Days with the Dorans

  So prior to all the Covid nonsense, I had signed up to run the Detroit Freepress International Half Marathon. When it was cancelled I was given the choice to run it remotely, or defer and be able to run it the next time they race it in person. Since I have no idea what will happen, I decided to run it remote! I was really bummed because I REALLY wanted to run over the bridge, so we found a bridge to run over in our hometown. Not quite the same but it worked. It was a beautiful morning for a run. We ran the airline train and I ran dirt trails and paved. It was relatively flat too. I wasn't sure how I would run it but I did decide to do a Galloway. I had a timer on my watch and I eventually got into a good groove and felt really good. I ran with my friend Dave (a XC running dad/ friend) and his two friends (now my friends). None of us stuck together though- I was second in the pack. One of the husbands was waiting with water at one of our turn-arounds which was so fun. I didn't...

  After my successful half on the treadmill I thought I'd be OK to run a half outside... I knew I was in trouble when I hit mile 5 and was already thirsty. I circled back to home and told Jeff to have some water waiting for me. He did. Then I got to mile 8 and knew I was in trouble again so I called the kids and asked them to bring me water. Thank God for kids who drive and could get there fast! At this point I knew I was in trouble... I wanted to get in the car with them but I thought even if I don't complete this half all running, I can at least cover the distance. And I did~ but dang was it HOT! I walked from mile 8 to mile 12 and then I ran the last 1.1 (slowly, but I ran it). I didn't die. But I wanted to.

  So I felt like a rock-star today! I had a HUGE PR in my virtual race this morning! When I checked my watch, I knew I was really moving even with the hills!! I actually broke 8 minute miles! I can die a happy woman! After, I decided to tackle some yard work. I've soooo neglected our house. I always feel better when I do a little before and after picture. There was no memorial day parade today but we remembered the fallen ( HERE ) and Joe and his friends played taps HERE . Ali is also going to start driving soon so we headed to WLN to do a little practice in the parking lot since I know she may go out right away. She did pretty well! And finally we ended at the lake! We tried to get Fender to swim but then he kind of did it on his own. Thankfully I got it on video HERE . The big question... Was Marty trying to Drown him or save him?

  FINALLY!! It feels like forever since we saw Grandma! Covid makes things tricky but we ordered pizza, ate in the garage and hung out in the backyard. There weren't hugs but there was lots of love! It was SOOOO great to see her in person! I also ran a 5k (virtual style) today too!

So I'm a bit addicted to the Charge Running App- where you run with coaches in your ears and with other runners. With Covid, all in-person races have been canceled but virtual runs are still on. Well, Charge hosted a half marathon. The cool thing about the app is you can do you and you don't have to do the whole thing. I had a friend running it too and I thought, I could maybe do a 10K on the treadmill and that I'd just play it by ear... Well, I felt good by that point and thought I was going to keep going. At ten miles, I knew that I was going to finish. I had water with me and was doing a run/walk and I had a fan. I can't believe it!! This was a PR for me! My watch actually had me faster so I took the treadmill and Charge time which were pretty much the same! So proud of ME! Suck it, Covid! CHARGE ON!

  Getting out for a good run is just what the doctor ordered and look who joined me!! And... loved seeing the kids out and playing some soccer too! Not everything is wrong with the world... ;-)

So after a week off from running (which felt like FOREVER) I started running again- easy and on the treadmill and then it was time to take Marty out again. I actually signed us up for a 5K and he ROCKED it!! He looked so handsome in his medal so of course I had to take some pictures of him! Great job, Marty!! Great to be running with you again!  

So I've been running Marty lately which is so much fun! I usually go out for my own run and when I get home, instead of walking him, I take him for a short run. We started out with a mile and he's even done a 5k! I'm so proud of him! One of the mail carriers is so awesome! She saw us and stopped and gave him a treat which he was super happy about. I gave him the treat and turned to run and did something wonky with my ankle- rolled it and MAN did it hurt!!! I tried to run easy (nope) then tried to walk (OMG- that was killing me too!). I was tempted to call and have someone get me but I was only about 5 houses away from our home. I run every day and the thought of not running was awful and had me down. I iced and elevated and Marty felt so bad. He's a mama's boy anyway but he wouldn't leave my side. I could tell this was going to side-line me for a bit and I also had Joey's festival to go to!! I kept thinking at least it was my left ankle so I could drive! It ...