Have a Heart....for Sherry...for life. Safety running rituals.

It was a cold, frigid day on Sunday. It was our final long run for the MV 20 miler (Nancy and me). I was in Nahant; Nancy on Cape. We checked in with each other, and then I braved the cold wind, but only for one way! YAY!!! I thought I'd only run 12-13 miles (ended up 16.2), but as I glided through the wind and beaming sun, I persevered. I thought about Sherry. How far was she planning to run? Was it cold like it was for me (she in the woods, me along the ocean)? Was she planning for her students? Thinking of her kids? Goodie she would eat after that long run? I kept asking myself....WHY? Why does this happen? The scary part is that women are being attacked frequently while out on their run, and it is being reported more often.

So here are some rituals I go through before I run (primarily at dawn or dusk):
- I wear a reflective jacket (Brooks) and carry an LED light that flickers or I have one that glows green and it can flicker too.
- I don't use my IPOD.
- I tuck my pony tail in my shirt or in my jacket.
- I tell a friend, family member, or neighbor my route (and approx distance), and sometimes that means a phone call or text.
- Sometimes I carry a set of keys intertwined in my fingers. I've been known to carry rope, high-pitched whistles and sticks, because I've had dogs run at me and encountered a pack of coyotes.

Does this mean we are totally safe? No it doesn't but we must continue to run and do what we love. Sherry would want it that way. Truthfully, our family and friends would want it that way too.

I felt BLUE the other day. All of us have our moments, and even though I am not a parent, I sometimes experience a sadness that I never had a child. Perhaps it is because I recently turned 50. Who knows? I see some blogs that have virtual runs for "mommas" and of course, I send emails, "Is it ok that I run this even though I am not a momma?" I loved Rissa's reply from Move it Momma....."OF COURSE YOU CAN! ABSOLUTELY!" Thank you Rissa, because I know some people think I am ridiculous. Well I am sometimes, but that's what makes me ME!
Check out the badge on the sidebar if you want to join in. I also just completed Carrie's virtual run (Maine Mom on the Run). I was so happy to run during my lunch half hour:) I beat 20 min and that was fine with me!!

Finally, Brian did it again....I was so surprised at school today with a Pajama Gram!!!
I love them! They came in a blue net sack and a white net sack had goodies in them. They are packed for Rome. We're off Sat night at 9:30, after I run that 20 miler on the Vineyard. The compression socks ARE packed! And the croissants are almost gone......see below.

 

Let me say, if you want to splurge for your Honey or yourself:), get these croissants from Williams-Sonoma which can only be bought online. OK so they're expensive but unbelievably YUMMY.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.....Be good to your heart and share the love.