Happy New Year!

It is January 1st and I am starting out the year WRITING!  Woooooo!!!  Perhaps this will be the year I write my first novel.  Or run 1,200 miles and compete in 12 races.  Or learn Spanish.  Or read 100 biographies. Or save many homeless doggies. Or try new wines all over the world.  Or live in the moment. Or get closer to God. Hopefully, this year will find me accomplishing all of the above!

My year is off to a wonderful start as I am writing this from Bordeaux, France!  See?  I'm already hitting one of my targets this year!  Wines around the world!  I had a very Merry Christmas in cheery London, experienced a breathtaking New Year's Eve under the Eiffel Tower and now here in Bordeaux. Lucky, lucky me. :). 

Right now, I am tasting a Chateau L'Argilus Du Roi from Saint- Estephe here in Bordeaux. It certainly is a great way to end day one of the new year. There are 364 days left in my book for 2013. I plan to "do one thing every day that scares me." Thanks Eleanor Roosevelt.  I plan to use this as my motto this year!  What about you?

Let Go and Let God!!

Reese to the Rescue!

It's been a while since I blogged...too long in fact. Sigh. Time waits for no woman and here we are again - the holiday season is here and the end of 2012 fast approaches.  I'm still running, I'm still drinking red wine and I'm still in love with my pup, Reese.   There are some pretty big changes on the horizon though, and I am very excited for 2013 and what it holds for me.  In no particular order:  a change of residency, a trip to Europe, a new business venture, an exciting running campaign, Reese Prenda, Wonder Dog, writing, and, OF COURSE, wine. Mostly red wine.

Something specific that weighs heavily on my mind that I thought I would share, is the number of abandoned, lost, abused and even stolen dogs there are each and every day. It's overwhelming for a dog lover. I'm trying to figure out how to help save these beautiful creatures and Reese suggested that he might try his hand at spreading the news about his fellow comrads in the form of a newsletter or his very own blog.  I agreed it could be a start, so be on the look out for his upcoming debut. I really wish I could save each and every dog, but even saving one dog from a cruel and unsafe life is something.  We're going to do this!. Reese to the Rescue!

I've made an early New Year's resolution to write more often, even if it's just a few sentences each day. So there. I just committed to it out loud (sorta) and hope to stop by here more often.  My other early resolutions?  Live more, worry less and follow my true passions.

Let Go and Let God.

2011 Boston Marathon Recap

It's Tuesday, April 19th, one day after Patriot's Day. And if you a running fan, a New Englander or a lover of historical factoids, you will know that yesterday was the 115th run of the Boston Marathon! I have had the running pleasure of qualifying and running this event twice!

Last year, I was a novice in all aspects- attended the expo at the most crowded time, stood in the longest line waiting for the bus to deliver us to Hopkinton (much like children on our first day of school), found the longest porty potty line before the start of the race and went to the most crowded restaurant to celebrate my victory dance. Well, my friends, I am a novice to the Marathon no more!!! This year, I was prepared!! Hubby and I arrived a day earlier and found the perfect quaint hotel just off the beaten path. XV Beacon rocked and had a terrific restaurant called Moo...yes, that's right Moo...and yes, awesome steaks are served there as well as a wonderful Malbec and Shiraz. I had much of both- after the race, of course. Anyway, having arrived early, we enjoyed Boston on Friday evening. I had the opportunity to get up Saturday morning and go for a shake out run with Bart Yasso, David Willey and the crew from Runner's World. That was awesome! Bart Yasso is the man. Period.

We went to the expo early Saturday afternoon and, although it was still quite crowded, it went pretty smoothly and we were able to pick up my race packet, a few items of Boston Marathon clothing and some samples from some of the companies there promoting their goods to all of
the runners. After a few bites of power bars, sips of power drinks and samples of energy boosters, we were pretty hyper for the rest of the afternoon. We survived the expo and walked away feeling accomplished. And thirsty. So, we opted for a stop at a local wine bar for an
appetizer and a glass or two of Merlot. Saturday night was our dinner at Moo, and it certainly lived up to its name.

