Back to zero.

My running had been going so well and then -- justlikethat -- it all went downhill.

The day before Thanksgiving, we drove to Long Island. We got caught in the bad snowstorm that hit upstate NY that week and our usually 3 hour drive became 4.5 hours. During the stressful ride, I felt my right hamstring tighten up. For the last hour or so of the trip, it was hurting in that dull, achey, tight way that I really, really should have listened to.

The next day, I went out for a run with my young niece who was also in town, up from Virginia. A little over 3 miles into our run, I had to stop. I felt searing pain at the top of my hamstring/my glute. I hoped, hoped, hoped it just needed a little stretch. So I stretched gently and then started to run again -- only I couldn't.

I couldn't run at all. I had a flashback to last spring when I'd torn those muscles in my left hip/glute. And how loooooong it took to heal and for me to get back to running.

I wanted to cry. But I didn't. Instead, Maggie and I walked back to my sister-in-law's house (well, I kinda hobbled, she walked with her nice brisk I-could-totally-be-running-now stride).

And I haven't run since.

We did, however, enjoy seeing so much of the family over the holiday.

My mother-in-law in the middle with several of her grandchildren.

My mother-in-law in the middle with 6 of her kids and their spouses/partners.

Now, I'm walking a little, riding the bike, getting back to the weight-lifting I neglected during marathon training. I am not running at all for the rest of the year. My hope is that this intentional rest, along with frequent applications of lemongrass oil and Deep Blue rub, and much-needed sessions with my chiropractor, will help my leg heal completely and I'll be back running with no problems at the beginning of 2015!

Fingers crossed!

In the meantime, happy December, everyone!

Celebrations!

We've been doing a bit of celebrating here in Happy Runner-ville.

First, Owen and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary on Thursday. We had a great day together. We went to Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course during the day and then out for a delicious dinner that evening. Lots of fun!

Check out that wobbly bridge behind us! It was way up high -- and way wobbly!

Then, on Saturday, we had a surprise 60th birthday party for my aunt at my house. It was a huge success -- she was surprised and so, so happy. Just perfect. Another day of fun!!

We took a break from the party to get a group shot of the family.

To top it all off, on Sunday I ran 10 solo miles and they went way better than I expected. I call that something to celebrate!

Felt great!

 
All good stuff, for sure. This week is shaping up to be a good one, too. Just not full of celebrations, but still full of fun. I'm going to be disappointed when this summer ends!

Have a great week, everyone!

January wrap-up and some fun in Philly!

We had a fun January here in Happy Runner-ville. I kicked off the month with a New Year's Day race and ended with a trip to Philadelphia to visit family. In between, I ran a little and bumped up my crossfit workouts. I also spent a full week tending to my 6-year-old when he was down-and-out with strep throat. It was a tough time for sure, but he bounced back and is full of health now. Phew!

My mileage for the month was still low, as planned:

January stats:

Running (miles): 64.6
Racing: 1 (Winter Series)
Cross-training (sessions): 15

Lots and lots of cross training for me! February will mean an increase in mileage as I start training for my spring races, including the Runnin' of the Green in March and the Run to Remember half marathon in May. I'm ready!

In fact, I started the month with a run in Philly. We went down to visit my brother-in-law and his family and had a great time. And, of course, being that runner, I packed my running gear and, indeed, got out for a run on Saturday.

Seen on the run along the river in Philadelphia.

What a different run for me. I'm used to running in my suburban area and this run was definitely urban. Also, it was warm so I ran my quick 4+ miles in a long sleeve t-shirt and capris. It felt so good -- warmer weather can't come fast enough for this happy runner!

Like I said, we had a great time in Philadelphia. Here's a peek at our fun:

Dancing on the piano at the Please Touch Museum.

Riding the carousel.

Digging!

Penguins at Adventure Aquarium.

Cousins!

What a good way to end one month and start another. Now, I'm looking forward to more family fun in February and lots more running.

And, yeah, some warm, spring-like weather wouldn't hurt either!

Thanks for stopping by ---

New addition.

Happy days in Happy Runner-ville!

My brother and sister-in-law had their second child this week. A beautiful little girl. We couldn't be happier for them!

Here I am with my boys and new niece:

Yay for new babies! Always an exciting time.

Hope you're enjoying an exciting week, too!

Vacation week!

Yay for vacation week! Schools here are closed for the week and that means my little kindergartener gets to hang out with Niall and me all week. 

We kicked off vacation with a fun visit from some of our Long Island family over the weekend. My boys loved playing with their cousin! There was a lot of train track building, some outdoor play and a fun day at the NYS museum.

They had a great time!

For the rest of the week, we're jam-packed with playdates with friends we rarely get to see. If everyone stays healthy, it should be tons of fun!

As for running, well, I'll be fitting it in as best I can. The treadmill is my friend, for sure!

Have a great week, everyone!

Summer, summer.

I've been away.

For 5 nights and 5 days.

We drove 550 miles by car.
I ran 21 miles on foot.
We enjoyed lots of sand, sun, and beach-rific fun with cousins, aunts, uncles, and Grandma.

What a great start to July! My boys loved it:

Except for when Niall decided he'd had enough, that is:

Eh, it happens. Sorry, kid.

The rest of the week is all about catch-up, last minute prep for the Boilermaker, and tons of race weather obsessing.

Enjoy the rest of your week, everyone!

~ Felice

That morning runner.

Don't worry, I'm not talking about me. I've tried and tried to be a morning runner but it has never worked. And now, having (mostly) stopped running, I'm certainly no morning runner.

Nope, I'm talking about the husband. He's taken to running almost every morning, through our 'hood while Conal and I are sleeping. And he does it just for fun. Good for him. I think it is awesome that he's running all the time, I really do. But can I tell you? I'm a little jealous!

Before, he ran during his lunch hour so although I knew he was running I didn't see it. Now that my mileage has decreased, I envy that he has these great morning runs. I'm totally happy for him but there is major part of me that can't wait until I'm back out there everyday, too. Of course, it won't be in the morning but, still.

Soon enough, soon enough . . .

Do you get jealous when your loved ones run when you can't? It's normal, right? It's gotta be!

Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone -- it's almost Friday! Woo hoo!

~ Felice