Frozen Pussywillows

Wenzyl and I headed out for a hike before the snow fall last week. 

We made our way across the lake and enjoyed watching the weather come in.  

Here are some pictures from the day...

I love her

I'm enjoying the last days of winter as spring approaches.  Each season has it's own perfection, one that I embrace.  I can't imagine not having the drastic seasons like we do here in the Northland, I believe it allows us to get excited about each one. 

High Altitude?

It's interesting to me, that I can get short of breath hauling a large laundry basket up two flights of stairs?  Okay... I run marathons?  What's wrong with me?   I feel like I'm living at high altitude or something?

Today, I decided to do a quick clean on my house.  Something that I do quite often due to the accumulation of dog hair.  Most times find myself vacuuming every couple days.  Ever since I've grown this "belly" I'm finding it more and more difficult to do certain tasks; like the one I mentioned above.  I find myself getting short of breath, and my heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest?  Really?  I'm only vacuuming, I'm only going up the stairs?  So today, I decided that my form of exercise is going to be cleaning and working my 8 hour shift at the hospital, along with some weight training.  Who knew that "cleaning" could be such strenuous work? 

Happy Cleaning!

Valentine Hike

A pair of Long Johns is all Wenzyl needs to see.  This dog is amazing, she picks up on everything.  She knows that we were heading outside to do "something" fun... and she knows that she IS and WILL be a part of whatever it is we're doing.  She was following me around the house like she was lost, and concerned about what we had going on.  She new we were up to something, and she was determined to be a part of it.  I giggled uncontrollably as I was attempting to put on my mukluks, (which has become quite the task these days), even more of a task when your 76 pound lab is kissing you uncontrollably while wagging her tail.  Have you ever noticed that when you're laughing you all of a sudden become weak?  It was almost like all of my energy was being sucked away from my laughing. I became weak, and had to go from the kneeling position to sitting down, as if I couldn't hold myself up?  Which made me laugh harder and made Wenzyl go even more crazy! 
We piled into the car and drove a little north to access a trail, the beautiful thing about living in Grand Rapids, you can be in the middle of nowhere within minutes.  There was only one other car parked in the lot, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  The temperature gauge read 22 degrees, although I don't think the sunshine was taken into consideration.  I found myself unzipping my jacket half way through our hike, granted, I'm running a little "warm" these days.

We hiked about 2 miles on uneven terrain.  Wenzyl ran about sniffing everything she possibly could, Zack and I just enjoyed the walk, chatting about our to do lists and enjoying the quiet.  There is something to be said about the crisp air of Northern, MN.  I have always enjoyed winter activities because the air almost feels like it cleans your lungs.  It's different from spring, summer, and even fall air.  I can't really explain the smell, maybe because I don't believe there is one... maybe that's why it seems so refreshing? 










We're enjoying the simple things on this day we all know as Valentine's Day.  Instead of spending money on flowers that die and chocolates that we would buy anyway, we just spend time together and make food in the shape of hearts.  That's sweet enough for me. We enjoyed the outdoors, came home, made some sandwiches and have no plans for the evening.  Probably a cribbage game and some netflix!  Ah, the simple things!  

Training for Delivery

After my last post, I took the time to search through my past archives from last running season.  All the memories motivated me and I found myself getting bundled up for a brisk walk around the lake with Wenzyl.  During my walk, I decided that just because I'm not training for a "running" marathon, doesn't mean I can't train?  I am after all going to be taking part in the biggest miracle/marathon a women can endure; giving birth.  I think I'm going to view this as my "delivery marathon".    I realized that I am craving the training, I want to be able to log in miles, to have stories to blog about, to be able to see each blade of grass grow as spring approaches, to have time to think and to spend time with Wenzyl.  Why can't I do this?  Oh wait, I can!  So, this is going to be my official "delivery training" . My due date is May 24th, I have about 3 months to "get in shape".  Up until now, I've been pretty active, although I will admit when I work an 8 hour shift on the hospital floor I feel exhausted when I get home, and the last thing I feel like doing is hitting the pavement for a walk.  This is just the motivation I need.  Up until now I've been keeping myself busy with walking, hiking, and working... now it's time to pick up the pace a bit.  To have more of a schedule.  I know this will not only allow me to keep my sanity intact for the rest of winter, but may also assist with an easier delivery. Bring it on!

Training for Motherhood

Usually this time of the year, I find myself getting all bundled up to head out for the initial training runs for Grandmas Marathon.  As I sit here with a growing belly that houses my first baby, I think to myself, "This will be worth it".  Instead of crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles, I will be crossing over into Motherhood.  This transition, as I can imagine will be one of wonderment, excitement, challenges, and a form of love that will have a different definition.   Similar to the experiences I've had with running.

This year in comparison to past years is a perfect year for training with regard to weather.  The pavement is exposed and the temperatures have been very "un-winter" like.  Runners don't have to "search" for clear roadways, and dodge icy sidewalks in hopes of not slipping.  I'm assuming there are many treadmills that have an accumulation of dust on them this year, especially for those runners who appreciate the outdoors and will do anything in there power to not hit the dreaded horror of the treadmill. 

I will admit, I blame this year on "Murphy's Law", of coarse the year I am unable to train, my belly is the size of a basketball!  I live vicariously through the runners I see in town, and the facebook posters who log their miles with so much pride.  I am looking forward to hitting the pavement as soon as I am able after the delivery of my baby girl.  I was given a running stroller from a dear friend (Thank you BJ) and I'm so excited to be able to "run" with my little one enjoying the ride as well.  I'm assuming my arm strength will be quite amazing from pushing the extra weight!  I am already starting to visualize how these "adventures" will go, considering I have to "pack" for an extra person and prepare for unexpected stops along the way, this in itself will be another challenge; one that I'm ready for!

I'm planning on running a fall half marathon, possibly a full; depending on time and my strength.  The Whistle-Stop has my eye, as I've ran this race in the past.  This will be a challenge training in hot temperatures in comparison to 30-60 degree temps.  I've always struggled with heat... although come race day, I know I will be thankful for beautiful fall temperatures.



23 weeks

In the mean time, I'm enjoying my pregnancy.  I smile every time she kicks, I dream about what she will look like, I'm obsessed with clementines and baking different forms of bread and cookies... (I will admit I'm obsessed with eating them too).  I haven't been concerned about the scale, I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, however I was never concerned about the "scale" before I became pregnant.  I'm enjoying each moment, dreaming about the future, getting excited for the challenges that lie ahead of me. 



Happy Running, and or dreaming about running everyone!