Sunday was total rest and relaxation day, and the weather was perfect for just that. Rain, wind and overcast skies started the day but by early evening, the sky had cleared and the sun peaked through as if in preparation for the big day on Monday. The weather was actually perfect for race day. A few people must have been praying in unison, because the day before and the day after were both miserable marathon days. We went to the North End for a runner's traditional carb load meal and I was not disappointed. Brecco delivered delicious pasta, bread and, of course, cannolis. Cab Sav was also served to compliment the meal and we were back and ready for a quiet and anxious night before the big race!

As I mentioned earlier, I learned valuable lessons last year. One in particular, was the line for the buses to take us to the start of the race. Because this race is a run into Boston from 26.2 miles outside of the city, the BAA transports the runners to the starting town of Hopkinton by school buses. These buses pull in by the dozens, load runners, drive away so more of the yellow darlings can take their place. Last year, there was this single line on one side of the park that lasted forever! We watched others get onto the buses with minimal wait, but we were afraid to get out of line to see what the deal was. Well, this year I went to the
OTHER side of the park right away, and got in a nice, short line with only about a five minute wait. When my bus pulled away, we passed the line I stood in last year. I waved. Novices!

Once in Hopkinton, we are delivered to the local high school where they have tents, live music, some pre-race food and, of course, the most important part of race day - the dreaded yet all-important porty potties. You know you have arrived in the sport of running when you look forward to seeing one of them at the starting area or somewhere along the race. Believe me, you lose all sense of vanity when one is needed. Anyway, my strategy was to get in line right away to make sure I had the opportunity to use one. It worked so well, that I was able to get in line three times. Maybe a bit of an overload, but one can never feel ready enough!!

The line up to the race is somewhat of a cattle call. After delivering our bags to pick up later to our respective bus number, the runners make their way about a half of a mile down the street to the start corrals...corrals, cattle call...see the resemblance? There are hundreds of people in their respective corrals and everyone has a look of anticipation at what is to come. The announcer calls our start and we are off, running the most prestigious race- The Boston Marathon!!

For me, once the race starts, I pretty much forget the other runners, the stress of the morning preparation and even the crowds. It's all about me, my music and the run. As I pass each mile marker, I become more confident that the finish line will arrive. I tried to run a little more strategically this year as last year it was just about being there and having the opportunity to run the race. My strategy worked out pretty well in the beginning. I had a strong half and came in right around my goal I had set for myself. It was going pretty well until I entered the Hills of Newton around mile 17. Oh, Heartbreak Hill how I will overcome you properly someday. That is a promise! Those 3-4 miles of uphill terrain is a little tough but I was hoping to save my gas for the remaining 5 miles of the race, which takes you into Boston and, eventually to Boylston Strret and the finish line that every runner wants to cross. I rebounded ok, but was off my time and, once again, didn't finish as strongly as I would have liked. The good news is I shaved 10 minutes off my time from last year and, to be honest, was less rough on myself this year. I really enjoyed the run and crossing that finish line this year was really thrilling! I savored the moment and really did enjoy the whole experience! I know how fortunate I have been to run this race not once, but twice! My own personal paparazzi was waiting for me, (a.k.a. Hubby) so in my home anyway, I knew I had arrived! :)

Celebratory dinner after the big race is always the best! We were smart this year to make a reservation and doubly smart to do so in our hotel so crowds and walking would both be minimal. Score!! We dined at Moo for another night and this time I actually had a couple of bites of prime rib! Needed some protein after burning about 1300 calories! Champagne was the drink of choice and we toasted to another success in Beantown. I also wore my marathon jacket to dinner. Boston is the only place and the only race I have been in where the runners wear their jackets and marathon shirts all weekend like badges. After the race, runners also wear their medals around their neck pretty much everywhere they go. I will admit that I also wore my jacket around town most of the weekend, but find it just a little too showcasey with the medal. I mean, come on people...do you think the actual winners of the marathon wear their medals out to dinner, to the gas station or on the train ride home? I even saw a women at dinner last night in a very beautiful black dress and heels...and yes, with the medal around her neck. Nice bling, I guess. Maybe next year, we could ask for matching earrings for the women. I will call the BAA to check on that.

