New Adventure

For summer vacation Kincaid wanted to go camping.  So, we are trying something new.  We borrowed a camper from some friends and will go for a test run this weekend before we head out on vacation.  I'm a little nervous. 

I camped as a kid when my parents did all the work and Kim, Katie, Kris, and I got to play and run around.  Now I'm the parent and need to plan out meals and everything that goes along with camping.  I'll let Michael do the mechanical stuff, like set up the camper. 

I'm ready for a new adventure and a change of scenery.  The best part is we're doing it as a family.  Who knows, we may love it and decide camping is for us... or we may decide once is enough. 

A few Kincaid quotes...

"When we get home I'm going to put my stinky Keens in the freezer to make them not stink any more." 

"Grandma is making onions for lunch."

Kincaid: "What did we get Dad for his birthday?"
Me: "Shoes and sandals."
Kincaid: "But no toy?" 

Switching Gears

When I started this blog, my intention was to document my journey to completing a marathon.  Since January, many things have changed.  Life has taken me (and Michael and Kincaid) is a new direction.  So, I'm taking my blog in a new direction too.  I'm going to blog about something way more interesting... my family. 

Of course I gotta put in a blip about my two favorite men...

It's no secret how much I love Michael.  He has been my support and my rock through the worst times of my life.  He was there when my sister Kim battled, then lost her battle to cancer.  He knew my focus was elsewhere and was there to pick up the slack, then pick up the pieces.  He gave selflessly.
In the 3 years since, he has been the best husband imaginable.  We have had a few trials of our own.  We have always had a common goal and pulled through them together.  I never knew how truly strong we were until this past weekend.  Michael was more of a man than I've ever seen.  He was there, calm, cool, and collected when I was falling to pieces all over again.  I will spend the rest of my lifetime showing him how much I love him.  I thank God for bringing him into my life. 

Kincaid continues to amaze and humor us.  He starts Kindergarten in August.  How did he go from a 6 lb 6 oz baby to this?  He's incredibly independent.  I love that about him.  He rarely gets in trouble because he knows his limits.  I think he's the perfect combination of Michael and me.  I'll add of few of his one-liners.  We'll see if they make you laugh as they do us. 

I may slip in a few running entries from time to time.  I'm cutting back on the races.  The only one I have on the horizon is the Color Run in October.  More time should/will be spent as a family.  I'm looking forward to it.   

Back In The Saddle

It has been a while since I blogged... no excuses.  I'll vow to do better. 

I recently took a three month break from running.  It was killer.  I was the support crew for a few races.  I would much rather be running than watching.  I also walked at least three races.  Also not a fan.  My competitive spirit came out and I couldn't believe I was letting so many people pass me.  Runners I knew I could beat. 

Today I got back on the horse.  I went for a short run/walk.  I couldn't believe how fast my body got out of shape.  It was only three short months ago I could pound out 5 miles with ease.  Why does it take so long to get in shape, but no time to get out of shape? 

I've thought about the many reasons I love to run and exercise.  The most obvious is being able to fit into one size smaller jeans.  Has that really happened?  No.  But, I'm happy when I can dry the ones I already have.  Another reason is genetics.  I look at my parents, grandparents, pretty much anyone I share genetics with.  I know what can/will happen if I don't take care of my body.  I don't come from a long line of model-thin people like Michael.  I want to keep my heart, lungs, etc in top-notch condition.  My parents are doing a great job of that.  They are both in excellent shape.  I love that they can keep up with all their grandkids.
The MOST important reason is for my mental/emotional state.  After a very tough weekend, today's walk/run (no matter how short and hard it was) was worth every breath-panting minute.  I needed the release of endorphins.  It does more for me than any pill could do.  Whenever I have a day I would rather go to bed early, or read a few more pages in a book, or clean up whatever the latest house mess is, Michael always encourages me to run instead.  He knows what even a short 30-minute run will do for me. 

I'm glad I'm back at it... and hopefully the miles will get easier.