From the April 2008 issue of Running Journal

The caption is wrong. . .poor Lauren, who got confused with a 50-year-old. But anyway . . . click on the article and you can see the photo and read the article.

Unique Calling Card

Cycled 25 miles yesterday -- to New Market and around and through the countryside, alongside the river, under canopies of trees, through the historic downtown, stopping to watch a bit of baseball. We pulled a pretty good hill up to a friend's house, but she and her family weren't home. There was a pen on the railing of the porch, and I had an energy bar in my fanny pack. So I wrote a note on the bar, and left it in the door. I've left quite a few "calling cards" in my days, especially when I was working as a pastor. But I've never left one like that. Katie will laugh; she has an amazing sense of humor. And she's one tough mama.
She ran up till the week before her baby came, never missing a Tuesday night club run. Butch often ran with her, watching for anything that might trip her, and cause an emergency balance adjustment and subsequent nasty fall. And then one Tuesday, club members learned, Katie had gotten up to go the bathroom because her stomach felt funny. Suddenly she realized her little person was entering the world. She called her mom and the midwife, and mom arrived just in time to play catch.
Katie's goal now is to keep up with those of us at the back of the pack. She sure pushed me hard last week; it was all I could do to keep up with her.

Just another day in paradise. . .

I snapped this photo on the way home from the grocery store one evening. The top row of "mountains" is actually thunderheads, and shortly after this photo was taken, the rain hit. . .
Fields of clover. . .I snapped this one somewhere between Broadway and New Market.

What the heck?

All the parts for a water wheel, but no water wheel. . .
a grandiose fireplace with storage for wood nearby. . .

Also there was an outhouse with a seat. . .

All these, but no dwelling place or tent. Too much time on someone's hands?

Shenandoah Caverns

Fog on the Mountain

Scenes from Luray Gap on a cold and foggy Sunday afternoon.

A Big Climb

Butch calls this mountain the 747 because it looks like a 747 plane. On a clear day the rocks on the right side even look like windows. For a running break one Sunday we decided to climb it--boulder to boulder, tree to tree, sometimes on all fours. We made it about 2/3 of the way before I turned chicken, and got cold.

Small Stuff Seen on a Big Climb (4/13/08)

Half Marathon Support Crew

Michael and his parents, Stephanie and Geoff, entertained me and my buddies Friday night before the Half Marathon. Stephanie fixed an awesome dinner of pork loin roast, salad and roast potatoes; and served home made fudge and ice cream for dessert.

The support I've had through my training has been pretty awesome. . .motorists in the Broadway, Timberville and Mayland area have given wide berth, creating a safe running environment. My daughters and their husbands are always encouraging cheerleaders. Other virtual and real time friends and family have encouraged and offered prayers. The law offices of Miller, Earle and Shanks, PLLC gave me Friday off, so I could make race preparations a day ahead and ease the prerace jitters and arrangements.

More on my support crew and the race are in the next post. But let me say thanks to everyone for allowing me to fulfill a dream!

Half Marathon Victory

Above photo: Crossing the Finish Line, just after passing the guy behind and to the right. Copyright 2008 Brightroom (do not copy).

Photo below: My NY buddy and cheerleader, Camelia, on the left; and my NY virtual running buddy, Steve, second from the right. My VA real time running buddy, Butch Proctor is on the far right).
Well, we did it! No injuries in our crew.
Carmen Green, who hails from the Quad Cities, now lives in Harrisonburg, and is a member of our running club, was the second female overall. Way to go, Carmen!
Steve, and another NY friend Camelia (far left) spent a long weekend with me down here in Virginia. They, Butch and I all stayed in Charlottesville for the night. While Butch and Steve talked about sports in their room, I showered, taped my toes and prepped for the race, and chatted with Cam as she watched television. I was wound up, agitated (I hadn't run since Tuesday) and unable to sleep, so Cam gave me a Benadryl -- good for sleeping and for allergies.
At 4:30 I was up, and shortly thereafter made oatmeal in a waterbottle using the lobby microwave. During the night, the sign out front had changed to "No Vacancy." About 5:30 a.m. we headed out, and saw a parking lot full of people in various forms of running gear stretching and loading their cars.
At the starting point, Steve and I found our place in the swarm. It was already in the 50s, low 60s. We stripped off our shirts, and handed them to Cam--Steve opting to run in his "A-shirt" and me in a tank. About 6:15 a.m, Butch ran off. Doing so allowed him to be at miles 3 and about mile 12 to cheer us on. (He had mapped out all of my LSD training miles since the first weekend in February, and ran most of them with me. He is also secretary of the running club.)
Somewhere around miles 3 or 4, I lost Steve.
After the turn around I headed toward the yellow line of the road, hoping to meet him as he approached the U-turn. It wasn't long after before I saw him, "Hey Sis!", he yelled as I yelled, "Hey Bro!" We slapped a high five; and our fellow runners giggled.
I bumped into a marathoner from Ireland, who was taking a break by running a Half. All along the course, spectators cheered and encouraged us on. The scenery was gorgeous -- through the historic downtown, out into the country and down a hill where the mountains loomed ahead in all their splendor and glory.

