Never to old to start running

Growing up I did not take to running as an enjoyable experience. I ran the mile for time in PE, I ran the mile for time during volleyball tryouts, I ran 6 miles for time for lacrosse tryouts, and once I completed those three tasks, I walked away from running feeling quite accomplished and satisfied. Any other form of exercise was my preference.

And here comes the big fat BUT. Seven years after finishing my high school athletic career, I have a new found desire to briskly jog my neighborhood in shorts and tennis shoes. WHAT? What kind of out-of-body experience is this? You can't have a mid-life-crisis at 25. Let's just confirm that God can move mountains and then say, "Hey Katie, why don't you run over it a few times."

I've started jogging 3x a week. It's great. I researched running programs and found one that suited my interest of casual, aerobic running. Over nine weeks, I will slowly progress from jogging and walking to completely jogging 3 miles. Having an incremental program to follow helps tremendously! It gives me small goals to check off. So far so good.

I have to be careful because I have a bad knee due to volleyball --- my IT band is a mess and makes running/activity sometimes impossible due to pain. This running program caters to rehabilitating the knee.

Bottom line, I'm not ready to give up my ability to run or my cardio health at age 25. I want to know that my body can still take a healthy jog over the next ten years. The bonus is that I can take one of the dogs with me each time I go! They see me grab my running shorts and they get all excited! The only hard part is the blow to my ego as I run hard and the dogs just walk along in front of me like it's a breeze! They do make it more fun though!

If you're intrigued to check out the running program for yourself, let me know and I'll send it to you.

What a weekend!

Fruit Smoothie Trio played at Krankie's downtown on Friday night! Great friends, great music and a really cute drummer!

I love Krankie's. It's not quite a coffee house and it's not quite a bar -- perfect mix.

There's CD enjoying the show!

We were dog sitting for friends this weekend, and they live on an awesome lake where the dogs can swim! With hot temperatures this weekend, spending a few hours on the dock was great for them and great for us! The picture above shows Ruth in the far distance --- she loves to doggie paddle!

He's one happy boy in the water! Yay Jackie!

We think Ruthie resembles a tug-boat as she swims around.

We just can't stop taking pictures of this dog -- he's ridiculous!

Here's Tex and his buddy Jake. Tex has the Kong and Jake is providing moral support! It was cute. All in all, a fantastic weekend in Winston!

A Friday afternoon at the dog park.

One of the best things to do to kickoff the weekend is the dog park! Today we even stayed dry despite a giant mud puddle! The weather forecast looks promising for a few more adventures this weekend with the "kids." I can't wait!

Daddy & Jackie!

Mommy & Ruthie!

Can you see Tex? (the back end of him.)

Instead of having his picture taken with us, he was being worshipped (or humped) by other dogs in the park. What can we say, he's a rock star in the canine world! Go Tex!

Haircut day!

If you've ever looked at our dogs and thought, wow their groomer does a great job! Well, thank you; it's me. If you watch a high level dog show on television, you will discover that spaniels can grow long hair for important purposes such as competitions. For the day to day life of a Henson Spaniel, we prefer, short, cute and clean. Because we are out numbered and trying to trim, buzz and comb can be quite the adventure, we just let loose in the livingroom! Hardwood floors are amazing! One by one they each get a turn. This go-a-round they did excellent! It was the smoothest attempt yet. The shining star is always Jackson. He loves having his hair cut! It's truly ridiculous, but in the moment I'm thankful for a willing participant.

Bakerella.

One of my dear friends just shared this fabulous baking blog with me this week! Bakerella has an incredible recipe for something she calls "Cake Balls." Definitely worth a look. I am going to try and make some this weekend. http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

True or April Fools?

Some people just love April Fools! Honestly, I'm not a huge fan because it promotes lying AND I'm completely gullable. While I was hoping that with age would not only come beauty, but more wisdom, the truth remains that I am naturally inclined to trust. So, far I have not been pranked today. It's been awesome!

But, in honor of such a silly calendar holiday, here is the Henson True or Ridiculously False Survey. Answers below.

1. Chris is obsessed with Chik-fil-a?
2. Kate used to help perform surgery?
3. Chris is studying to be a psychologist?
4. Kate dreams of owning her own cleaning business?
5. Chris and Kate met in Wyoming?
6. Chris calls Kate's dad "Dred?"
7. Kate wants to have a baby?
8. Chris and Kate got poison ivy from their dogs?
9. Chris and Kate plan to move to Denver, CO?
10. Chris and Kate have decided to get another puppy?













Answers:
1. Definitely! It's been a devotion since he worked there in HS.
2.Yup! I used to assist during oral surgies.
3. Nope. He is working on becoming a CPA.
4. Yeah right. I have plenty to clean in my own home.
5. Ode to Jackson Hole, WY. Yes, we met there on a missions trip.
6. He does. My dad is a doctor and his first name is Ed. Dr. + Ed.
7. Someday; not now. Enough said.
8. We did. It dominated us.
9. Not sure. If Chris can be a CPA there, maybe? We don't have a plan.
10. Say what? I think three dogs is sufficient for these dog parents...we have enough dirt, hair, toys, gear, puke, poop and drool to last a lifetime.

Happy April Fools!