The Boston Marathon comes up often when googling "bucket list.". Check once, check twice...third time is a charm? Next April on Patriot's Day, I hope to once again be able to say, "Boston or Bust!"

A Recap of 2010

So, I created this blog last February, with the intentions of blogging about running, red wine and any other important components of my life.  Well, the next day was 2011, and I didn't get the chance to share some of the events that happened this past year. Before I started to babble on about what is on the radar this year, I thought I might give an overview of a few special moments that happened in my life over the past 12 months.

1. BOSTON MARATHON - Ok, so I already devoted a blog to the before and after of this event, but it's the BOSTON MARATHON!  And the great news is - I get to do it again this April!  This time, I have a new treadmill (thanks, Honey) and have already started the year running more and training somewhat properly.  Those long runs on the weekend are killer!  I'm pumped, I'm psyched and ready to set a PR!  More on that later!  Here's a pic from last year's marathon - love the jacket!!!! Can't wait to see what they have for colors this year!  What a girlie-girl thing to say!  Ha!  I wouldn't really consider myself that way, but sometimes the thoughts just come from somewhere deep inside....

2.  MOUNT RUSHMORE - Early last summer, hubby and I took a road trip cross country and even went into western Canada!  We tend to do crazy things like that from time to time - it is our third road trip across the U.S.  We only have two states to explore and we can say that we have actually been to all of the lower 48.  Michigan and Oklahoma - here we come!!  We have seen so many interesting things, spent many hours listening to books on tape, popping almonds and M&Ms while riding for miles and miles, and randomly finding hotels and towns that are become our hidden treasures! (i.e. St. Paul, Minnesota)  Last year, our road trip took us en route to Mount Rushmore in....do you know?  I actually didn't - but it is in Keystone, South Dakota.  Up a long hill.  On a mountain.  Actually, I thought the heads of our famous Presidents were a little smaller than expected.  Way cool though. Take a look...

3.  THE ONE, THE ONLY....TONY HORTON!! - Yes, folks...one of my heros is real!  And nice!  And really nice!  Tony Horton a.k.a. P90X geru came to Washington, D.C. in July to be the host of the National Press Club's annual 5k race.  He not only inspired people to come out and run, he actually ran the race as well and stuck around to pass out the awards and prizes at the post-award ceremony.  Let me first say that the National Press Club put together a kick-ass event!  It was well organized, had awesome prizes (both for the winners and raffle opportunities) and had a great sit-down spread after the event!  Of course, Tony Horton was the icing on the cake.  Yes, he really is buff in person and totally down to earth.  I not only had the chance to meet him, I also won an award for my age division, so I had the opportunity to hug him twice.  Yay me!!! Hubby and I are still huge P90X fans and spend time with Tony in the privacy of our basement most days.  Can't wait for the new P90X program to roll out - looks like it may happen this spring!  Woooo!  "Tone" and I are hanging out here for you to see....think we look kinda cute together.... :)

4.  AUGUST IN MAINE - So my favorite niece and running partner, Amanda, met her Prince Charming, a.k.a. Nate, this past year - actually on New Year's Eve, 2009.  She fell in love, got married and had her first son, Anderson on January 2, 2011.  Whew!  What a mind-blowing, head-spinning year for her!  She is so happy though...and that makes me so happy.  How does this relate to August in Maine?  I was honored to be one of her bridesmaids at her wedding! As her wedding was at the end of the month and I had to be there at the beginning to run in Joan Benoit's Beach to Beach 10k road race, (Joan Benoit, I bow to you!!!)  hubby and I decided to just stay in Maine for most of the month.  Maine is my home state and most of my family and friends are there, so we had much visiting to do.  However, we did decide to rent a cabin in a couple of different locations while we were there.  It was really an awesome month - we may just do it again this summer.  And, of course, the Pup went with us.  He goes with us most places, unless we have to fly or  go to places that don't allow our four-legged friends - shame on them.  So, the month was an fly-by-your-seat adventure, but we really had a great time.  Pup loves vacationing - he chased birds, tried to bite the ocean waves and fell into deep slumber with the sounds of the sea and the smell of the water coming through our windows each night.  Come to think of it, so did we.  LOVE THE OCEAN.  MISS THE OCEAN.  PLAN TO LIVE BY THE OCEAN AGAIN SOON.  Period.  End of discussion.


