SHOUT OUT TO MY 1ST GRANDSON'S DIVISION

 

CONGRATULATIONS 

My oldest grandson's Army Ranger company was just chosen on April 17 to lead the whole Division run!  You Rangers ROCK!

ON TO BOSTON - THEN SUMMER!

Uh, have I said, "I'm not a marathoner?"  That's right.  I'll leave that to the more determined runners and cheer for you from the sidelines.  Boston is just around the weekend corner now.  Certainly the runners and fans are pouring into the Boston area. 

Photo@Wikipedia Public Domain - 1910 Boston Winner

Have fun at the Boston! We're pulling for you in Tennessee! 

Take a look at the above runner who won the Boston in 1910.  His health is evident!  No skinny, starving appearance at all! Really, I recognize less weight may = quicker times for the race. But, that isn't actually about talent.  I think, it's more about endurance than running excellence and talent.  Those runners who look pained and suffering don't at all, in my opinion, add to the sport.  And, it makes me wonder if they race for the money or for the love of running.

I think about the great Scottish runner, Eric Liddell who experienced the "pleasure of God within him when he was running. His was a God-given talent used for the glory of God.  The story is awesome.  Be sure to see the movie! It's one of the few running classics.

Weather is totally PERFECT now for running in Middle Tennessee - cool morning, warm afternoons! Can't beat that.  Hope you get out there and enjoy it!

SELFIES

 photo credit@vicki l. sullivan - Brooks 'N English Daisies

Just what do "selfies" have to do with Brooks? Uh, maybe more than you might think.  Running is all about selfies.  It's the time a person takes to get in contact with the self, the body, mind, and spirit.  Now if that's not a selfie, I don't know what one is.  Only as a runner, past or present, learning how to manage yourself while running takes time, consideration, and above all, patience to learn how your body moves best.

 Good health care will develop a healthy lifestyle conducive to training the heart, mind, and muscles to move toward strengthening the systems natural immunity to all sorts of negative approaches: be they physical, mental, social, cultural, or environmental.  That being said, once a person can get past being distracted by those negatives, the run will really become enjoyable and a very best friend to any athletic exercise.  Runner's call the process, "tuning into your body."  Listen to your heart beat, and your breath, and maintain your thought processes and you're one your way to enjoying the best selfie life offers; your maturing, healthy inner self and person.

Today INFOMERCIAL - MAINTAINING RUNNING HEALTH THROUGH OUT THE LIFESPAN
(a runningtimes.com article)

REALLY - IT IS SPRING - SUNNY - 39 DEGREES AND CLIMBING TO 48 DEGREES

Really, it is spring. At least that's what we're told,  right?  Nevermind it's 39 degrees at 9:28 a.m. and predicted to be 27 degrees tonight.  Cover those bedding plants; there's a freeze warning for the valley.  Nevertheless, look in the picture I just took, there you can see for yourself; the Bradford Pears are blooming and the Redbud trees are budding. 

As I write this blog posting my 3rd daughter and her BFF running buddy are about to arrive at the bottom of a 2mile  uphill run. That's  running 2 miles straight up and then, of course, the 2 miles down.  Beautiful day to run and a beautiful area to run through - FLOWERING  nursery stock with blooming this and that all over.  GLORIOUS!

In the springtime, runners runs are spendor heightened by passing scenes of new life bursting all around. But, a 2mile uphill grade of at about a 35 degree angle  - Hey, It's marathoners training.  Did I say, "I don't do marathons?" My 3 hills this morning were considerably shorter and not near so high.

I admit to thinking about a half marathon this summer though...Hmmmmm...maybe i will try it.


Happy Running!

A GLIMPSE OF SPRING AND INTRO TO THE MAGNIFICENT HOKA ONEONE

YEA! Weather is proving true to predictions of Spring!  And, actually in some places the snow is melting.  Anyone who has read this blog is aware of my preference for Brook's running gear.  I make no apology for being partial to Brook's.  The company focuses on their product! HOWEVER...

Ok, running lovers, there is HOKA! HOKA  made an entrance in my running life when this past week I convinced my daughter she needed new running shoes.  Here's my daughter -  

 

Christian Taylor

 Christian recently went through back surgery and needed a shoe with excellent support, cushioning, and balance.  Then off to find them, the shoes,  at the local Naperville Running Co.   Christian explained her situation and her Mom's concerns to the excellent running staff assisting her. She tried on several pair. And, yes Brook's were included. Then the HOKA's appeared on the scene and the look on her face told it all.  SHEER COMFORT!  The look of relief and comfort appearing in her face as she stood and walked about would have melted all the snow in Boston. 


Read all about HOKA ONEONE - 
HOKA SOURCE -

THE HOKA'S  

 

To be honest, I've seen the shoes advertised but seriously doubted they might do any good other than be bouncy. And, honestly, bouncy running shoes do not appeal to my sense of safety.  I mean, in my way of thinking,  Tigger  bounces and runners run.    I have no desire to go bounding about the roadside like a Tigger.  Nor do I have any desire to see my daughters do so.

To my amazement as we did several (like 16 rounds), on the Wheaton Sports Center  track, they were as stable as any snuggly, centered cushioned shoe could be.  They didn't rock ' n roll, OR bounce at all.  New Brook's do the same though the cushion isn't as high.  I'm wondering how and/or if Brook's will produce one of these? 

In fact, they did a great job in helping her retain her balance and keep walking without pain.  We did 2 miles with no problem.  

The shoes, with Christian in them, did just as well outside.  I'm all for them.  Thank you, HOKA!

 

12 DEGREES ON A SNOW-ICE DAY

TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN?

Seems that's always the question when the weather drops to freezing  and below.  I've always been amazed by folks who would spend lots to go on a vacation spree to find snow and then refuse to go out in it when it is in their own environment.

Seems it didn't matter much to my parents if it was ice or snow; we were bundled up with hats, heavy coats, gloves, and boots and instructed to, "Go out and play."  And, we did. Guess that's why when Mother Nature gives me ice and snow - even a little rain (without lightening, please), I still grouse about some then get on the gear and get outside. 

These days I have to set my own vegetable soup to cooking (just like Mama used to do); though everything else in pretty much the same. These  days I don't move quite as fast and when Mama was doing the cooking; though everything else is pretty much the same.

And, out I went this morning...."crunch, crunch, crunch," I went enjoying the sound of my feet in the snow.

ICE OUT IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE!

U

UHG!  BE WARNED!  NOT A GOOD RUNNING OUTSIDE DAY! 

Huh, and I considered wind and rain were the worst running days. NOT SO!  Ice and rain AND wind have now replaced that thought.  So to the mall to do concentric circles.  Oh, NO! That may not be a good idea either.  The streets are also ice slides - especially in hilly McMinnville.

oh, what to do? what to do?

I know.  I'LL MAKE SOUP!  

INTRODUCING, VICKI SULLIVAN'S SALAD BOWL RESTAURANT 

GREEN PEA AND SPINACH SOUP

The Beginnings:  Always start with an excellent, seasoned chicken broth.  This was frozen from Thanksgiving dressing fixings.  Today is just the day to bring it out.

 

NEXT: Add the peas, spinach, and fresh onion.

be right back ... cooking!

Food processing ......results in YUM!  "GREEN PEA AND SPINACH SOUP"

Sprinkle of fresh parsley,a little sour cream, dollops of feta cheese and !!!! Drum roll!