Running on location: New Haven, Connecticut

My tour guide walked me around New Haven.  He showed me where I could and couldn't go.  I paid close attention.  I could walk on this side of the street, but not on the other.  I could walk on this street, but not pass the gas station and certainly not the Popeye's Chicken.  This might look like a nice park, but it was frequented by drug dealers.  As long as I stayed within the "safe zone" and walked with a group in the evenings, I would be fine.  This is where my family and I would live, work, play and run for the next two weeks. 

Within Yale University lies a residential college enclosed by heavy gates that require a pass card at entry and a push of a button at exit.  From those gates, I can safely venture one block east, three blocks west, one block north and two and a half blocks south.  If I strayed from that zone, except for a long stretch along a residential street, I might be putting myself in danger.  Violent crimes are three times the national average here in New Haven.  Seven people were shot in this city in a forty-eight hour span of time last May.  Growing up and living in the suburbs of Oregon, this is something I have never experienced before.  I was reminded that in parts of our country, even in 2011, a color line exists.  Several tall public housing buildings, the projects stand in a very dangerous parts of the city, just blocks from the prestigious Yale University.  I learned that New Haven and Yale have had a cantankerous relationship for decades.  Divisions and conflicts based on race, class and ethnicity are unfortunately alive and well in this city of great disparity. 

We arrived during a heat wave. New Haven's mercury rose enough to break record highs.  The humidity was oppressive.  From the time I woke up, to the time I went to bed, a layer of sweat coated my skin.  Heat, humidity and high crime rate in a new city aren't factors that lure me out for runs.  The gyms seemed like a better option for the next couple weeks.  The air conditioned nine-floored Yale fitness center gave me a safe, cool place to pump iron, run, cycle, row, swim, and hell, if I wanted to fence, do gymnastics and play squash!

I hopped on a dreadmill with the hopes for making up for all the missed runs I'd accrued since being away from home.  Within five minutes, I was bored stiff.  Honestly, how do be people endure treadmill runs?  I talked myself into sticking it out for a half hour or three miles, whichever came first.  At the rate at which the mileage and minutes were passing, this run was going to take forever!  I cranked up the speed to get it over with.  Then I played with the incline and speed every four minutes or so, to ward off boredom.  Much to my surprise, I managed to log four and a half miles that day.  I went back the next day but could only tolerate three miles.  My heart just wasn't into it.  It was high time to take my running outdoors.

Temperatures and humidity had come down to comfortable levels, but I had other excuses not to run.  I was too busy working.  I was too busy parenting.  I didn't have my running mommas with whom to share the run.  My foot hurt.  I was too full.  I was hungry.  I didn't want to miss breakfast, lunch or dinner in the dining hall.  It was my husband's time to run.  My kids needed me.  I was in a new, unfamiliar, dangerous city.  I always get lost.  Wait a minute!  I have a race in four weeks! Not any race either, it was Hood to Coast!  I had a whole relay team that I couldn't let down.  I NEEDED to train! 

My husband, navigator and scout had run around New Haven a few times and assured me that there were a few safe options.  The first was to run a two mile rectangle around the safe zone.  The second was to run an out and back along a residential road.  I opted for running the perimeter.  It didn't go well.  There were too many traffic lights and cars that messed up my pace and rhythm.  At one point, I veered off course and wound up on the unsafe side of a safe street.  Heart pounding, I dodged traffic to get back to the other side of the street as quickly as I could.  Within a matter of seconds I had found myself the only white person on that side of the street.  The gazes I received weren't friendly. 

The next morning I tried the out and back option.  I would run out of my building, past my favorite bagel shop and down a street to a New Haven landmark called East Rock.  It was just a four mile route.  Orange Street is a residential area sprinkled with attorney and dentists offices, gourmet grocery stories, quaint cafes and eateries and a trendy wine/liquor store.  It was hard to believe that I was still in New Haven which had such a reputation for crime.  I was relieved to discover that it didn't matter which side of the street I ran on.  This was the first time I had spotted parents pushing strollers, kids riding bikes and chatting mommas sporting babies in packs.  I felt safe and was enjoying myself.

Beautiful big houses along this street.

