Recent shtuff

An amalgamation of recent activity pics:

Steve and I relaxing on the couch after the Prickly Pear Land Trust 30K trail run in Helena
A picture from Tongue River Canyon - went up to the canyon last weekend for a trail run and took this picture with my work phone during the run
Post trail run (~5 miles) - check out my awesome new shades!
We recently took the pups to a reservoir near Sheridan to fish and hang out. I managed to catch this great pictures of Brewer (far right) & Gidget (next to Brewer) running out of the water with two of their friends, Sarge (white dog) & Zeus (far left)

My favorite picture! Gidget (left), Brewer (middle), & Guinness (right) passed out in the back of Steve's vehicle after their busy day of running and swimming.

Peaks to Prairie

Congrats to Steve and Shawn for completing the Peaks to Prairie race this past Sunday in Red, Lodge, MT! www.peakstoprairie.org Steve stepped in at the last minute to participate in the running portion after Shawn's partner sprained her ankle. He ran the 8.8 miles in under an hour and Shawn biked the 43 miles in two hours. We had a great time and the race was fun to watch, especially with the beautiful weather. Sadly, we forgot a camera and were unable to document the weekend.
However... We made time to visit Sam's Tap Room, a fun and unique brewery in Red Lodge that is a must stop for any visit. Obviously popular with the locals, the hangout allows patrons to bring in their dogs. Steve and I decided to bring our pups along and they had a great time vacuuming the popcorn off the floor. The last time we visited the tap room, an enormous Great Dane was hanging out. A very gentle dog, we couldn't get over his size. Without fail, he showed up and I caught a picture of Brewer checking him out. Check out this pup, he's a horse! His looks may be deceiving, but he's incredibly gentle and verging on shy. Brewer is on the left and he's actually a very tall lab - as you can see, the Great Dane's head reaches the top of a tall table. I've never been a big fan of Great Danes, but this guy is super cute.

Really?

Did someone really think it was a good idea to name a cookie "Fudge Drops"?

Sheridan Running Club, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and hogs

What do the above three have to do with each other? Absolutely nothing. Let me explain...

I've never been part of a running club, but Steve has talked about his experiences with one and it sounded like great fun. We always see other runners around Sheridan and think it would be nice to meet the other runners around town. So I started a running club! http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/sheridanrunningclub/ We had our first run yesterday - while it was only one lady and I, it was fun to meet someone else that loves running. I'm very excited to keep this club going.

On to the second subject...the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra came into town this past Wednesday! I managed to get tickets before it sold out and we had an absolute blast. The music was phenomenal! If they play in your area, I highly recommend you see them.

Last but not least... Steve and I now have a motorcyle to ride!! One of our friends had a 1980 400CC Honda and was selling it for an unbeatable price. Other than a few minimal things that need updating (seat needs to be re-upholstered and a few cables need replacing), the bike is in fantastic condition. It's a perfect bike to run around town and as the weather gets warmer, Steve and I have been taking it out for rides (individually...neither of us has become comfortable enough to drive someone on the back). I'll post pictures as soon as a take a few.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

What's your passion?

I've been sidelined from running with an injury. A minor injury - slightly torn/pulled right quad - but an injury, nonetheless. I took yesterday and today off from running, and it has been an absolute feat to convince myself this is what is best. I may take tomorrow off as well. The leg is already feeling better today, but not quite ready to endure the impact. Runners notoriously ignore their injuries and "run through the pain." I don't want to end up a casualty...collapsing in the middle of a race due to a broken hip (yes, I've read about this happening), needing surgery due to allowing the injury to go too far, suffering permanent damage...the list goes on. My goal is to go for a 2 hr run on Sunday, and if I take three days off, I believe I'll be ready. I've been injured before and had to take time off from running, but for whatever reason, this has been TOUGH. And now I'll explain why...

Running has become a love of mine. A passion. A slight obsession. I read about it, think about it, research it, and become excited when I meet someone else that shares my passion. Running makes me feel b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. Running makes me feel strong. Running makes me feel AWESOME. Running makes me feel sexy. I love pushing myself and seeing just how amazing the human body is. I'm not ridiculously fast and I'm not going to make my career running, but I LOVE IT. Many people have a hard time understanding this serious attachment. For some women, lingerie does it. For others, it's a great pair of shoes. For me, it's running. Don't get me wrong...playing dress up can make me feel wonderful. But to me, there is no greater feeling than the end of a run. And when I cannot partake, whether it's 3 miles or 50K, my psyche is thrown off course. I think about it even more. Part of writing this post is therapy. Just ask Steve...he was able to enjoy a 10+ mile run today and I'm jealous. Jealous! Of my boyfriend! Love is not jealous...the Bible says so. I'm working on it, I promise. :)

Now I ask you, my readers, what is your passion? What is something if taken away from you, feels as though a part of your "soul" has been taken? This may help you see where I'm coming from. Whether it's something you do everyday or once a year... Quilting? Photography? Wine? Cooking? Traveling? Yoga? Homebrewing? Reading? Your job? Baking? Creating beautiful art through sewing, quilting, paper products, painting, photography...? Hiking? Animals? Napping? ANYTHING can be a passion.

Running is mine.

St. Patrick's Day fun

I have many more pictures from the nightly festivities of St. Patrick's Day weekend, but this picture is from the Sheridan Jaycees St. Patrick's Day fun run. I managed to round up an awesomely green outfit, as evidenced in this photo. (Yes, I ran the whole 10K with the boa around my neck) Georgia (second in from left) and I tied for the best green outfit.

Aaaaaand that's all

Pufferfish
Dork :)
Steve preparing for his scuba diving
Wild donkeys
Their taxis