Day 49: Mon Sept 30th - Favorite Kind of Day

Day Forty-nine: Spent another 'Mama and Me' day hanging out with my older daughter Siena (last week it was my youngest).  Today we went running together at the large dog park trail and then let Jax play in the river, swim and play fetch with a large old stick.  The fall leaves were gorgeous and we noticed an amazing amount of fallen acorns.  It was squirrel (and dog) paradise. 
Now time to make some chocolate banana pancakes and do some fun projects around the house.
My favorite kind of day.

Day 48: Sun Sept 29th - Run and Rehydrate

Day Forty-eight: Had a great run this morning, despite 3 hours sleep, too many beers and dancing at a wedding last night with my girls.  Add on eating only a little bit of food, drinking zero water last night and VOILA..... hangover run!  Now time to rehydrate with water, coffee, a good breakfast and most of all, Tylenol. ;)

Day 47: Sat Sept 28th - Running @ Work

Day Forty-seven:
  Quite a productive day. I slept in a bit as I was beyond tired early this morning. So I mixed my running in with work and delivered my entire complex newsletters within 27 minutes... which included going up and down multiple flights of stairs.  It was much harder than I expected it to be. I had to be careful descending since I have a tendency to trip up and down stairs and I didn't want to fall down the concrete steps. That would have hurt!   So an easy-hard-quick-fun-run kind of day!

my festive office flag.... :)

Day 46: Fri Sept 27th - Panorama Blue

Day Forty-six:  The view of the skyline at the top of the trail before I descend.  Cool and very crisp morning. Here you can see the battle between the stormy clouds vs. early sunshine competing for majority in the sky. You can also see ,somewhat is the distance, the snowy tippy tops of the Rockies. It was 41 degrees according to my outdoor temperature gage, which I think might be my favorite running temperature.  In-between 40-50 degrees is ideal for me to run in. Even though it is chilly to begin, it is neither too hot or too cold while running. It's perfect.  

(here are closeups from the panorama above)

Day 45: Thurs Sept 26th - Dear Achilles....

Day Forty-five:  (Letter to my Achilles tendon)

Dear Achilles Tendon,
We've been friends a long time.  We have been through a lot together. Between surgeries long ago, ice baths, ice packs, rough massages to break up scar tissue so you would be out of pain and lately through the many sessions of yoga to help you stretch, strengthen and be your best. You've always been there for me. In return, I have tried everything to keep you injury free.  But lately,I feel that you are fighting against my efforts to make things work. I feel your resistance to loosen up as I get ready to run each morning.  You flare in defiance, rebelling against my trying (and pleading) for you to feel healthy and strong.
I hope we can continue a harmonious relationship, as I cannot run without you.  We make a good team you and I. 
I appreciate you dear Achilles.  I will do anything for you to be happy. I will bribe you even.  If you could just hang in there for the next 320 days, I will forever be grateful!
With much love, ~ Celeste 

p.s., if you continue to be difficult, don't EVEN think that means I will give up!  I won't cave to your stubborn tendencies, even if that means I have to run, at times, with a limp.  So be it! 
I can be just as stubborn as you. :)

Plant version of my Achilles Tendon... entwined thorns and all.

Day 44: Wed Sept 25th - The Fire Before the Storm

Day Forty-four: "The Fire Before the Storm".  I'm pretty sure that is a book title, or at least it should be.  This sunrise was absolutely gorgeous. Again, the photo doesn't do it justice, but the sunrise was beautiful while it lasted.  We have 2-3 days of rain and cold coming our way, along with snow in the mountains and possibly foothills (if we are lucky).  I know, I know.... it is a bit early for snow, but the first snowfall is always exciting. I can be patient however. This morning was absolutely perfect.  It was cool, not humid and other than Jax refusing to go around a pile of what I am assuming to be fox diarrhea, it was a morning that reaffirms why I run everyday.  As for the paw to poo...... "SPLAT"... Jax back foot hit dead center in the middle of a large pile of shit, and the worst kind of poop. I even exclaimed briefly "You dumb dog!" when he refused to go around on the path. My tone was funny in nature, or so I thought until I got a glare from someone walking along the path. Oh well.... it wasn't THEIR dog who just coated his foot with runny green goo. To top it off the river was virtually dry and not helpful in my effort to clean up his paw.  *sigh*.
Here is the photo of the sunrise.    Good thing I took a picture of the sunrise as opposed to the paw.... Gross!!

Day 43: Tues Sept 24th - Colors of Autumn

Day Forty-three:
After a few lighter days of running it felt good to have a longer run this morning.  Over the weekend I felt that my body (and feet) was screaming at me to take it easy. So I listened. While still running, I ran a bit slower and shorter. I also gave Jax a few days off. 
Today we rocked it!  My feet felt light and my legs fast.  
The temperature was chilly at first (48 degrees) but perfect.  The colors of Autumn are popping up everywhere. The glorious yellows, deep reds in contrast with the remaining dark greens are beautiful. Today is supposed to be a hotter day, 87... but there is a storm-a-comin'!  :)  Yay! I love stormy weather.
 

