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| Day 3 Youngest and I were chasing daylight. See that star? He named it, Kerblatz-O. It led us us home. 8 degrees for Tony's AM run, 19 for our 4 PM run. |
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| Day 5-ish One of our longer runs by the water. Youngest detailed his plans for his "Car of the future" during this 3 mile run. Temps in the 29 range. |
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| Day 8 Snow is almost gone, ice is no longer an issue on the path. With temps in the 38-41 range, the January Thaw is upon us. |
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| Day 12 Two miles down to the ocean and back. Temps in the low 40's... Youngest reveals that a Hippo can run 25 mph. |
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| Day 13 Youngest and I ran and walked the 3 mile bike path. It was rainy and foggy, perfect for us, not so good for fishing. That run was the only thing I got done the ENTIRE day. Temps in the high 40's |
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| Day 14 Still chasing daylight, but on this day the sunset was beautiful over the bogs. Temps were an unprecedented 61 degrees. |
Never fear though, Youngest and I are still going strong. If I'm being honest, when signing up I thought it would be a piece of cake. I had been running 3 or more miles 3 times a week, so one mile should be easy, seriously... it's 15 minutes a day. Except that the first mile for me is always the hardest, which makes this challenge anything but easy.
And, the thing about running everyday is that you have to do it.... everyday.
I am a very scheduled individual. My days are planned to the minute. This challenge has had me pushing everything off to the side burners, and sometimes back into the fridge, so that we can make our run. The other catch? Youngest is ten. He can not run alone, so now I have to run with him. This means that our daily run is contingent on what we both feel up to that day, which is hardly ever the same. It also means that I just can't get it out of the way when I have time. Right now our system is, off the bus, run, homework, dinner, basketball, shower (if we're lucky) and bed. It gets it done, yes, but it makes for a crazy afternoon.
Running with him everyday also means no headset and music for me. With the snow, melting ice and puddles we forced to run further into the street than I would like, so I need to hear the cars coming before I can see them. It's been a huge challenge to pace myself without a rhythmical beat but, without my ear buds I can hear him as well.
His plans of grandeur.
His day at school.
Who he likes and doesn't like at school.
His wardrobe issues. (Evidently, he's slimmed down so much he needs a belt.)
His observations.
His nutrition.
His views on our local environment, as well as his extensive narwhal knowledge.
What we should have for dinner.
Seems I'm getting more from this challenge than just a nice backside and a T-shirt.
It sounds as if running time is also bonding time for you and Youngest. That's really cool, and I admire you for getting out there in spite of the cold.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Wow. That is some cold weather, my dear. But what a blessing to have just 15 minutes with just him. I need to start doing this with all my children...ahem...or something like it. Yay for you! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteI got to hand it to you and youngest for sticking with this, especially when it was below freezing temps! Our low was 33 this morning (really unusual for us here) and there was no way I was getting up out of my warm bed to throw my workout clothes on to drive to the gym, but there you and youngest were running in temps colder than that!! Good for you both! And like Janie Junebug said, great bonding time with him too!! That is worth the extra effort!
ReplyDeletebetty
This reminds me of THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD saying, "I think I can, I think I can..." Did he ever make it to the top? I can't remember!!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think it is really wonderful you and your son are spending this time together. It can be too easy for parents to become distant from kids as the kids get more independant.
I love spending time with my boys when they are feeling chatty
Very proud of both of you. You realize that if I took this challenge, "death by coronary" would be among your reasons to drop out.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea a hippo could move that fast. Glad you and Youngest are able to spend this time together. :o)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your continuation of your runs. This is exactly why I like taking Wallene to the gym with me - she is quite the chatty girl [gee...wonder who she got that from? ::whistling::] and never stops, going from one subject to the next. Quite entertaining and I love to listen to her.
ReplyDeleteThey're fun aren't they? heehee I do have to say I don't know how you do it with this weather. I know that you do tend to warm up running but the minute I opened the door, my first reaction would be to close it back up and we don't even have the severe cold y'all have up there. I am just a big baby I suppose.
Good luck with the rest of the challenge. We're all rooting for ya'! GO TEAM SB!
You know, I can't run outside during the winter. I can't breathe in the cold.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures you take on your daily run. Nature is wonderful and so are you for taking this challenge. Wish I could do the same but my disability prevents it.
ReplyDeleteImpressive! I'll admit, I don't know that I'd -want- any of the wee ones running with me, I look at it as a chance to clear my head, recalibrate and center myself, and just...breathe.
ReplyDeleteEnvious of the bonding though, sounds sweet.
Wow. I am quite impressed. I've never been able to stick with running. The gym I can do but running? Not so much. And in those temps?! Just Wow! Good for you! :)
ReplyDeleteBonding with your child via the great outdoors is great, isn't it? I don't know about the cold, though. I am a bit of a wuss about cold weathet!
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear all about his narwhal expertise!! I did a research paper on them once and presented it to the class. No one was interested, I was so disappointed!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great memories your youngest will have, running with you.
First of all, I am incredibly impressed. But can you believe the things we have to do to have meaningful conversations with our children? ;) I can't wait to hear about the car of the future!
ReplyDeleteAll that running and you still have time to sit down and write. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed. I could never run that much without keeling over.
ReplyDelete