The last section included a hard pull uphill, but I still managed to cut off a few runners near the finish. I ended with a chip time of 2:01:53, missing my dream goal by just 1:53. I was pleased though, as my goal was 2:10. I also beat George, the researcher and runner, who outran me by about 1 second last week. That put me at 609 out of 1293 Half Marathon finishers, or 47.1% overall. Amongst the women in my age group, I was 6th out of 52, or within the top 11.5%. Steve, my NY running buddy (second from right in the above photo) came in about 2:20. So he, too, did very well indeed. Thanks everyone for your support!
I'm planning to put this event on next year's calendar as well!

Azul had returned. . .

I stopped at the kids' on the way to church this a.m., and there was Azul barking for breakfast. A note on the door that the state trooper who lives on the same lane stated that a neighbor had returned her, and the trooper had returned her to the pen.
All I could say was, "Thank you, Jesus!" repeatedly!
AM wasn't so concerned about Azul, as that was their dog; she was more concerned about Athena, as that is a temporary foster-dog, awaiting permanent placement in a new home her humans are building. But I was very concerned for the same reason, Anna Maria wasn't -- Azul was my responsibility, my foster-dog whom I was caring for while her humans were away.
Ah well. . .all are home safe and sound awaiting their humans' return. And I learned a few things about those critters.

What in the world?!?!

I'm babysitting the four-legged grandchildren this weekend, and was told they didn't really need anything on Friday but maybe a "check-up" near bedtime, and then their usual twice-a-day feeding thereafter. A t-storm was threatening as I came home from dinner with a friend last night, so we opted to check on the "grandkids" together. (My original plan had been to get dropped off at home, and then go back and spend the night at my daughter's. )
But given the looming storm, we both went straight to the kids' house instead. The lightening hit about the same time we landed at the dogs' gate; and when I pulled the latch those girls took off on a dead run. Fortunately they headed for the house. I let them in, fed them and opted to let them stay inside. They had never behaved that way before, so I thought they were frightened. The sheep seemed fine, and could go inside an out building. I shut the door and went home.
When we got there this a.m., on the way to a race in Bridgewater, however, the door was wide open. The door latch isn't very tight, and, I guess, it got blown open in the storm. Athena, the dog the kids are keeping for its owner, was there. But Azul, the kids' Border Collie was AWOL. I looked around some; but really had no idea where to look or what to do. I debated giving up on the morning's race, but decided there was nothing more to be done.
The race began (mid-60s and sunshine for a change) and I opted for steady and easy. I wanted to save energy for next week's race. I felt sluggish and figured I'd do well just to finish. So I didn't plan a push at the end. But just as I neared the finish line, I heard heavy breathing and footsteps back of my left shoulder. I gave it all I had, determined not to get beat at the end! Crowds love those last second dramas. They screamed. I surged with energy I didn't know I had. Nonetheless George did a C-turn and cut me off right at the finish line, beating me by one second.
He smiled and said something like, Good job! His demeanor was polite and gentle. I thought, "What a great winner!"
And I said, "I THOUGHT I was all done, but then I heard you coming and realized I had more in me than I thought. That's what they say, right? It's mind over matter." I then gave him a high-five and told him he'd done great as well. I was content. I'd done what I set out do do and was pleased with the day.
But then, while waiting for the awards ceremony, I learned who George Gillis REALLY is. . .George is a researcher at the University of Virginia, and top in his field. He is working on a guidance system for the catheters used to treat heart patients. The system design plan calls for using magnets on the patient, and magnets in the catheter. I didn't learn this from George, mind you, but from his friends who were peppering him with questions about the latest gains in his research. And then one spoke about how humble and gracious George was. . .as I had experienced just a few moments before.
Then it was time for the awards ceremony. A fellow in my track club won first place overall. And then they began calling out the women winners. When they announced third place, I thought I must have heard wrong, as I knew my time was a few minutes faster than that. And then they called second place. It was Susan, a mutual friend; and I knew I had come in a couple minutes ahead of her. Still puzzled and trying to figure out what I wasn't understanding, they called the first place winner's name. Upon hearing my name, I looked at my friend Butch, in total shock and disbelief, and asked, "What am I supposed to do?"
"Why, go on. Get up there and get your prize." he said, as he waved me off.
After they hung the first place women's medal around my neck, they then handed me a gift certificate -- for $75.
And I'm sitting here, still completely dumbfounded and thinking, "Now doesn't that just beat all!"
Azul has not yet turned up. But when I called my daughter after I got home, she said that Azul had already escaped once this week. And their phone number is on a tag on her collar, so I'm expecting to meet one of her neighbors later this weekend.
I guess all I know to say is the same thing I've been saying more and more often of late. . .I have no clue what God is up to these days. I DO know that everything He does is for a purpose and with a plan in mind. It's just that historically I've made that statement most often as I have called family and friends to tell them about still another setback in my lfe. It's been a rare occasion when I've made that statement from the position of strength and victory. And so I keep my eyes open, in wonder, and in hopes that, whatever God is doing, I am working with Him and not against Him.
God is good. Sometimes we see it; the rest of the time we live by faith.