Amanda and Nate were married outside at a gorgeous B&B in Greenville, Maine  and had an absolutely beautiful and perfect day.  The bride was stunning, the groom was handsome and the man who married them was HOT!  He was also hubby.  No, he is not a priest or event a justice of the peace, but he performed most of the ceremony, except for the crucial parts, so it would all be legitimate.  It's all good!  Here's another picture to celebrate the day and the new life of this special couple.  Brian and I named them the Duke and Duchess of Brunswick...and it has stuck.

5.  RUN, WINE, RUN!!  GO, PUP, GO!! - So, there are many more events to share and topics to discuss - it's hard to put a full year into a few paragraphs.  So, I thought a recap of what I love most would suffice - Running, Wine, the Pup.

My running suffered a little this year - I only logged about 600 miles.  My goal was double that.  I was sans a treadmill and we had the snowmaggedon of 2010, so it limited my running for the first few months.  I was, however, able to run TWO marathons this year - Boston, as you now know, and the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.  That now makes a total of 4 marathons for me.  Woo!  I also ran other races, including a half marathon at night in Disney. This race is worth mentioning for two reasons - One, we started the race at 10 p.m. and ran through all the parks, ending in Epcot with a wine and food tasting.  AWESOME!  Two, hubby ran his first half!  He rocked it!  It was a proud moment for a runner, when you are able to convince your spouse to run 13.1 miles in the dark and for fun.  The first thing he said when he crossed the line was, "Don't ever ask me to run a marathon."  Then he experienced runner's high, forgot about the pain, and has decided to try to run a marathon this fall.  Running fever is unbiased - it attacks all ages, sizes, and atheletic ability - regardless of gender and ethnicity.  It was a fun weekend and an interesting race.  This year, I have plans to  run 50-50...it's a goal, it's a dream...but it's my goal and my dream and can be done!  I'll be talking more about this in a future post.  :)


I so enjoyed the Virginia wineries this year.  We spent many of our weekends at one winery or another, tasting, drinking, becoming members and buying more wine for our at-home usage and growing wine cellar.   If you live in the area and haven't discovered these treasures, DO SO NOW!  If you don't live here but want to come visit, DO IT!  Virginia is becoming the east coast Napa Valley.  It's gonna go places and gonna be big...the Governor said so.  We have done our part of supporting the industry.  We even have toyed with the idea of having our own vineyard and winery...it's in the early stages but it is a possibility.. SevenVinesWinery became an entity this year...more on THAT to come.  Shhhhhhh.....for now.
 Reese the Wonder Pup was as adorable as ever this year.  That boy has brought a ton of laughs and much joy into my life.  Who knew I was such a dog lover?  I really have become one and it all started with the Pup.   He has such a personality - he even has his own facebook page - Reese Prenda - go be his friend.  You won't regret it.  Is this not the cutest face you have ever seen??

Well, enough of the past - time to focus on the present and the new year ahead!  I'm raising my glass of Noblesse Rouge from Rappahannock Cellars in Hume, VA (A must visit - their wine rocks!) while wearing my Nike running shoes and running outfit - matching, of course (girlie-girl strikes again!), and toasting the beginning of an exciting and unpredictable 2011!  Salut!!!!

Chick in the City!!