Couldn't resist taking a picture of Willow Street with East Rock backdrop

Gourmet markets to support this neighborhood's affluent residents

So many places of worship. Here's Grace Chapel

Little cafe with outdoor seating

I love the houses on this street

Office space for rent

Before I knew it I had made to East Rock Park.  It is a rather interesting geologic landmark in New Haven.  It is a long wall of a rock that stretches 322 feet into the sky.  It seems misplaced, but makes for an interesting view. I was pleased to discover a playground, picnic tables, barbeque pits and a canoe launch.  What captured my attention though was the river and the trails that flanked it.  Trails!  I couldn't wait to ask around, examine maps and send Steve out on a scouting expedition. 

Peace Park. Peaceful it was.

Mill River

East Rock

Trails to explore next time!

I had been out running around a half hour.  Time had passed so quickly out there this morning.  Much more so than on my treadmill runs.  It was time for my return trip back home.  It was a good run.  One that reminded me of why I love running so much.  You get to see things!  You get to interact with nature!  As if that's not reward enough, those feel-good hormones rush through your body!  I joined my family for lunch and we had a fabulous day exploring the fabulous Connecticut Children's Museum.  This is the dangerous city I had worried so much about?

As good as my run was, I couldn't shake my feelings around the divisions within this city and the longstanding turbulent relationship between Yale and the town of New Haven.  How I wish things were different for so many of the citizens here.  Inequity of resources, power and opportunity are to blame for the high crime rate here.  Everyone deserves a safe place to live and raise their families.  How hard would it be to provide all citizens with high quality education, opportunities for enrichment and recreation, access to health care and nutritious food?  My short stay at Yale has reminded me not to take these things for granted. With privilege comes socio-political responsibility.  What am I doing to bridge such divisions?  What am I doing to stand up for what is right, fair and just?  How can I be a better, more compassionate involved citizen in my own city?  To whom was I choosing to turn a blind eye?  I realized that I had unknowingly become apathetic.  It's time to for me to wake up and get to work! 

Central Park Dream Run

Here I am in Central Park. The one and only Central Park!

For years, I have romanticized running in Central Park.  Could it possibly live up to the images etched into my memory by popular cinema?  Might I brush shoulders with a celebrity New Yorker?  Sarah Jessica Parker, perhaps?  Would I be safe?  Would I get lost?  The map of Central Park had so many lines and loops, I practically got dizzy just looking at it.

Recipe for getting lost.

 I was travel-weary and grumpy from spending so much time with my whiny kiddos who decided they didn't like the smell, sounds, heat and humidity of NYC in July.  Did I even have a run in me?  Perhaps I should put it off another day? NO, no, no!  I was going! Running Central Park was on my bucket list, dammit!  Not only was I going to run Central Park, I was going to enjoy each and every fucking second of it!

I pulled on my coolest running outfit.  Magically, looking like a runner, made me feel like a runner!  My directionally savvy hubby had shown me the map, traced my route, prepped me and made sure we both had our cell phones on sound AND vibrate.  He assured me that he saw lots of female runners running solo during his early morning run, many were plugged into their iPods.  He wasn't the least bit worried about my safety.  I, on the other hand wasn't so sure.  "Only thing we have to fear is fear itself", or so says FDR.  I was about to find out I thought as I put on a brave face and headed out of the quiet, security of my hotel and onto the bustling streets of NYC.  At the very least, I would run a mere two symbolic miles in Central Park.  At best, I would run a nice 6.1 mile loop.

Taxis clogged up the streets honking their impatient horns.  So many people, all in such a great hurry.  I got caught up in the palatable energy and clocked my first half mile at sub-nine minute pace.  Smokin' for me!  A homeless man going the opposite direction saw me coming, jokingly imitated my running and called me "Speedy".  That's right, Speedy. That's me.  I ran right by the neon lights of Times Square, down Broadway and alongside the building in which the David Letterman show is filmed. 

My family in Times Square the day we arrived all starry eyed and jet lagged in NYC

 Can't you just hear the window breaking when Dave throws his pencil at it?! Me too!

My heart skipped a beat when I realized I had made it to  Columbus Circle, the grand entry-way of Central Park!  Tears sprang to my eyes and my throat constricted with emotion.  There I was at the base of the Maine Monument.  It was time to really begin my run.  I felt like I could run all day in this spectacular iconic setting.

