I wish running would be easier when you’re traveling ~ but sometimes that’s just not the case.  Spent some time down in Phoenix, AZ picking up my kid from her first year at ASU last week and found myself relegated to the Courtyard Marriott treadmill.  So let me just tell you my treadmill runs were so fantastic!  NOT!

When I first visited Phoenix I didn’t really care for the place.  No trees, dirt and 117 degrees in August.  The heat doesn’t really bother me, but I love green and there isn’t much green.  This time around I saw Phoenix with new eyes.  I really enjoyed it and let’s face it after this year’s winter I’m liking it even more.  I liked it so much…well I’ll just leave that for another post:)

I’ve finally signed up for my first race this year, the Glow Run in St. Louis.  It will be my first 5k in June.  I will run this with a friend of mine from work which I’m sure will be a good time.  Running at night with glow stuff on you, haven’t done that one yet so I’m looking forward the race.  I haven’t signed up for many runs because frankly I just haven’t had as much time as I thought this year and I’ve been trying to nurse some pains as well ~ add yoga certification and I’m a little busy.  I do like to try different types of runs as well.  I’ll do a run once then I’m looking for something else or a different type of run to participate.  I’ve been reading from a lot of other bloggers about the race season ending ~ I guess I don’t look at it that way.  There seems to be plenty of races out there all year-long so I guess that’s good for me.

What I’m really excited about is I finally bought a bike!  I chose The Cyclery in Shiloh, IL and had a great buying experience.  Now I have to tell you when I was younger I did a lot of biking, but haven’t been on one for a long time.  If you are an avid biker you know that some of these bikes are into the $1,000s of dollars.  I didn’t need a bike that expensive but I did want a solid bike that I could really lay down some miles.  It’s always nice when the sales person listens to what you want and need then takes you to the bike that’s best for you.  The salesman selected a Trek women’s road bike.  Not top of the line but perfect for a beginner.  When he brought the bike to me I couldn’t believe how light it was.  Right away I’m noticing some differences, the gear shifting is easier, there are straps for my feet and then…I’m looking at the bike and I finally ask…where’s the kickstand?  Yes, I actually asked that question.  He was so polite and said Ma’am there isn’t a kickstand on this type of bike.  Ooohhh….ok.  Nice!

Anyway, I finally got to try it out today and put in an easy 10 miles.

Of course the helmet matches the bike – lol.

I really think I’m going to like this ~ no doubt it will make me TRI harder!

This blog is almost a 1-1/2 old and is dedicated to my Mother who passed away too young.  One mile for every year of life puts my own life into perspective.  So many miles ahead to go, but each one a dedication and affirmation that life is precious and beautiful.  Now I’m a Mother and have been blessed to experience many wonderful moments with my daughter.  I will not waste one mile of this gift that has been given to me.  My mileage count for April totaled 68.17 and 19.50 so far for May.  Mileage check for the year is 229.35 with 10,079.66 gratefully remaining.  Life is Good.