I moved from Maine to Virginia/DC a few years ago - which already leads me in another direction to ask the question of when can a person say they live in their current city, without having to say, "I'm originally from Maine or California or the Moon?"  Seems the conversation always circles back to where you began in life, not so much of where you are today.  Anyway, back to my story.  When I moved, I left behind most of my immediate family, co-workers, friends and a few very close girlfriends.  One of those gal pals is the Accessory Queen of New England...the Chick from Chickieville...Simply Jules Accessories President/CEO - Julie, Julie, Julie.  But, for some reason I cannot explain or have forgotten in my Alzheimer moment, she and I call each other Chickie.  Images of cute, yellow chicks come to mind?  Sometimes it is just The Chick, Chick-a-licious or Chicka but NEVER Chicken.  That takes on a whole other meaning. 

So, The Chick came for a visit a couple of weeks ago.  This is significant for one main reason - it's her first visit in a very long time.  She has three gorgeous children, two jobs, a husband...need I say more?  Not much "Chick" time, but that all changed when one of those great birds in the sky flew her straight to the Nation's Capitol.  I convinced Hubby to spend a nice, quiet weekend with the Pup and Kitty in Prendaville (after I also provided him with a Honey Do list that would require hammers, paintbrushes and even a power washer) and I was ready to "Paint the Town" with my Chick.  Before Hubby left the city, Chick asked for some Ibuprofen, Tylenol, whatever I might have on hand.  I knew Hubby had some pills, so I grabbed some Ibuprofen out of his nightstand and fed them to The Chick.  This piece of information is important.  We shall come back to this throughout this story.

The first night, we explored Penn Quarter in D.C.  Walked around, stopped at a wine tasting, went to a couple of happy hours and had some yummy munchies.  Was a little disappointed that the City wasn't a little busier, given it was a Friday night, but a good time was had by all the Chicks and we continued our own wine and cheese tasting at the apartment.  The next morning, The Chick was commenting on how well-rested she was.  This is significant because she sometimes has interrupted sleep or just wakes up very early.  So, Day Two had begun.  Now, The Chick likes to shop.  Me?  I have to be in the mood.  On a weekend, I would prefer to run, shower, eat, drink some red wine for lunch and continue the food and wine theme throughout the day.   I should add that the food part is usually very healthy.  I happen to be one of "those" women who love what's good for you - fish, avocado, eggplant, tomatoes, chicken breast, peppers, etc....Yummo...all doused in olive oil.  We love olive oil.  On just about everything.  I would bathe in it if I could...again, that is another story.  Back on track.  The Chick - Shopping.  So, off we go on a Saturday in the City.  But before we left, those pills I discussed earlier?  I took some and so did Chick. 

We didn't get too far from the apartment when we ran into an Asian street festival.  Three hours and two sundresses later (and a kimono shirt for me), we were on our way to Union Station to peruse a few shops and find a place for lunch.  YES, FOOD and WINE!  Did I mention that I was feeling quite tired and even had a few moments of vertigo?  Thought it just might have been the late night, etc.  Not like me to be unmovin' and ungroovin' throughout the day.  So Union Station was good - found a kick-a-- pair of black, open-toed high heeled shoes, and few other articles of clothing at one of my favorite stores - Black and White - yes, black and white for my wardrobe, although my opinions and life revolve around shades of gray.  We made it back home, oh - after we stopped back at the festival for one last look.  So, we wore some of our new clothing...I actually wore a GOLD and black dress...and we went back out on the town.  In D.C.  On a Saturday night.  A busier night but still kinda quite for D.C.!  I mean, for real?  We still had fun.  Chick found a new 65 year-old friend but he also comes with free drinks and special deals at happy hour, so that made me happy. 

Day Three - it was the Chick's birthday today!  Woooo!  We spent the morning in the City and drove home to NoVa to spend some time by the pool and to go to a wine festival!  Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and Chick had to borrow galoshes and an umbrella, but we (plus Hubby) still went the to the wine festival.  We are like the postman - rain, sleet, snow or shine - we deliver (or in this case, imbibe!)  Did I mention that Chick took more Ibuprofen before we left the apartment?  The drive is, unfortunately, about an hour on 66...for those living close to the Beltway - need I say more?  Chick was ready for a nap when she reached Prendaville.