Lots of action on Columbus Circle

Maine Monument

My running route was teeming with honking, speeding taxis and cars, carriages drawn by plumed horses, racing bicyclers and countless runners, joggers and walkers, many accompanied by their happy pooches or slumbering babies.  It was like one giant party out there and I was in on the action!  I must have looked quite the fool with the cheesy grin I wore.  My plan was to stay on this main strip and steer clear of the confusing park's interior.  I was guaranteed to get lost if I ventured that direction.  

Notice from left to right, runners, cyclers, motorists sharing the road.

Central Park Drive around the boundary of the park. Inside the park is for foot traffic only.

I got greedy.  My already fantastic run would be even more so if I could lay my eyes on some of Central Park's picturesque bridges, bodies of water and landmarks.  I was feeling full of energy.  Steve had given me the green light to take my time, run as long and far as I liked while he held down the fort with the girls.  It was great having lots of family time and being on vacation.  Nonetheless, traveling with children is stressful!  I have come to realize that traveling in a foreign country where I don't speak the language and can't drink the water is easier than traveling in the United States with two little kids!  Everything goes slower, is riddled with whining and revolves around seeing to it that they are safe, fed, entertained, sun screened, hand sanitized and have empty bladders and bowels.  I love my children dearly, blah, blah, blah, but it was liberating being away from them for the time being.  I wanted to be totally in the present.  It's not every day that I get to be in New York running Central Park!

I felt utterly and completely safe.  I was surrounded by people, none of whom looked the least bit shady.  It was a beautiful day with a clear blue sky.  Fuck it, I'm going in!  What's the worst that could happen?  I get lost and have to ask a stranger for directions?  I have to hail a cab to take me back to the hotel?  I have to call Steve and confess that I wandered off course and needed his support?  This was a chance of a lifetime and I wasn't going to limit the opportunity by being fearful of getting lost.  I always get lost! 

Into the belly of the park I went, in search of its treasures.  I ran alongside the Central Park Zoo and caught a glimpse of the harbor seals swimming in their tank.  Just as I ran underneath the brick archway, the Delacorte Music Clock animals circled around as the clock played a sweet song.  I spotted the "Checkers House" where they filmed "Searching for Bobby Fischer".  I was spellbound the entire run.  Here is a peek at just a few of the exquisite sights I saw:

I have seen countless romantic comedies where happy couples walked across or shared a kiss atop this charming bridge

One of the many bodies of water. I was looking for the Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir, but never found it.

Trees, plants, grass, flowers all within the heart of New York City

The city and the park meet

Belvedere Castle

 Alice in Wonderland Statue

Being in New York for the first time was a dream come true and here I was running in Central Park! Did I get lost?  Of course, I got lost!  Without a doubt, it was the best time I've ever had being lost.  I ended up running over six glorious miles.  I got myself turned around several times within the park.  I called Steve for advice, consulted maps countless times and asked several strangers and a pair of the nicest NYPD officers for directions.  By the time I got back to my hotel, I had the biggest runner's high and a smile glued to my face for the entire day.  May you all have opportunities to be brave, spontaneous and chase down your dreams!  My dream-run in Central Park is one that I will always treasure and hold near and dear in my heart and my mind's eye.

"Not all who wander are lost."
~Tolkien 

Trail Review: Trail Bridge to Clear Lake on the Magnificent McKenzie River Trail

McKenzie River Trail has the bragging rights of being one of the best and most scenic trails in America.  I thank my lucky stars that this gem lies only an hour from my home.  On our way to Bend, I decided to hit the trails while my family hiked and explored the area.  After my last MRT fiasco, documented in Taking Rides from Strangers, I was a bit nervous.  I grilled my husband, looked at trail maps and carefully wrote all my turns on a napkin that I slipped in my water bottle holster.  I would start at Trail Bridge and run up the trail to Clear Lake.  My husband, who has run this trail many times, deemed this the prettiest section of the trail.

McKenzie River Trail always strikes me as a magical, beautiful and serene trail.  It is is nestled in a 300 year-old old-growth forest along the McKenzie River, a swiftly moving river with lots of white water, pretty river rocks and cascading waterfalls.  I was there late Friday morning/early afternoon on a warm summer's day.  One backpacker, three groups of hikers and three mountain bikers were the only people I saw on my eight mile long jaunt along the trail. 

