Hello?? Anybody Still Here??

I've been a bad, bad blogger.  I hang my head in shame for not coming around for a while.  But I have my reasons.  I needed a break.  Life has gotten really busy, lots on my plate and lots to think about.  I started my new job a couple of weeks ago and it's going pretty darn good, couldn't ask for more.  The hour long commute in each direction leaves something to be desired, but I'm back in a routine, earning actual money and I'm doing what I love and do best: taxes.  Yes, you read that correct, I love taxes ;)

January was a big month for me.  Running has been very important to me and very much apart of my life.  Since January 8th I have been on a bit of a running streak!  I'm at day 26 and still going strong.  I didn't mean to start a running streak, I think it just came out of necessity due to all that was going on in my life.  I realized it one day when I was logging my latest workout and saw I hadn't taken a rest day in 10 days!  Wowza!  I was sure I had had one in between, apparently though, that was not the case.  With that realization came a thought:  I think I can keep going!  I think I can reach 20 days!  Then 20 turned into 30, and now I'm just four short days away from 30 and I think I'm going to keep going!  Surprisingly, my legs feel awesome, still fresh and fast, which I didn't know was possible.  I did have one day where my hip hurt and waited to do my run until later in the day, but aside from that little blip, my legs are loving it!  And my head thanks me, too ;)  I logged over 244 miles for the month of January - not a bad way to start the new year.

I really didn't have any rules for the streak, just that I run a minimum of 5 miles a day, and that has not been a problem what so ever - I usually end up doing at least six and am still getting in some good long runs on the weekend.  I used to see other runner's doing streaks and think they were crazy, but I am eating my words now.  Running each day has become such a habit, I can't see it ending any time soon!

To keep up the running though, and my job, and all my other responsibilities, I have been made to eat some more words: I have become a morning runner.  I never thought it possible that me, the afternoon/evening runner would ever be able to get up early and enjoy a run.  Well, my friends, I'm here to tell you, anything is possible when you want it.  I get to work around 8 am, which means I leave my house around 7, factoring in getting ready before hand and getting a run in means I am up at 4:30 each morning and at the gym by 5am!  Yes, 5am!  I am often waiting for them to unlock the doors! Who have I become?!  I will say, the first week was a little rough.  The first couple of miles were dreadful, and I couldn't find my pace very easy.  But after some time it has gotten so much easier and I'm actually loving having my run done before 6:30am!  Who knew!?  I also noticed that by mid-morning I don't feel like I ran at all, and if I could, I would lace up and run again.  But I have been good and not been doubling up...yet.  I'm actually enjoying my evenings home, not having the running monkey on my back!

Along with all my running, I have also managed to get a couple of trail races in!  Don't think I would stop racing, did you?  January 8th I did the Crystal Spring Trail Half Marathon with Punky and then this past weekend I did the Coyote Hills Trail Half with Punky, JoLynn, Stacey and a ton of other bloggy peeps.  It wasn't the most scenic course, but it was definitely great to be out running the trails with some of my favorite running peeps!  I have a few other fun trail runs and a half marathon coming up this month and next.  My credit card has gotten quite the workout lately.  I have decided to continue to sign up for races and play the wait and see game.  I hated not having anything on the calendar, and as we all know, it is cheaper to sign up early than to wait.  And if you're wondering, no, no news in that other department.

Punky, Stacey, JoLynn and me

(thanks Ron for the photo)

As you can see I've been up to my eyeballs in running and balancing my new job.  I didn't realize how cushy I had it at my last one or how wonderful it was to not have a schedule each day.  Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true! I am actually really enjoying the job, I just wish it would fit better around my social life and of course, running ;)  My twitter, Facebook and blogging time has taken a serious hit!  But I'm working on fitting it all in, one piece at a time.

I often read your blogs on my phone in between all the craziness, so sorry if I don't comment, I still am keeping up with all of you!  Some of you are doing and planning some amazing things, I love watching it all unfold for so many of you.  Keep it up! 

I will do my best to get back here again in the very near future.  Every day is different in the tax world, and unfortunately it is only going to get busier though May.  So my apologies in advance if my posting and comments are sporatic.  Just know I'm thinking about all of you and sending lots of good thoughts your way!  Drop me an email any time, I love to hear from you and often times that is how I communicate even with the fam now!  I know, tragic, but it's tax season, I'm on a running streak and life has gotten very, very busy ;)

Thanks for checking in!
Happy Running peeps!!