Back to the wine festival.  So, it really was raining quite hard and the festival was in a field, so it was muddy, sloshy and..well, wet.  Which really meant less people and more wine for us.  What more could you want??  Wine tastings in two big tents, SHOPPING (Chick was thrilled) from everything from wine t-shirts to new windows and lots of samples of cheese, chocolate and crackers.  FOOD and WINE!  We found this one Virginia winery that had pepper jack wine.  No joke.  We took a swill of cheese whiz (which the guy put on our hand) and we ate the cheese and drank a shot of the wine.  Really???  Sound like a type of drink we might all have tried at least once?  Except this was cheese whiz and hot wine.  Only in Podunk, America.

Back to Prendaville, a fire pit by the pool - the rain did stop just in time for that - and a restful night was had by all.  Unfortunately, Monday came too soon and it was time for Chicka to fly back to Maine - the way life should be.  Fortunately,  she did NOT take the magic Ibuprofen before she left.  She was stuck in New Jersey for a few hours due to weather.  She might not have made it home still.  As you may have guessed, the pills were not just regular pills.  Nope.  I took two on Monday as I went to lounge by the pool.  Hubby asked how many of those we took over the weekend.  Just before I passed out, I learned they were indeed night-time sleeping pills.

So, I basically drugged my Chick in the City.  And myself.  We still managed to stay awake (for the most part) and had a blast.  And maybe the next time she is here, we will try that "other" lick the hand and drink the liquid shot.....

Life After the Boston Marathon

It's been almost three weeks since I ran the Boston Marathon and I happen to be fully recovered and already planning for my next running adventure.  Actually, recovery time was only a couple of days for me.  I just started the P90X program, once again I might add, and the first day or two is totally a killer.  I feel like an old lady trying to stand up and sit down for a couple of days after the core program from P90X and yet I ran 26.2 hilly miles and was fine the next day.  Go figure!  Trying to decide what marathon to do and where...I'm thinking about the Mount Desert Island marathon in beautiful Bar Harbor, (or Bah Hahbah as those Mainahs like to say) Maine or Dublin, Ireland.  Hmmmm....quite a contrast I guess!  The good news for me is I can run Boston again next year and, yes, I want to!!  I feel so honored to be in the Club and it was an amazing experience for me but I am on a mission to speed up my finishing time and get back to business!  It was my slowest time for a marathon and I could list a dozen excuses - blah, blah, blah...bottom line is - It's Boston!  It's the Mother Marathon!  I did it!!  And I'm gonna do it again next year!  Boston Marathon or  Bust, Baby!

So let's talk P90X for a moment - Tony Horton, if you are reading this, and I am SURE you are - free advertising for you!  Hubby and I started the program a couple of years ago.  It's a 90 day "muscle confusion" program that works ALL body parts.  It has daily programs that include cardio, plyometrics, strength training, kenpo and yoga and are all about one hour in length.  Honestly, this workout is a great endurance builder and it really does tone and tweak your muscles in places you didn't even know you had them!  We actually stretched the program out over a year, and did the 90 day program twice.  It is time consuming, especially if you are supplementing any other activities, like running for me but I really think it helped my stamina and time with my runs.  So, go buy it.  And do it.  And like it.

On the home front, the pool is open and ready for swimmers!  So, the deal is my niece and running partner, Amanda (and my twin...she was born on my birthday...you can still be twins even though you are 11 years apart, right??) signed me up for a triathlon in September.  Running - check.  Biking - check.  Swimming - question mark.  I can swim, but not that well.  I really would rather not drown competing in a race, so I am excited to have the pool open for practice!  Laps will be great, but I really need to be comfortable with my face in the water.  This will entail nose plugs and goggles, and maybe I'll finish out the look with a bathing cap and an old fashioned swimsuit.  I was just reminded of my mother's look when she used to take us to the beach when I was like 5.  Those were some good looking swimsuits back then, ladies! 