While rooty and rocky, this trail doesn't have much in the way of long or steep hill climbs or descents.  I underestimated its level of difficulty.  Running over winding, rising and falling lava fields was more challenging that I thought.  My body got quite the workout running on this rather technical trail.  Nonetheless, it was a great run and one I highly recommend.  I hope to run portions of the trail until I've covered it in its entirety.  My dream 50K is the elusive McKenzie River Trail 50K.  Entries for this popular, well-run event are by lottery only.  I have yet to have the luck, injury-free body or freedom in my schedule to get in.  MRTR 2012 has a ring to it though!

Where:

From Eugene/Springfield, take highway 126 east 50 miles to the town of McKenzie Bridge.  There are lots of options for starting and finishing your run along this gorgeous twenty-five mile long McKenzie River Trail.  Lots of folks start at Clear Lake and run down the trail.  The run can be as short as you wish or you can run its entire length of 25 miles if you have a ride or can manage shuttling with your running buddies.

Why it's worth the trip:
It's absolutely stunning.  Waterfalls, a raging river, old-growth Cascade forest and diverse lakes are just a few sights that await you.  It's a great place to practice your technical trail running skills without throwing challenging hill climbs or altitude into the mix.  The lakes or  river, if you dare, are perfect for a quick post-run ice bath.  If you're going up there, I recommend making the most of this fabulous area.  There are lots of lovely places to picnic and explore before or afterwards.  You could throw it into all sorts of great day trips such as visiting Leaburg's dam, fish hatchery and lake, taking a guided raft trip down the McKenzie River, picking organic berries at The Blueberry Patch, spending the night in a cabin at the lovely Clear Lake Resort, floating around in one of the lakes or reservoirs, soaking in one of the hot springs, camping at one of the many great campgrounds, or even heading to the quaint town of Sisters or lunch and shopping.  I just love this area!

What to wear:

Trail shoes, gaiters to keep pebbles and pine needles out of your socks and shoes, a hydration pack so you can have your hands free during your run, Gu, Blocs or food to keep your energy up, layers since the temperature fluctuates depending on your proximity to the river and falls, a handkerchief for keeping your neck cool and wiping the trail dust off your face, sunscreen as you are running in and out of the tree cover, and a towel and change of clothes for post-run McKenzie River ice bath.  In the winter until spring, there can be snow on the ground.  It changes the scenery and dressing/packing requirements so plan accordingly.

Take a Peek!

Lots of log bridges to cross.  Here's my first crossing near Trail Bridge Campground. 

After a short, easy climb, I was greeted by this rhodie in full bloom

Blue Pool is exquisite.  Minerals color the water a gorgeous shade of blue and little waterfalls cascade into it.

After Blue Pool, the McKenzie River flows below the surface under the lava fields. This section of the trail is quiet and rather barren.  It demanded careful attention to the trail ahead of me and what my feet were doing.

I was pleasantly surprised to find my family at my half-way point. It was reassuring to know that I was still on track and they were having fun too.

By the time I reached Carmen Reservoir, I was tired and hot. I tried to get my family to let me end my run early.  They wouldn't let me.  Fortunately, their encouraging words and sights and sounds of water, revived me. 

Pretty forest full of Jacob's Ladder, ferns, moss, salal, Douglas Fir trees and rhododendron.

Koosah Falls. Wow!

Back on the trails.  Finally feeling like I'm getting into my groove.  One waterfall down, another to go!

Sahalie Falls

Met up with my crew at Clear Lake.  Whew! I'm beat!

Locals and destination trail runners alike are sure to enjoy this unique, scenic trail.  Be sure to add it to your list of places to run, hike or mountain bike!

Happy Trails!

TSM

Bad runs remind us to truly appreciate good runs

It seemed like an absurd idea, much better suited for the crazy ass runner in my family, not a diva runner like myself.  I wasn't one bit interested in the plan my husband, aforementioned, crazy-ass runner, was trying to sell me.  We had spent the last half hour talking, well, me talking, actually complaining while he indulged my belly aching.  Triathlon season was over.  I decided that I prefer cycling and swimming over running.  Trail running, of course is another story.  I love it, but happen to be training for a road race.  Not any road race, mind you, but the Mother of All Relay's, "Hood to Coast", a 197 mile long relay from Mt. Hood to Seaside.  I, along with eleven other runners each have three legs ranging in distance from four to eight miles that we run over the course of approximately 24 hours.  I have a team that's relying on me.  I don't think they want me running, my default speed of nine to ten minute miles. 

