What's Going On...

Summer is here!!  For some, that is an exciting time.  All kinds of activities abound.  And, being in a coastal area, we are amazed at all that's happening.  We're trying to stay abreast of things but we're missing them coming and going and yet staying busy.  I love it!!  Also, this time of the year presents itself to many, beautiful fruits and veggies in the market.  The other day I found myself picking up nearly every fruit we like and once I got them all cleaned up and put up in the frig, my frig was FULL!!!  But I love all the beautiful tasty prizes waiting for us to gobble them up.  Yummmmm!! 

A friend of mine invited me to go with her and a group kayaking.  I was so excited and yet scared to death!!  I'm a little afraid of water but mostly snakes this time of the year.  As time approached to go, I could hardly wait.  Then the day came.......and what do you know but thunderstorms were all around the area.  Lots of lightning was not what I wanted to experience on my first trip.  The decision was made that they would postpone the trip to another weekend.  I felt better about that as I didn't want to seem like a ninny.  So Kent and I made other arrangements.  Thirty minutes before we were to meet up, a couple of folks decided to go on.  Some when at the planned location and another few at a different location.  I do want to try this new adventure but maybe summer is not going to be my time.  We'll see...I might change my mind.  It looks like so much fun and peaceful. 

Kent has had a couple of doctor's appointments.  His cancer follow-up was great and he is to return in 6 months.  But his dermatology one was T.O.U.G.H.!!  He had a large place cut out of his face [it really hurt...yikes!!], some on his arm and many on his back!!  It was a hard day to say the least.  Days inside will be the agenda for a while until he is healed better.  I don't know how he takes it!!!

Now, on to running.  I had a 5k at the end of May but I am struggling so hard to breathe outside...even early in the morning.  Allergies are just tough to deal with.  Needless to say, I didn't make it.  I was mostly contributing to the cause so I didn't feel too bad about it.  As it turned out it was a VERY hot day and a good friend of mine struggled so bad to the point she felt like throwing up when it was over.  Glad I missed this one.  For some friends, running in the heat is nothing but I'm finding that I'm not alone in this situation. 

I've moved my running inside now.  At first, I felt like a sissy not running outdoors...you know, like I'm not an athlete of any kind.  But after good workouts inside, I'm thankful I have an option.  Looking back on my running logs, this is about the time I head indoors for the summer.  So, I've made my peace with this, hold my head high and go for it!  After talking with a personal trainer about the knee issues I've been having, he said to eliminate all elevation [incline on a treadmill].  With that said, when my trekking instructor says to put the incline on 13 or even 5, I leave it on 1 and increase my speed.  I am getting stronger because of this and my knee doesn't seem to hurt now.  I will continue to do this most of the summer then begin increasing the elevation some in August.  With increasing my speed, it has helped on my overall running.  I am very happy with that.  Hence, the "happy dance"...can you see me?? 

One of my goals now is to be consistent in my working out.  This past week, whether I felt like it or not, I donned my running clothes first thing and headed out the door early in the morning before I could change my finicky mind.  Thankfully, I can head to the gym as early as 5 a.m. [I think or 6 for sure].  Once I'm there, I've worked out in the gym for a good 30 minutes and more after a 3-6 mile run on the treadmill.  I'm feeling better and stronger.  My plan is to do this again this coming week and hopefully, by the end of the week it will become a habit.  Because I've been consistent, my mileage has been at 20 miles the last few weeks which I usually struggle to get when I'm just on the road running.  Although the lower mileage could be the knee issues I've been working around. 

Well, that's it for this time.  All I can say is things are looking up.  Make your OWN goals, pursue it and progress will begin to be "sweeeeeet".  Now, get ready because whether or not you can run outside, find a way to work out and go

Run 4 It [whatever "it" means to you]