Tiny Thunder Running

The weekend before Christmas I did something I have never done before, but definitely hope to do again. I had been asked by a friend to crew and pace her for  Devil Dog Ultras  as she would conquer the 100k race. There was also a 100 mile option that another member of our group (Fred) would set out to destroy. Initially, I wasn't sure I could or should commit an entire weekend to something that wasn't on my initial schedule for 2016. After discussing and thinking more about it, I knew I had to! Bekah is a good friend and I knew I had to be there with and for her.  Emily, Bekah and Fred all ready (and maybe a little nervous) for the hours ahead of them. The early morning crew-ers. Me, Chris and Maegan.  Here we are right before Bekah was getting ready to leave on her journey. Ice and all. So badass. After we saw them all off on their running journeys, the 3 crew members headed back to the hotel for some breakfast and to pack...

Late is better than never right? My work schedule and therefore life schedule is different this week so here I am Wednesday night, finally typing up my week 9. Monday was rest day and I really did just that after the 16 miler then day before. I really needed the rest and I don't think I did much more than wash laundry! Tuesday I got up early to put in the miles before work. It was still pretty hot, so I went shirtless and that was still almost too much! I was DYING!!! Still managed my 4 miles, that is all that mattered. Wednesday was beyond a struggle. I had fully intended to get up in the morning again and run the day's 7 mile paced run. Unfortunately, lack of sleep and desire to try to get some before work won out and I missed my chance. A friend posted about running that evening and I quickly jumped on board. Sadly, the overcast skies of the day cleared up right as we were meeting to run along the river where shade is limited that time of day. We rallied...

Before I get into the nitty gritty of the week, I just need to reflect for a moment. Today was a really rough day at work. Really rough day at work. It was one of those sit at your desk and cry, can't wait to get off the clock to have a glass of wine kind of days. The details as to why aren't really important, just the background. I started to think about how unhappy and complacent I am getting again and wondering what else life has in store for me. I quickly looked back on my week of running and training and then realized that I have so much and so many people to be grateful to have in my life. Seriously.. a running pal actually reminded me recently that a job is a job and while it pays the bills, puts food on the table, and a roof over my head, it is ok to be just EH about my job. It is not ideal I guess, but it is where I am right now. It's not all bad, just has been overwhelmingly stressful and too much lately. But when the clock strikes 3:30pm, I am free as a bir...