HTC is a mere nine weeks away and I will be on vacation and/or working in the east coast for four of those training weeks.  Over the next couple weeks, I need to get in some quality training because who knows what I'll be able to do while on vacation.  It's time to cut back on my swimming and biking to make room for road running.  Half marathon training is recommended for this event.  Last time around I was marathon ready and it still took a toll on me.  I am worried this year.  The longest run I've had in a year is only eleven miles.  Training time is long overdue for this gal. 

Steve, my husband, suggested that I run seven miles to the pool, then get in my swim.  Seven miles all by my lonesome, on the pavement, in the afternoon, in the heat wasn't exactly my idea of a good time.  Coach Husband has yet to steer me wrong, so I decided to go for it.  I packed up my swim stuff and slipped out the door.  Here's my stream of consciousness during this run.  Haven't you wondered what people think about during their runs?  My mind is a a pinball machine, pinging from thought to thought.  This afternoon it went something like this:

1st mile: Wow, this doesn't feel so good. My legs are so tired. They feel every lift, every vibration that results from impact on the pavement.  This sucks.  Breathing... What a chore!  I can't catch my breath.  I didn't take an allergy pill.  It's peak grass pollen season in the grass pollen capital of the world.  Glance at Garmin. No wonder! I'm running 9:08 min/mi!  Holy shit, that's way too fast! Slow down. Okay, slower isn't feeling better. Damn, it's hot. Why the fuck did I wear this shirt? No wonder why I never wear it.  It comes up to my throat and chokes me. My Nathan hydration pack which holds my swim suit, goggles and swim cap, has never felt hot on my back before.  What's up with that? Okay, voices, shut the fuck up, okay?! I'm running here! The first mile always sucks ass.  Get over it.  You are running.  Remember when you would have given your left nut (if you had one) to run last year when you were injured.  Pace: 10:07

Mile 2:  Beep goes the Garmin indicating that I made it through the first mile.  OMG, I have 6 more miles to go.  What the hell was I thinking?!  Why does Steve punish me so?  This still sucks.  Just keep running, running, running... sang my inner Dorie.  This is exactly why I run roads so rarely.  Not only do I rarely do it, but when I rarely do, I always take a friend with me.  Friends don't let other friends run pavement alone.  Laura?! Where are you?  I miss you.  I need you.  Why didn't I bring my iPod?  This is the perfect moment to have Eminem angrily rapping in my ears.  10:36 pace

If you had one shot, or one opportunity
to seize everything you wanted, one moment
Would you capture it?
Or just let it slip? Yo.

or maybe a little...

I'm about to lose my mind.
You've been gone for so long. I'm running out of time.
I need a doctor. Call me a doctor.
I need a doctor, doctor to bring me back to life.

Angry music!  I needed angry music to help me slog away the miles.  Hood to Coast?!  What was I thinking?!  I better get an alternate because there's no way in hell I can run that race.  I would have to run five to eight miles THREE times within a 24 hour time span.  Last time, I thought it was great fun, but now it seems like a terrible thing to do. 

Mile 3:  Beep, blessed beep tells me that I am getting somewhere, albeit slowly.  No one out here is hating their life more than I right now.  I entertained the thought of asking a bike rider for a ride on his/her handle bars to the nearest bus stop where I would, tail between my legs, ride mass transit back to my home.  I had been mistaken.  I do not like running alone on the pavement.  I did once upon a time in my marathoning hay day, but those days are gone.  I am now a multi-sport trail runner who prefers exercising in the company of  her fellow momma jocks.

