I Want the Energy of a Squirrel!

I'm sorry to the squirrels that I scare or get in the way while I'm jogging.  Obviously they see me and HAVE to move cause I'm in the way.  Again...my apologies Mr., Mrs., and single squirrels!

I haven't jogged my trail in a while because I've been going to the gym, but it was a nice cool day for it, so I went for it. I wasn't really in the mood to jog, and I somehow hurt my right leg, so I walked more than I usually do (or would have liked to).  It allowed me to see my scenic route a little better, though.  

I have a neighbor with a pool.  I have neighbors that take much better care of their lawn than others.  There are those with pets in the back yards and others who have chair swings, patio furniture, etc.  One house that caught my eye had two little kids playing together.  It was an older brother with his younger sister.  It reminded me of when my older brother and I used to play together.  He was, and is, my favorite brother because we never fought.  I was always trying to get him out of trouble and he was always trying to teach me how to get in trouble.  :-)  I still love him!!  I remember when I had seen him after several years.  It was breakfast and I had made my own hash browns and eggs sunny side up.  Perfect!  He saw it, said "I love you sis" and proceeded to take the plate.  Yeah, I let him have it.  What can I say?  That reminds me...I need to write to him.  Jail life has to get quite lonely.  Like I said, he was always in trouble. 

As I was jogging, I blew a bubble and wondered "What if a leaf or bit of dirt blew up and landed right on my bubble?"  Glad that didn't really happen.  That would be gross!

I saw a squirrel run through the ditch and appearing to be focused and on a mission, he ran right in front of me.  He proceeded towards a fence where two large dogs were and yes, they saw him too!  They ran as if they were going to catch him, but he ran up that fence, across the top, and to that tree so fast....all the energy those two dogs had for all 5 seconds was gone when he went up that tree.  It made me wish I had that squirrels energy.  (And lack of that type of fear)  At least I finished my three miles, but still...to have that energy.  Maybe I need to eat more nuts!

I don't know that these squirrels are boys or girls, so the "he" referenced is not discrimination in any way.

Finding Inspiration to keep going...

So it looks like everyone is starting with the New Years resolutions.  Of course, I only saw two people when we walked in the gym this morning.  Yes, I finally made it back to the gym.  I jogged two days ago in our condo gym, but it wasn't the same.  It was too quiet and I didn't have a fan.  Also, I accidentally set the incline to my racing speed and it tried to update every minute.  So, every minute I would have to watch for that incline and put it back to 1.  It does appear that an incline allows you to burn more calories, however, because I burned more than 400 then and today it was only about 350.  

So I've mentioned that I'd like to do a marathon (eventually) but start out with a 10K, then a half marathon.  I'm working on changing my eating habits, but I know that's going to take a lot longer than I'd like to admit.  Sometimes I feel I need inspiration from the right people and then I read stories in the news that do just that.  

First, there's the guy with choroideremia who is running blindfolded because of this condition.  After you read about this, how can you say you don't have what it takes to run?  Finding time is up to the individual.  Read for yourself. http://www.aol.com/video/youve-got-ej-scott/517237998/ EJ Scott wants to run 12 marathons in 12 US cities in 2012.  I just want to do one, so all power goes to him as he'll need it more than I will. 

Then there's the pregnant woman, Amber Miller, who gave birth 7 hours after finishing her marathon.  Read for yourself.  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/11/a-marathon-runner-delivers-a-baby/   I can't say whether this was the smartest or best idea, but it's still inspirational.  Many women have the type of pregnancy that doesn't allow them to do "normal" things, but if it does, go for it!  I didn't have any problems with my two pregnancies (other than extreme fatigue in my first trimesters) but I can't imagine that I would have tried this.  It sure makes for a heck of a "how you were born" type of story!  

No matter what, you have to do what it takes for yourself.  Whether I get to accomplishing my half marathon this year or not, it will be on me and I can live with that.  As long as you can live with your own choices, it doesn't matter what other people say, and you are (hopefully) doing what it takes for yourself.