Magdalena Turns 5

The cake, made with almond flour ground from almonds and a dozen eggs, took all afternoon for Anna Maria to bake; but because it had no wheat flour, I could have some, too! And it was very good!
The bunny was a gift from Sister Eliza, who was too ill to enjoy Maggie's party, though she tried -- coming out to sit at the table for a few minutes at a time before return to the Papa Chair to recline again.
This dress, and a tee shirt to decorate, came from Auntie Ana and Uncle Chad.

And the daffodils came from the girls' garden.

--Photos by Steven David Johnson.

Car crashing and crushing

A few weeks ago, a lady rear ended Anna Maria while she was waiting to make a left turn. AM said she saw the lady coming, and knew she couldn't stop. Just then it was safe to make the left turn, so AM gunned it, hoping to clear the car behind. And she almost made it. Anna Maria wasn't hurt, a bit of a stiff neck is all. But the other lady's air bag deployed, and she suffered, most likely, a broken arm in the crash. The insurance company offered AM a choice -- $1,100 to fix the car or $900 and turn the car over. They opted for the latter. I've driven this car many times, as it's easier to trade cars with the kids than it is to transfer car seats from theirs to mine. I think they made a wise choice, especially given the fact that they have two cars. Steven only has another month of school left and then, in July, they'll be headed off to Newfoundland. Since Steven and I ride together to work two or three days a week, getting by on one car is manageable.

Slumber Party

The little girls spent the night last Saturday. Besides going to the park, writing with invisible ink, they enjoyed fruit dipped in chocolate fondue. They got permission from their parents beforehand to do this potentially hazardous activity, and promised to be careful and polite. No one lost an eye or got poked by a fork. And the candle stayed lit and in its place beneath the pot. They didn't fight once the whole weekend, although they did calmly work through a couple issues. They are obviously well-raised children who know how to behave, and they treat their grammie right.

13 Mile Training Run

I ran from my front door, where this photo was taken, up over that first hill, up over the second hill and on past that cell phone tower (very light gray tower back of the telephone pole), and back in a 13-mile loop. I never broke stride, but ran the whole way; time was 2:16 (11 minute mile pace). My real-time running partner did the same run in about 2:30, and he, too, never broke stride.

Today's route took me past Beverly Holsinger Schwartzkopf's childhood home (General Schwartzkopf's wife) and along part of one year's Tour DePont's course.

While we ran in temps in the mid-50s, my virtual (NY) running partner did 9 miles at a bit under 10 minute mile pace in 45 degree weather.

And now the taper, and recovery . . . two weeks till the Half.

Two Weeks Two Days to Go . . .

I thought tonight would be a speed workout, but it was cold (by VA standards, anyway -- about 45 degrees) and raining. My ears and hands were cold; I needed my ear warmers or stocking hat, not just my cap, and my gloves. It's been a couple weeks since I've run that way, so I didn't even think to add them.

I ended up with an easy 4 miles (11 minute mile pace). As I thought about it, that was plenty. After two 5Ks last weekend, and a hard 5 mile run with the Club on Tuesday, an easy run seemed the wisest course, especially as my fatigue level didn't ease as it sometimes does once I get started. And I do want to run 13 miles on Saturday.

Ten weeks of training have nearly passed, and the big day is almost here. My original plan was just to do it. That evolved into looking forward to my second real-time race with my virtual running partner. And now I want to finish well, to honor my buddy Butch for all the courses he's mapped out according to my mileage goals, for coaching me along and even running a lot of miles alongside. Not to make him proud exactly, but just to say thanks and make him feel like the effort was worth it -- not necessarily because he needs that, but I do.

I need to say thanks -- to God for healing me so I can run, to my first running Coach who taught me to run and ran me back to faith, to my virtual and real-time running partners who are so encouraging, and to my family and friends who have always been there for me and who never stopped believing in me. And the best way I can think of to show my thanks would be to finish well. Even if that does not happen, however, it's okay, as I know I have trained as best I can. The actual finish pace will reflect that I am sure, but it will also reflect several other factors outside of my control. And that's okay, too. I know those who have invested themselves in my behalf will still love me, still invest in me, no matter what the end result. Any disappointment felt will be with me, not in me. That's just who they are.

Another grandchild...

I learned a few days ago that my newest grandchild is expected to graduate from the womb in December, three months after my newest niece/nephew does.

About 25 years ago, my sister and I had babies just three months apart. And now those two cousins, my daughter and her son, will be having their first babies on the same year. Both new moms are doing well. And I can hardly wait to see these little ones' faces, and touch their skin.