Oh, speaking of momma runners, here is someone who may be hating their life more than I am hating mine!  She is wearing all black on this hot day and pushing a jogging stroller.  Yes, she might be worse off than me.  YES!  She wins!  Double jogging stroller with twins!  If she can do it so can I!  I thought back to those days of having twinfants, crying in stereo, sleeping 90 minutes to two hours at a stretch, blistered nipples from tandem nursing... Yes, perhaps this running isn't quite so bad.  I could do this.  It was feeling better.  10:34 pace

Mile 4:  I think I'm finally starting to loosen up! Sure took the ole bod long enough. Sheesh, is it ever hot!  Thank the goddess that I have water and Margarita Shot Blocs.  Did I eat breakfast this morning?  A drinking fountain!  Hat off, head in water.  There that feels better.  I must look like hell.  Beet red face.  Hair of a crazy woman.  Trying to smile, not grimace as I pass walkers and cyclers on the path.  Finally, I make it to my turn.  Was I ever glad to be off that blasted path that seemed to go forever.  I could do this.  Time to run through downtown Eugene.  Reminded me of the many times I had run this High Street stretch with my running partner, and the Run Momma Run group.  Back when temps were cool and conversation plentiful.  Those were the days... I miss them.  I will never complain about an early alarm clock wake up call or driving across town to run with those lovely people who somehow make the miles feel effortless.  10:34 pace

Mile 5:  For the first time, I believe that I can indeed run all the way to the pool.  Will Steve's distance expectations be accurate?  It's got to be more than 7 miles to the pool from our house.  He'll get an earful from me if it's longer!  This isn't so bad.  Maybe I could do HTC after all.  Race adrenaline takes over, right?  No, this isn't so bad, but I'd rather be on the trails.  Oh, there's Spencer's Butte!  Hello trails!  That's where I want to be.  Maybe I'll skip the swim and run there.  10:14 pace

Mile 6:  I'm cooking now!  I am now on the section of the path that I rode and feel in love with my road bike, Princess.  Yes, I'm not interested in road running.  This is proof.  If I had my druthers I'd hang up my running shoes and take up cycling.  A century sounds delightful.  I am much better suited to triathlons than road running.  Will I never run another marathon?  Am I just out of road running shape?  Will I be rich? Will I be pretty? Here's what she said to me... Que sera sera sera. Whatever will be, will be, the future's not ours to see, que sera, sera.  I'm nearly there.  It looks like it's not quite a full seven miles away.  I love my husband!  I better still have the energy to swim after all this!  10:01 pace

Final .16 of a mile: De pool! De pool! What was the name of that little guy from Fantasy Island?  Tito? Tikko?  I can see the pool! I'm almost there! My suffering will soon end.  Tattoo! That was his name.  Glance at Garmin.  That's right.  I'm running sub 10 minute miles. In your face!  I'm gonna sprint to the finish.  Topped out at 9:16 pace. That's right, bitches. 9:16.  Now for my reward.  A swim!

If I could survive a mentally tough run like that, surely I could stick it out through three legs of a relay with my husband, running partner and friends.  It was going to be a good time and the largest running party of the year.  How lucky am I to be in on the excitement?!

Summertime and the Livin' is Easy

Slept in until 6:45 this summer solstice morning! Woke up sans alarm clock to a quiet house wishing that someone would magically present me with a cup of coffee.  My husband had taken the early morning workout shift so I was in charge of the kiddos this morning.  With no school or work for the three of us to rush off to, we made the cutest yogurt, summer fruit, granola parfaits and savored them as we looked out the window into the yard.  We spoke about what we might do with ourselves for the day and enjoyed each other's company.  No appointments, no obligations, no play dates... we were the navigators of our day.  I relish my summers!  Here's my top 10 favorite things about this season:

1.  I get to spend time with family and friends!  We plan adventures, road trips and fun, active, relaxing, educational ways to occupy our time and enjoy the season.  I love getting the chance to catch up with friends and family that I don't get enough of during the school year.  Folks are more relaxed and happy with the looser schedule, sunshine and longer days.

My favorite sun baskers

 2.  I get to work out when, where and how often and as long as I want to!  Friday I met my swunning (swimming+running) partner, Laura for a run in the beautiful sunshine.  We had the luxury of heading to a coffee shop for coffee, a snack and a leisurely chat.  It was so much fun!  Sunday, I met a friend for a longish trail run and chat fest.  Today Laura and I swam in the delicious outdoor 50 meter pool that I can't seem to get enough of these days.  Then I hit the trails for a solo run.  The children were well cared for by their very capable father who had gotten his workout in earlier that morning.  I enjoyed my brick totally unencumbered by time.  It was a delight!

