7 before 7

this week has been a bit hectic. just a lot to do every single night. tuesday spencer turned five. hard to believe my baby boy is already five years old. he went to school and then we surprised him with a trip to see astroboy and dinner at rainforest cafe. sensory overload...just what every five year old boy wants for his birthday. at dinner he said "you can't argue with a good birthday!" very true.

Last night I picked up Spencer, went to target for supplies for fundraiser bake sale at his school today, waited for tucker the Chihuahua hand-off (that I learned about in the morning), drove home (calling dad along the way to wish him a happy birthday), pulled in driveway and realized I (actually Meredith) forgot to return movies so turned around and returned movies. Back home at 6:45. Made dinner, opened some of Spencer's new toys (apparently everything needs to be taped, bolted, and rubber banded down). Made Spencer's lunch, did two loads of laundry, put Spencer to bed and then started making Halloween baked goods. For whatever reason I opted to be an overzealous parent with my baked goods. I had initially decided to make rice krispie treats shaped like ghosts with white frosting and chocolate chip eyes. But target did not have a ghost cookie cutter so I figured I would free hand it (feel free to laugh here). So I whipped up a double batch of rice krispie treats. And then set to work cutting them. Um, yeah. I quickly scraped the ghost idea and thought maybe witch hats would work but they just looked like, well, triangles. Even with black piping around the outside. So I then decided to hand form ghosts. Yup hand form ghosts that stood up with arms and everything. I also cut some pumpkins, a headstone, a flat ghost or two, a few more hats, and possibly some other Halloween like shapes. I smartened up for the second tray and just cut them in squares. I then used my black piping to make everything look lovely and festive. I don't know if I was channeling betty crocker or martha stewart or the ghost of Halloween past of what. It was weird. and I am not sure I liked it. anyhow I finished. Packed it all up and went to bed without getting my run in. after taking out aforementioned chihuahua and my black lab. I vowed to get up and run in the morning.

And I did. Alarm at 4:30. Up at 4:43. I dressed. Sauntered downstairs with my stomach feeling like it was retaining a cloud of gas but determined. And I ran. Ran the first 3.15 then had a drink of water. Considered stopping at 6 miles and finishing last mile tonight but that was quickly dismissed as ridiculous. especially since spencer's school was having their annual harvest party this evening. 1 mile easy; 5 miles @ tempo pace; 1 mile easy. I don't start slower than my tempo pace so I'm not sure how I would "speed up" to that. maybe i need to work on this. felt pretty good. hip started to hurt right toward the end but otherwise no real complaints. when i finished i was tired - not from running but sleepy tired. even had some caffeine today. a rare treat. but I am trying to invoke my new motto - 7 before 7. time to make a new habit.

running assessment with physical therapist in the morning. hopefully this will help the hip. and maybe tell me whatever else is wrong with my stride. i am a bit intimidated by the whole idea but intrigued as well. we shall see.