Day 42: Mon Sept 23rd - Mama Day

*I better check my draft box when I think I've published a page... it appears that on a few occasions it didn't actually publish on that day.
Day Forty-two:
Had another light run today. My daughter ran with me on this 'surprise Monday'. Her and I had a "Mama day".  For explanation, this means that once or twice a school year I surprise one of them with a day home with me (on my day off). We spend the day together cooking and doing fun projects. After our little run we made chocolate chip pumpkin bread.  She did a great job! It was super good warm out of the oven with small amount of butter melting on top.  She is actually learning to cook with me as a part of a school learning project. We are making a recipe book with fun memories and photos, which she will then present to the class in a couple months.  So the 'day off' was educational and yummy too!

 

Day 40: Sat Sept 21st - Happy Day

Day Forty: As per this balloon it's ...Happy Day! 
 I know I should stop counting down as it makes the goal that much more daunting... but 325 more days to go!    Jax didn't come with me this morning. He was a tired doggy.  So I didn't end up on the trails and just ran the neighborhoods.  Which was fine, with the exception that my mp3 died 10 minutes in. Though I enjoy running with silence and my thoughts from time to time, I sure as hell much prefer music in one ear to keep me moving on tempo.  Lately I have been listening a bunch to MUSE and Flogging Molly on repeat. I find that the music helps cancel out my thoughts, helping me to run in the moment. Without it, I tend to wrestle with my minds to-do lists, bills, making plans etc...
My favorite song of the moment is Invincible.  If you haven't heard it, you must.  The message is uplifting and full of strength. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JYV2LWsP3g  Warning... the video it pretty trippy but the lyrics are 

*this post was stuck in draft... I didn't know until today (Monday)

Day 41: Sun Sept 22nd - County Trail

Day Forty-one:  Family hike and run day. The four of us went on a county trail. It was nice and cool with the threat of rain. We were hoping for a downpour but it passed us by on the East.  This swan, as pretty as she was, was not thrilled with Jax being so close and kept hissing at us.  Jax, on the other hand, thought the swan was very exciting and at one point tried to jump in the pond to 'play'.   

Afterwards we went to the farmers market, bought a bunch of  fruit and vegetables and then paid a visit to our favorite cows.  This brown cow was so friendly, my youngest wanted to take it home.   Now it's time to make some homemade donut holes... yum!

Day 39: Fri Sept 20th - Slow and Steady

Day Thirty-nine: "Slow and steady.......slow and steady......"  was the theme of the morning.  Quite a chilly but refreshing start to the day.  The moon was full and slowly sinking West as the sun was rising over the mountain tops on the opposite side. The full moon was so pretty I tried taking a photo, but it kept dancing away my phone camera frame and all my photos came out blurry.  So I took a picture of this old gnarly tree instead. This tired old tree wasn't up for dancing. 

 

 

 



 

Day 38: Thurs Sept 19th - Winter is Coming

Day Thirty-eight: "Winter is coming".....Eh!  Enough of this nonsense! Though the first frost of the year was rather pretty and a bit surprising, (45 degrees this morning) it is a bit too early for my taste. Why won't the weather listen to me?  I supposed I need to go with the flow of the weather, however, I get nervous that Autumn will be gone before I know it and the winter chill and inversions will take it's place until late Spring.  
Running was nice. It was kind of a strange run. Jax seemed rather energetic and antsy. His head turned at every noise on the trial. Then strangely, rising up from the path, the horse pasture with 8-10 horses in it started neighing rambunctiously, all at once, crazy like.  I was too far away to see what was going on with them as I have never heard them get excited all at the same time.  It was almost like there was a nervousness in the air that I wasn't quite catching, but only witnessing. I wish a bit of the energy would have caught hold of my feet, then perhaps I could have ran a little bit faster. My legs and feet were Gumby-like today.
Now here I sit, feeling the chill in my office, sipping my cold energy drink since I'm too lazy to make coffee. I tell myself that I won't drink the damn things, but some days I cave.  Now I think my fingers are turning purple.

 “Nothing burns like the cold.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Day 37: Wed Sept18th - Whiney Leaves

Day Thirty-seven:  Wine...Whine... Wine... YES PLEASE!   A bit too early for wine so I will settle for coffee and whine.... or maybe a mimosa. ;) Funny enough, wine came to mind while I was running.  I spotted this branch of beautiful leaves that far away reminded me of a large grape vine.  
Actually I don't have anything to whine about. Today is supposed to be 20 degrees cooler. Cheers!

