Locked IN

My house is plotting against me.

Really.

Just when I think I am free and clear of any projects, something comes up. Installing a sliding screen to the back door? Oh, well the threshold is rotten and so is some of the surrounding trim and not sure if there is any water intrusion... Gotta paint the trim? No problem, except that some if it is rotten too and needs replaced.

Yesterday morning was a little different though. I actually got up early to go for a run. I got dressed, I quietly made my way through the house, making sure I didn't wake anyone up. Got to the door, unlocked it and I still couldn't open the door. I tried locking and unlocking it again, but the knob would not turn! I thought about just leaving it and dealing with it later, but I feared the worst - a fire could break out and everyone could get trapped because the door wouldn't open -- granted there were 2 other doors, but it could happen. So I grabbed a screwdriver and pulled the knob off the inside and pushed it out on the other. I tried pulling the latch mechanism open, but it would not budge. So I went out the front door, got into the garage, got a bigger screwdriver and then came in and pried the latch open. Now I had a door with no knob that would not latch. What to do?

I thought quickly.

It was 6:30 am.

What is open at that time of morning? Lowe's wouldn't be open for another half hour and I had to still get ready for work. Walmart is the closest store and it was open. Wasn't sure if they'd have anything, but had to try. I hopped in my car and went in and, low and behold, I found want I needed! I got back home and found Steph and Lilli awake. They had no idea what had happened - they thought I had gone to work already.  I pulled the lock-set out of the box and then had to mortise int he new latch mechanism. 20 minutes later, the new knob was installed, and surprisingly it was much better than the low grade knob the builder installed in this house! Now I might replace all the exterior knobs... another project to add to the list. But before I start on that, I hope to get a run in!

a quick 5 miles at sunset

After a busy weekend, I was able to break away for a quick 5 mile run. The temperature was perfect and the sunset was just starting to set, but I felt awful... yet somehow I pulled out an 8:33/mile average. Running seems to be going well this week, so we'll see how it goes. I'd like to keep building on the recent "successes" I've been having. My pace has all been sub 9:00's this week, which has been great. Just need to keep that up as I stretch out the mileage from here on out.

the run that almost didn't happen

After a week of almost no running, I was determined to start the week (and month) off with a run. It didn't begin well this morning when the alarm went off and I could not get out of bed, but plan 'b' was enacted and I packed my clothes and took them to work with me with plans to run at lunch time.
It was a busy morning - one meeting after another and I had a million things to do today, so I almost caved and didn't go for a run, but at the last minute I got out of my chair and walked out of the office, deciding that my run was every bit as important as work. And you know what? It is. I mean, the week I didn't run I was miserable. I did not sleep well, I was stressed and felt uninspired. So what I really needed was a good, hard run. So I headed to the gym in the office park, got on the "dreadmill" and hammered out almost 4 miles on a hill routine. I ran until I was tired, then ran some more. It felt so good when I was done.

all time low

My running has been anything but consistent the past year. I think I am at an all time low on my annual mileage, which in turn has me in a funk still. Work is keeping me too busy and I keep thinking of all the projects I have not finished or even started yet at home. I definitely put too much on my plate this year. With only one more potential somewhat long race for the year (a 15k trail race in November) I am hoping to gain some momentum as we head into the winter months. I actually love running in snow, so I hope it is a snowy winter.
Now, to set my sights on a spring race... would like to run another marathon, and I think training through the winter would be different. Maybe Flying Pig Marathon? Maybe just running the DINO trail run series... choices, choices. Need to decide soon, so I can start training. Feel I need to get that consistency back again.

Moving Forward

Life goes on...

Well, yeah, it does, doesn't it? Even when we don't want it to right away. So, after 2 months, my running is getting back to a routine - something I needed for sure. A trip out to Arizona turned out to be almost a bust when it came to running. I packed both road and trail shoes, had gear for all elements, but eked out only two short runs (though it was at high altitude and on hills). Needless to say, my hopes of getting back out on the trails there were never realized.
The week after we got back did not offer much hope of my running coming back, but this week I hope I have turned a corner. I have inspiration again. My wife and I have decided to organize a race next August in memory of Everett, with all proceeds going to a charity that deals with stillbirth. I'm excited and a little nervous to take this on, but I think it will be a positive thing that we can have each year.
Now I just need to figure out how to organize this...