3.  I get to read, read, read!  I would call myself a double-fisted reader, but that would be an understatement.  I usually have a pair of books, a handful of magazines and a dozen of blogs that I follow.  During the summer, I can indulge in them without compromising my other obligations.  Currently I am reading Kingsolvers' "The Lacuna" and "A Modern Witch" by Geary on our fancy new Kindle.  I subscribe to Runner's World, Trailrunner, Ultrarunning, Triathlete, Family Fun and Sunset magazines not to mention the local newspaper!  

4.  My family has a pass to the awesome city pool.  We plan on soaking up the sun, staying cool, enjoying our friends' company and getting in as many outdoor lap swim sessions as possible.  Today, I realized that the girls and I will likely need additional swim suits to accommodate our gazillion swim sessions.  For those spontaneous trips to the pool, I was thinking I should have a prepacked bag of suits, towels, sunscreen, money for the Snack Shack and other essentials, but since it's summer and I'm lazy, I haven't gotten around to packing one yet.

5.  It's time for al fresco dining, outdoor grilling, barbecues with friends and family and indulging in seasonal treats.  I am the grill master of the house.  I love me some grilled Mediterranean chicken, a side of colorful grilled peppers and a big-ass salad with all the toppings I can grate, chop and sprinkle on top.  In my opinion, everything, is betta with feta.  All my favorite dishes seem to require this delectable cheese.  I also have become fond of Jalapeno Havarti.  We all know that Wheaties is the "breakfast of champions" but did you know that Jalapeno Havarti, sesame crackers and G & Ts is the summer dinner of champions?  Try it. I think you will enjoy it too.  Skinny Cow Chocolate Mint sandwiches are a nice palate cleanser.  We also subscribe to a CSA (community supported agriculture) produce box from Groundwork Organics.  Each week we get a beautiful tub of the most beautiful organic produce that was grown on a farm less than ten miles from our house.  Cooking and eating is an absolute pleasure when I have this kind of produce to work with.

6.  My backyard beckons.  After being cooped up in the house and at work all year long, I'm ready to spend most of my hours outdoors.  As much as I like traveling and excursions, I also need my quiet time on my own turf.  I love to look out at the changing colors in my flower beds, hear the children's excitement when they discover a ripe strawberry or raspberry, watch my crazy dog swim in his wading pool and attack the hose.  Sometimes I'll weed, dig, water or pick up but I prefer just sitting in my summer perch doing as little as possible.

7.  Home improvement projects beg for our attention after being neglected all school year.  Back before children, my partner and I used to spend much of our time and money on the house.  Nowadays we don't have that luxury nor does it seem as high of a priority.  Nonetheless, we do like a tidy, well-maintained home so summer is our time to rock the "to do lists".

Mr. Trailsmitten demonstrates how ineffective a flame thrower is at burning weeds.

I've got your back babe! Sometimes I hold the ladder, flip the circuit breaker, but here I stand with a hose as my honey plays with FIRE

8.  Time to travel!  Since my partner and I are both teachers who are off for the summer, most of our traveling occurs once school lets out.  Our home away from home is a ranch in Bend.  At Sundance Meadows we hang out with our extended family while enjoying horse back riding, swimming, miniature golfing, fishing, campfires and old fashioned fun right there on site.  Bike rides, floats down the river and extra date nights pull us out of the ranch and into the beautiful town of Bend.  We also have a couple camping trips, a week surfing at the coast, and this year we get to spend four weeks traveling around New York, Pennsylvania, Boston, Massachusetts and Connecticut as much as our two week long gig at Yale Univesity will allow.  It's going to be quite the adventure!

Our home on the range.

Look what we found in the pool house!

Miniature golfing in the high desert

9.  Sleep!  I no longer need to set my clock for 5AM to squeeze in a workout before having to rush home to get kids ready for school and myself off to work.  No more staying up until the wee hours of the night cleaning house, doing laundry, packing lunches or planning lessons.  I get to stay up as late as I want.  This is usually until around the late hour of 11:00.  Then I have the luxury of sleeping in!  It's a huge victory when I wake up after 7AM.  Really, it's almost too good to be true.

10.  SUN! Longer days!  Nothing like a little Vitamin D to improve one's mood and tan one's pasty complexion.  I just love that it's light well after I put the twins to bed.  I can head out for a bike ride or run after 8PM, get in some twilight gardening and do some many enjoyable things by the light of the day. 

 May the Blessing of the Light be upon you. Happy Solstice!