by the sag wagon or getting sick. (The sag wagon is a bus system that picks up those going too slow.)
Last week I ran a simple 5 miler and if it wasn't the hardest I have ever run, I don't know what would be. Every step in front of the other felt like I was lifting a couple pounds of extra weight. Then there are days where it feels so simple and effortless.
Today I had 9 miles to run. I was seriously overwhelmed by the thought of it. I have done it before but I guess knowing that it's real preparation for the race made me nervous. I want to succeed.
Andy measured 9 miles from downtown back to our house. It was actually more like 10 miles, but I knew where to stop at 9 and I had a mile left to walk and cool down.
It was easier than I thought. Actually most of it felt good. I surprised myself pushing on and running a little bit faster at points. I stopped to cross the street around mile 6 and I had forgotten what my feet felt like. They tingled. I knew it was going to be a tiring 4 more miles. The sun was beating down on me on one big hill and I began to feel an inkling of defeat, but then the clouds covered the sun for the rest of the run and they even poured on me a little bit. I didn't mind at all.
At the end of mile 9, Mr. Broome had set a bottle of water and a cool rag bundling ice on the side of the road. He hadn't left it there the whole time- I had called him on mile 8 so he knew to take it up the road. I didn't know water could feel so good, on my neck, in my throat, on my face. The best and most relieving end to the run.
And then I ordered Chinese.
So how about that Mr. Broome? A real love that man. Finding that water bottle and ice cloth was even more sweet relief knowing his timing and text to "let him know when I got to the certain road" so he could set it out there for me.

I give you me running. Compliments of Mr. Broome.

I would say that I bit the bullet and signed up for this, but that would mean I was anticipating it to be difficult. I really hope it's not! Any blogger friends/readers who are participating? Let me know and we could start the race together!
Interested? Look here

I have taken a leave of absence from KBroome. I've been asserting myself in ten different directions and this here is not one of them.
I am studying.
Running.
Reading a new sewing book.
Snuggling Mr. Broome.
Working.
Cooking.
Couponing.
Running.
And snuggling Mr. Broome. Wait, didn't I just say that?
No worries, snuggling takes place of breathing and eating sometimes.
All in a days time. There just aren't enough hours in the day.
But, I'll be back with some pictures and words for you.
Isn't that what you have come to expect?

Sorry Melinda

Melinder- I am using some pics from your latest post.
So sue me OK?
This is me and Jaime.
When we first lived in the dorms our freshmen year we got in deep trouble for running up three flights of stairs in prom dresses after "quiet hours." We got in so much trouble that our hall monitor made us make posters for drug awareness.
Because we were on drugs right?
No.
No, not at all.
That's just West Geezy for you. Have some good old fashioned prom dress hysterical race around the dorms and get in trouble.

Jaime is a super unique girl. One of those girls that all of the guys adore because she is relatable but a girl's girl too.
She sings and plays guitar and she is the most sarcastic person I know(in a good way of course.)
Any way. Jaime had been dating this guy Jess for years. Years I tell you. But in Kirbey time, two years is a long long time. So After the first year I was telling her she needed to hook on the ole ball and chain and tie the knot.
She and Jess were in no hurry.
To each his own time.
But.
He proposed a couple of weekends ago.
I absolutely couldn't be happier!
Jaime, you deserve the very best and I think Jess is just that. I am so happy for you!