Reese, the Wonder Pup, doesn't like water.  Not even a little.  Aren't dogs supposed to love splashing and swimming, and then coming into the house soaking wet and shaking and shimmying so everyone else gets to be soaked too?  Not this pup.  He runs...very fast....in the opposite direction anytime we are in the water, or when we try to give him a bath.  He actually hides in the mornings until he hears the hair dryer, signaling the fact we are dressed and he has escaped the dreaded bath once again.  He would rather be curled up under warm blankets and held.  Just like a little baby.  Oh boy.

The weather has been so warm the last few days and rumor has it no snow in sight!  I know, I know - it's May after all, but with this wacky weather pattern the world is experiencing, who knows??  All I do know is that running in shorts and and a tank is such a pleasant thing, and one I won't take for granted in the near future.  I finally have put my winter gear away for another few months.  As hot as it has been lately, maybe we should all just run naked.  Then we could really be like the early marathoners from Greece.  Hey, it was just a thought!  You wouldn't have to worry about tan lines.

It's five o'clock somewhere, so you know what that means.....red, red wine....

Boston Marathon Bound!

I've been running for years.   I run most days of the week and have competed in all types of races, including a few half marathons.  I just recently added marathons to my portfolio.  To date, I have only raced in two - the Country Music Marathon in Nashville in 2008 and the Chicago Marathon this past October.  I'm also not all that disciplined about training properly...I have a hard time with those looooooooong runs preparing for the big day.  So, I was more than excited and totally thrilled to have qualified for this year's Boston Marathon at Chicago...with 24 seconds to go.  Yes, I barely squeaked by with my time to get into Boston - but who really cares?  It could have been 24 minutes or 2.4 hours...I MADE IT!  However, if those two bathroom breaks (and all you runners out there know what I mean...) had caused me to miss those precious seconds, then this Chicka would have cared..................well, let's not go to there, shall we?

So, the accomplishment to qualifiy for Boston is almost as exciting as the race itself...right?   I have had months to bask in the glow of knowing that I get to run Boston!  Woooo!  Well, today I decided to get out my calendar, as it is a brand new month, and realized we are 7 weeks away!  Yikes!  ONLY SEVEN MORE WEEKS???  Forty nine days from now, if all goes well, I will be in the "Heartbreak Hill" club.  Is that a club?  I'm pretty sure I know the reason for the name and will be excited to see the other side of that Hill when the time comes. And if there's not a club, there should be.

My Mom called me the other day (my parents live in Maine but are vacationing in Florida) and mentioned there was a marathon/half marathon in Tampa.  She was very impressed that there were about 4,000 runners competing, and asked how many would be running in Boston.  When I told her the race was cut off at 25,000, she was pretty shocked at the number of participants.  Chicago was almost double that.  Running has become quite a sport/hobby for many of us, and I expect the races to only get bigger.  My Mom and Dad live on an island in Maine, where I believe the total population is less than a 1,000 and that includes adults, children, animals and lobster traps - so probably any race looks big.  I wonder if there are more runners in the Boston Marathon than there are citizens of the County in Maine where they live?  Just putting it in perspective. 

Reese had a very busy day today.  He chewed the leather sole of one of my hubby's shoes, bit a hole in my bomber leather jacket, and chewed a finger off one of my leather gloves.  Do you see a pattern here?  He really is addicted to leather.  Kitty is lucky she isn't made of leather...although, those two are going to have a showdown at some point.  My money might just be on the cat.  Reese may be bigger and louder, but he is still a pup and just wants to play.  Kitty (which is her name, by the way - very original, I know...how she came to be a part of the family is another story) is actually about 10 now and likes to soak in the sun on her favorite perch.  She has no patience and no interest in Reese.  None.  And one of these days when he is bouncing up and down to play with her....POW!!! Right in the kisser.  I guess we all need to learn those lessons at some point.

Happy Monday, Happy March and Happy Merlot!