bolts and gates and iron and bronze...

I've been feeling surprisingly "thrifty" of late. Spurred by the failing economy (which is no light-hearted matter), I've been bypassing the Starbucks' americano for coffee from my trusty homebrew. Gas for my car has been coming from Arco - which involves the transfer of green stuff vs the sliding of plastic. I've also been sacrificing my pension for all things organic and natural for a bit of "whatever's on sale."

I miss Whole Foods. Oh yes. I do. I also have a coffee card that is "full up" from our weekend soirees. I'm saving it for that morning that can only be fixed by driving through and receiving strong java made at the hands of someone else.

The biggest news of the moment is the Rock and Roll Marathon. We're doing the half and are registered. Lee doesn't know it yet...his registration is part of his birthday present.

I'm actually very excited. The beginning of the journey is always full of much anticipation. Our actual training schedule begins next weekend: 17 weeks of hard work. I'm hoping beyond hope, that some weight will come off my frame. I need to incorporate more cardio and core during my weekday workouts. Which actually don't exist at this time. We've been walking 4.8 miles on the weekends - and I feel good that I can hit that mileage without dying.

This weekend, one of our new marathon buddies (Wendy) is taking us up Mt Peak in Enumclaw. 1.2 miles of "straight up hill." I'm not sure why I've agreed to this. Everyone else is game. So I just said, "yes." Wendy is bringing walking sticks for Liz and I, the bigger girls of the bunch. I have to tell the internets that hiking really isn't my thing. No, it is not. I'm certain a post of hilarity and humiliation will be just around the bend. As long as I don't hurt myself...then all will be well.

Speaking of "hurt" - I'm tending to a wounded arch. Or something in that region. Last Thursday, I worked from home. The sun was peeking out and made me feel "all summery" and optimistic. I slipped on some flipflops and spent the day firmly planted in them. Come to think of it, I wore them the night prior (to Awana). Lee is always telling me, "Those things are horrible for your feet, your arches, blah, blah, blah." I will only say this because he doesn't read this blog: my husband is right. But oh, in the name of fashion. I do adore flipflops.

I've been wearing some "special tennis shoes" that I feel are bulk-meisters. My Mom passed them my way after deciding they are too wide for her (read: my feet are wide). My orthotics fit perfectly within - and so that's what I've been wearing. Morning noon and night. Around the house. As I sit in my jammies at the computer. I've also been trying to stretch my calves, which are the tightest things this side of New Jersey. I think it's all linked. oye.

My last words for this rambling blog. I'm saving my "nics" for some new summer kicks. Runner's World ran an article this summer that I took note of. They rated summer sandals. The pair I'm getting can be found here: http://www.solesandals.com/ Not sure what sassy color I'm investing in, but invest, I will. Summer and flip flops just go together. Even if I have to pay 80 smacks for them. :) Which flies in the face of my recent thriftiness...but you can't put a price on foot health. Can you? :)

This fabulous photo was taken on Saturday by Ginger. We walked 4.8 with Hope and Erica in tow. The last mile was uphill and the girls were tuckered out. The decline began like this:

...and ended like this. As someone on my facebook posting stated, "Now that's a guy secure in his mandhood." Oh, indeed he is. And, he's a good Daddy. :)

The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days. Deut. 33:25

Happy trails to you! :)

kb