Day 36: Tues Sept 17th - Growing Despite Adversity

Day Thirty-six:  The little sunflower who could. I want to find something inspirational and uplifting so say about this little flower.  Growing in a large field of greenery and weeds. Growing despite adversity. It's a perfect opportunity to write something fun and uplifting... right?!  But despite having a decent run this morning... I am not feeling so happy-go-lucky. In all truth I am  naturally a serious type of person. Not mean, not overly happy and sometimes downright... pissy.  It is my goal to change that.  Doing this blog and taking these photos have seemed to help so far. With the exception of this morning. It's funny how emotions and outlook change from moment to moment.  I have no concrete reason why I am not as joyful this morning. I usually feel pretty good after my run. Perhaps it's stress.  Perhaps it is lack of sleep.  Perhaps it's because I caught a glimpse of another 90 + degree day forecast on the news this morning. (yuck). Regardless the reason(s), what it comes down to is remembering that I choose to be happy or pissy in each moment.  Like this flower, I can be brave, beautiful and confident. I can rise above the weeds and smile at the sun.. even on a 90 degree day.

Day 35: Mon Sept 16th - Autumn Slow Down

Day Thirty-five:  Whoa!  Slow down September.  I just typed Sept 16th and cannot believe we are mid-September already!   Please slow down Autumn.  I beg you.  It's my favorite time of year.  This morning before my run began I walked outside to a  breathtaking double rainbow.  I tried to take a bunch of photos but they simply don't do it justice.  The rainbow was a full arc, double with vibrant colors.  A quick little storm cloud behind it eventually drenched poor Jax and I when we started on the trail ... but it was exhilarating!  I felt so quick and fast sprinting along while sheets of rain stung my arms and legs.  It was a fast moving storm but chilled the air down to a wonderful temperature ... almost dare I say... cold. I loved it. :)

Day 34: Sun Sept15th - Oktoberfest

Day Thirty-four:  What a fun afternoon! Drove up to Oktoberfest @ Snowbird. The four of us went hiking / running up and down the trails on the outskirts and in between the forest trees on the deer trails before celebrating with large mugs of local ale (not the kids of course). The views were fantastic and the colors just starting to change.  I love to see the joy on my girls faces when they are in nature and marveling at their own experience with the sights and smells, taking photos and experiencing the majestic rocks, waterfalls and cute little chipmunks.

Day 33: Sat Sept 14th - River Buddha

Day Thirty-three: Meet River Buddha. He watches over me when I run. One day he was just there, sitting patiently and whispering "go for it... you can do it" while not making a sound.  I've heard him also say "chill out lady.....", "enjoy the moment" and lastly... "don't get so mad at the dog owners who decide it's an off leash trail and poop is acceptable to step on". !%^#%!#  Poo is okay... unless you step on it.  That is when I have to remind myself to be calm and patient like my Buddha friend. Breathe in... breathe out.  Enjoy the slowly changing colors, the smells  - rain, flowers... and well... I guess also poo.  Jax seems to like the smell of the poo.  Reminders are good wherever you can get them.  Thank you River Buddha.

Day 32: Fri the 13th - Superstitious? I don't think so.

Day Thirty-Two September 13th - Today is Friday the 13th.  I'm not superstitious in the slightest, however despite my glorious run in the mist this morning, the day is proving to be quite challenging. BUT this is a positive blog, so I won't do any bitching.
Doppler for the weather system was down, so I wasn't sure what to anticipate outside, but was pleasantly surprised. It was cool and misty. Almost like the Seattle rains I miss so much.  The mountains never fail to impress me from the top of the trail. The Rockies are so majestic. I love how they frame the valley. 
Jax and I found a peculiar hut wood limb structure deep in one area off the trail. I imagined a small ogre living in it. It was taller than me and quite impressive considering I hadn't see it the day before.  Jax kept sniffing around it as if he smelled something intensely interesting.
I didn't want to linger long though... in case we woke the ogre up.  It is Friday the 13th of 2013 ya know...and monsters are real. ;)

Day 31: Thurs Sept 12th - Dream

Day Thirty-One: Cool and sprinkling rain this morning. The clouds hung low again along the Wasatch front and the breeze help keep my feet light on the ground (or so I imagined it to).
Today I didn't bring my dog Jax with me to run. Poor guy was lagging behind yesterday, so I think he could use a little break.
There were so many beautiful things to take a photo of this morning. I had a hard time deciding until I came to this sign which I've seen before usually faded at the top of the trail on my way home.
I've glanced at this sign a hundred times and thought how cute and quaint. But today it stood out having been freshly chalked or touched up with colors. "Dream".....it says simply. It reminded me that we are never too old to dream. We dream and move towards our goals, experiencing the journey in-between the dream and the accomplishment. Then we dream our next dream.  This is so true with life, goals, races or just simply the act of lacing up our shoes and heading out the door... experiencing the footfalls, beauty, smells, and unique places our feet take us. Then we finish, unlace our shoes, revel in the accomplishment of that day's run... then dream of the next one.

