Wow. Where has the week gone and where have I been? Oh yeah, that’s right, not running because my knees have been screaming at me this week. I took a half a mile walk yesterday afternoon and they were sore. Not good. I’m getting tired of waiting for them to stop protesting my every move. 

Oh, and I swear this is a running blog – you’ll see! 

My birthday is in a couple of weeks, but I’m not overly thrilled about it. I have not been looking forward to my first birthday without my mom. She always made birthdays special in the way that only mom’s can and they usually involved getting a fun pair of socks or, in recent years, something to do with running. But, it’s obviously not the gifts I will miss, it is her. For 28 years she called me every birthday and sang Happy Birthday to me – the whole song – first thing in the morning, no matter what else I may be doing. She and my dad sometimes brought me a festive balloon to work or took me to lunch. There was always a big family dinner and an ice cream cake. Even though I’m not a huge fan of any kind of cake. It’s tradition at our house. Our birthdays were special to my mom – there would be emails and text messages and snail mail galore. For my parents, my sister and I truly were gifts to be celebrated. 

Even though my mom is not here, I know I am not forgotten.

Last night, I had the opportunity to hang out with these lovely ladies for a little pre-birthday action:

 That’s my sister Mollie, Me and RB. We grilled out (Bison burgers and corn on the cob!) and RB made Strawberry Shortcake with whipped cream for desert. Okay, I lied; I do like that cake, but mostly because of the strawberries.

There was beer too:

 I cannot believe I did not know this existed – I swear I could have chugged it like lemonade!

And RB gave me some pretty awesome gifts that she said she wanted me to have early.

Awesome Gift #1: Encouragement Changes Everything by John C. Maxwell. 

 I believe I could use a little of this right now. I think we all could!

Awesome Gift #2: The Long Run by Matt Long. 

 YAY!!!!!!! I have wanted to read this book for a long time about the NY firefighter, marathoner and ironman who was run over by a 20-ton bus and nearly died. He goes on to run the NYC Marathon after being told he would never even walk again. “Running saved my life,” Matt says and he has become a symbol of hope and recovery to the running community. I can’t wait.

Awesome Gift #3: Lore of Running by Tim Noakes, MD. 

 Am I a total nerd if I say I feel like a real athlete when I hold this book? Just check out the thickness:

 I have dreamed of this book. I want to literally absorb the information that it holds. Every last bit of it. It has been dubbed “running’s most extensive book [that] provides unsurpassed information on physiology, racing, injuries, and the individuals and events that shaped the sport’s history and modern form.” Eeeeek!

Thank you, RB! You’ve made my birthday special already.

Of course, since I’m not running, the weather broke in Central Ohio. Mid to upper 70’s, 50’s at night, no humidity and not a cloud in the sky. Perfect, if you ask me. Why won’t my knees cooperate??

Sadie is at least enjoying the cooler temperatures and taking in the fresh air:

Grace has to wait her turn to snag a spot by the window:

It was dark by the time she got her turn, That poor puppy:

It’s a beautiful evening to sit on the porch, blog and enjoy the re-installed fountain:

 I wish I had a lemonade-style beer right about now.

The baby ducks (who are growing up fast, I might add) even came by to visit:

Then they brought the masses:

No, my neighbors have not made it clear by avoiding all eye contact with me as they creep by that I am weird for taking pictures of the ducks.

Live a little, guys. You would do it too if you had a blog.

How has your week been? Tell me your running adventures! Have any of you read any of the books I got for my b-day? If you have, what did you think? Tell me in the comments.

Until the next mile marker,