Run to Rock Half

As with most New Year resolutions a few weeks after the clock strikes midnight and the ball drops they are long forgotten. This year was different. Not that any of the credit belongs to me...no no the credit belongs to my bud M. She was the brave one that signed up for the half marathon first and then convinced the rest of us we could do it too. Run to the Rock Half Marathon in Plymouth, MA here we come!

Thus began the 5:30 AM runs across RI. There were so many days the alarm went off and all I wanted to do was roll over and ignore it. I won't lie there were a few times I sent off a text that I wasn't coming but being accountable to a group was great motivation along with an awesome husband who would kick my butt out of bed.

Its amazing how close you become to people when you are running long distances with them multiple times a week. They probably know me ALOT better than they ever wanted to. Our running group is amazing we were really able to push and support each other.  We each had a roll... S was the role model we each wanted to be able to run as well as she does...she's just a natural. She is completely humble too and never complained which was so annoying sometimes. haha L was the cheerleader. Always positive and encouraging. L would often push her kid in a stroller while we ran, which basically makes her Superwoman in my book. M was the leader. She was the one who would research where we could run and how long we needed to run to stay on schedule training. She was there everyday running. I was always hoping she would text that she was wasn't coming but if she wasn't there I definitely didn't need to be there. :o) I was the storyteller, the entertainer. The one who kept everyone's mind off of how many miles we had left. Like I said now know me extremely well.  I love them all dearly! We are sweat sisters now!

The night before the race we all stayed in a hotel near the starting line.  It was the best girl's night. We went out and carbo-loaded with the best of them. Carbo-loading is the best by the way eating everything they tell you not to and having no guilt about it. :) We finished the night by relaxing in the hotel hot tub and laughing the night away. 

The next morning bright and early we headed to Panera for breakfast and then onto the starting line. After stretching and getting a "before" picture we were axiously waiting for the to start.

3....2....1....BANG! The gun sounded and off we went. It was a weird sensation of want to take off sprinting but trying to hold back. We split up a mile into the race, S and I ran a head for about another mile before I demanded she leave me in the dust. Which she did because she is AMAZING!! Soon it was me, my iPod and the road. I was doing GREAT despite the race being much hillier than expected. I was on target to beat my goal until mile 9. Dumb mile 9 and a hill that was never-ending.  I kept telling myself, "I can run to that tree," "I can run to that fence," "I can run to the end of that fence." That hill took everything out of me, the last 4.1 miles of the race were torture. It was a mix of walking and running but I MADE IT! I FINISHED!! 2 hours and 29 mins. Finishing was the most amazing feeling ever, it almost makes up for the wobbly legs, exhaustion, and pain from running 13.1 miles.

It was a major accomplishment completing that race. At first I thought that the rest of my running career would be maintaining my running condition but now that its been a few months I've got the bug. The bug that makes me want to beat my time. First I think I'll run a few shorter races first. Anyone wanna join?

Sparrow

What's white and gray and fuzzy all over.... SPARROW!

She is a beautiful 13 month Siberian Husky puppy. We just love her!

CC and I have been talking about getting a 2nd dog for a while. We knew that if we got a 2nd dog we wanted to adopt a rescue. Those commercials where Sarah Mclachlan is singing in the background and pictures of abused animals fill the screen get to me every time. We kept going back and forth on when to adopt but finally decided to look into seriously and see if we found a good fit for our family.

We contacted the Siberian Husky Rescue Organization and started the paperwork. After a mountain of paperwork, background check on us with our vet, and a bunch of emails we finally had a playdate with a 2 huskies that the organization thought would be a good fit with us and Jak.

We knew instantly that Sparrow (her original name was Chloe. I love calling the names Jak and Sparrow from the porch when its time for them to come inside.) was the one for us. She was full of energy, loved to play tug of war and gave Jak a run for his money when chasing and wrestling. After signing our lives away Sparrow got to stay with us. The poor girl spent most of her life with worms and parasites. We were also told she has sensitive skin because of a really bad case of fleas and from getting into a fight with a porcupine and losing. I guess her previous owners didn't get all the quills out and some got infected. With a lot of love we know she will be just fine!

Overall, its been a very easy transition. Only a few tiffs between Jak and her. She is still young and a chewer but luckily the only causalities have been an empty milk carton from the recycling bin, an old flip flop(I need new ones anyway), my face wash, and a spiral notebook. Apparently this girl has an affinity for paper and plastic. She is a little skiddish when she meets new people but warms up quickly and is soon your best friend.

The first night Sparrow freaked out a little bit after we closed the bedroom door. She just kept pacing back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Now I am proud to say she has claimed a corner of our bed (Dear Santa, we need a king sized mattress STAT!) She loves to explore our backyard, especially the ivy, she sits at our feet when we are on the computer, gives lots and lots of kisses. She is also very vocal. She loves to "sing" and catch with every one who walks by the house.

She and Jak love to play tug of war and wrestle. While he is much stronger Sparrow has adapted several moves to level the playing field which include laying down when Jak tries to hump her and going for the loose skin around his mouth. Sparrow grabs on and holds on tight. They also have this hilarious game they play outside where they both lay on the ground staring at each other and then as soon as Chris or I yell out,"Go!" they race towards each other and take off chasing each other around the yard. Weaving in and out of the bushes and from corner to corner. Jak is quicker but Sparrow is more agile able to turn on a dime.

They are best friends. There is something special about having another dog in the home. As spoiled as Jak was, we've been replaced in a lot of ways by Sparrow. Every dog needs a bud. Someone to sniff/pee on things with, chase squirrels with, and roll around in the ivy with.