Day 30: Wed Sept 11th - One Month Down

Day Thirty September 11th:  Lovely drizzly morning.   The clouds had just finished pouring buckets of rain on the ground before I went outside.  I could see them hanging low in the sky, so fluffy. - like a sponge that was squeezed out and filled with fresh air. It was warmer than I expected it to be, but refreshing.
Jax seemed pretty tired though. He was lagging behind. I think I will give him a break. 
Today marks a month so far!  Only 11 more to go. No rush though. I want to enjoy every minute of Autumn. 

Day 29: Tues Sept 10th - Thorns on Paws

Day Twenty Nine September 10th: Fantastic run. Wish they were all like today. I am thankful however for this moment. It was a cool start, fast and easy. Jax occasionally will get small thorns in his paws from these weeds growing on the trails. Despite my trying to avoid them. He is great at letting me know by slowing and lifting the paw with the thorn embedded. I stop, brush it off and we head off again. Good doggie. 

Day 28: Mon Sept 9th - Trails

Day Twenty Eight September 9th: Autumn is in the air.  I love this part of the trail.  I find it interesting that the feel of my run changes depending on where I am.  When I am on the trails I feel fast and ease up and down, across the rocks, roots and the occasional dog poop that people don't pick up (shame on the dog owners that leave their dog poop :)  But when I am running on the roads I often will feel slower and my aches and pains surface. So today... I am thankful for trails! 

Day 27: Sun Sept 8th - It's Raining Apples

Day Twenty Seven September 8th:  What a glorious Sunday morning. Woke up to rain. Lot's of rain.  Izzy and I quickly went out on the road / trail. We were worried we would miss running in the rain.  Izzy started out rescuing snails.  After we got to the trail the rain lightened up a bit. The beauty and the smell of rain was amazing. Just a few days ago the river was barely a trickle. Today it was fast and full.We found some wild apples and spent about 15 minutes running back and forth on the bridge, making wishes and watching the apples bob under our feet to the other side being carried down the fast current, laughing and having a great time. The rain then picked up again and we ran home. It was wonderful. Moments like that make me happy. 

Day 26: Sat Sept 7th - Smelly Magical Sunrise

Day Twenty Six September 7th:  Magical sunrise through the smelly lake air.  Somewhat humid but not too hot.  Last night a large swell of lake stench filled the valley. I was hoping it cleared out overnight but it lingered through the morning.  Luckily doesn't happen often.  Today should be the last day in the 90's.  Yesterday was 98 degrees... yuck!  Looking forward to the upcoming week of cooler temperatures. Today's run was quick and to the point.  339 more days to go! 

Day 25: Fri Sept 6th - My Bridge

Day Twenty Five September 6th:  Meet my bridge.  Okay, it may not be MY bridge, but I see it as so.  I cross this bridge nearly every morning.  It's my stopping place.  Jax and I slowly walk along the bridge. We gaze below at the empty riverbed and envision it lively and wild with water raging down from the mountains. 
We love this bridge.  It's iron bars and creaky wood slats.  It's a good drop down underfoot.  I say WE love looking down from this bridge.. but in reality Jax is looking for a place to whiz and mark his territory. So in a sense.. it's his bridge too.   Woof.

Day 24: Thurs Sept 5th - Old Stump

Day Twenty Four September 5th: Some days I wake feeling like this old stump. Weathered and tired. Today started of as one of those days.  So I challenge it.  I lace up my shoes and out the door I go - with my tired dog by my side. After a mile or so I am able to shake it off.   Each step helps to untangle the kinks in my legs and feet. That is when I notice.  The cooling air. The smells. My thoughts and stress trailing away. After my run I feel tired, but a different kind of tired.  A tired that says "I did this today and I feel good". Then I make my smoothie, shower and get ready for the rest of my day.
Of course... now I need coffee :)

Day 23: Wed Sept 4th - Baby Blue

Day Twenty Three September 4th:  So simple. So pretty.  Found in the middle of the largest part of the trail this morning. Trying to figure out how it got from the hillside to the trail unscathed.  Perhaps a fox caught it in her tail while she was running towards the river and in the breeze of her movement...it fell... right in this perfect little spot for me to find. :)

Day 22: Tues Sept 3rd - Bliss

Day Twenty Two September 3rd:

It was a bit cooler and a little less swampy today, which is a nice change from the humid mornings of late. Running was blissful this morning. It was one of those mornings I cursed having to work as I wanted to keep on running.  Which is funny because it was so hard to wake up this morning.  Just goes to show that some mornings when you are certain that "this mornings run is going to be hard because I am so tired and could sleep all day"... can turn into the opposite once you get out the door.  It was a beautiful and peaceful run.