Running buddies!

I mentioned in my boyfriend-away event run-down that I finished a half marathon with the help of some of the women from Women's Running Collective.


It's too bad the number on my friend on the left isn't showing in this picture. Somehow, this crazy girl got "69." I mean, really, how did she manage that??? We asked her if she requested it, but she claimed that she hadn't. Incredible.


To update ya'll, the WRC is going strong! We've been doing great at monthly run/brunch, but our weekly night runs have yet to truly blossom. For example, last Thursday, I was the only one on time. Returning my solo run, I realized that my cell had a missed call from a couple stragglers...Soooo, we enjoyed a refreshing post-run DQ. Hey, if you can't run with em', you might as well enjoy the benefits of some major calories someone burned, right?!

Still, the WRC has encouraged some small group running on a spontaneous basis. In fact, that brings me to describe run I did yesterday with my hardcore/hilarious friend. You might not be surprised that this is the same friend whose number was 69 on half marathon day. Anyway, we decided to go for a 7-9 miler. Next to the river, through the city, past the Gutherie, over the stone arch bridge, through U of MN campus, back over the river to home, the run was beautiful but challenging due to the hills. Thanks to my friend, we also pushed the pace pretty hard (though she'd probably say that I was the pace-pusher). Anyway, it was the kind of tough run that leaves one feeling damn good. Thank god for resilient, talented friends that'll stick with you to the finish line.

On My Lonesome! But not too lonely

For the last 20ish days, Mike has been traveling the west with Orange Mighty Trio. As professional musicians, touring is incredibly important because, as I understand it, there is no better way to get your name out there, grow a fan base, and make a few dollars while you're at it.

Touring goodbyes have always been tough for me. A committed adventurer of sorts, the lifestyle of the touring musician has generous appeal: new places, new people, fresh perspectives. Yet, at this point in my life, I've needed to stay home. Over the last couple years, I've realized that, if we are going to last, I would need to make peace with the idea that Mike will continue to tour and travel for as long as he can! I can deal with that reality if I discover and create passion in my own work, projects, and daily toodling.

As Mike returns home with a list of wild stories and inspiration, I can also look back on the last weeks and offer some of my own:

-Canoeing seventeen miles down the St. Croix with three girlfriends, two dogs, and an amazing array of fresh food.

-2 music and movies picnics at Loring Park

-Completing the Urban Wildland Half Marathon in 2:02:18 with a good friend and solid running buddy by my side.

-Treating myself so 4ish DQ ice cream cones (medium, vanilla) and 1 amazing Sebastian Joe's cone (oh man...what was that flavor??)

-2 hardcore runs with the most fun, tough, and hilarious runner out there. More on this in future post...

-1 short (!) haircut

-Dinner with my lovely downstairs neighbor at Midori's Floating World Cafe. A not very adventurous sushi eater, I ordered my ol' standby, the California Roll...needless to say, I was perfectly satisfied.

-A successful shopping trip. Of course, I bought fancy dresses instead of work clothes...more on this in future post...

-An unreasonable number of walks and runs with Rachel. In fact, it seemed that each time my mother called, I was (surprise) out walking with Rachel. Rachel was the BEST company ever these last weeks (except for the night of the awful thunderstorm...)

-planning and beaming over the exciting lessons I'll be teaching this fall!

So, as my hardcore/hilarious runner friend put it, "You've learned that you can live without Mike." Actually, that's not my point at all. The point here is: I have learned my passion(s) in life extend beyond my relationship, as they should! Further, I can take care of myself and bring joy to my own days. And, to be honest,this wasn't always true.

I believe someone wise once wrote/said, you cannot truly love someone else, until you love and accept yourself. The best love is one that is not possessive or needy, but comfortable and sure. Judging from my own journey, I'd say that's about right.

WRC: Women's Running Collective

I'm pretty lucky to have some fit, athletic lady friends that need some running buddies as much as I do. This morning, we had our first collective meeting (although, truth be told we did more running, eating, and chatting than "meeting" but that's the point right?!). It was very relaxed; we did manage to pull together some suggestions for the future of the collective however. Ideas included night runs, races (in which we would sponsor a women's health non-profit, girls' sports causes, etc), and once a month run and brunch. So a very successful first meeting. Best of all, the women who came to the meeting are totally inspiring individuals and amazing friends. That's really the best news of all.

Also, if you read this, are female, and like to run...and live in the twin cities. Shoot me an email and I will get you on the list serv.

Future running goals:
-TC Marathon 2009
-Urban Wildland Half Marathon: Aug. 1st
-Some kind of trail race...I am IN LOVE with running in the woods. Absolutely head over heels. The kind of running that frees my soul.