My New Rides

Here they are.  My new kicks.  They are the Asics GT-2170.  I had success a few years ago with the older model of these shoes so I'm hoping for some good results from these.  The last two pairs I've purchased have been the Asics Gel Foundation 9's.  After having some major knee issues, these saved me.  I will continue to have a pair of those as a back-up shoe just in case.  I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty excited about adding some color to my shoes.  It's been frustrating that most of the supportive/cushioning shoes are usually a combo of grey/white/blue.  Pretty boring.

After my running shoes retire I usually use them as every day shoes.  I'm cheap and will use every last bit out of my shoes.  This wasn't helping my knees so I bought these a couple weeks back.  There was a super sale and I got them for almost nothing.  I LOVE them.  I remember having a cool pair of Adidas shoes back in middle/high school.  Love the color and the best part is that they are super comfortable.  My advice, if your feet or knees start to hurt, buy new shoes.  Your body will thank you :)

I'm Back...For Real This Time

For anyone who is close to me, they already know some of the challenges that my family has been facing.  Some good, some bad.  To shorten things up I have had to make some tough choices.  I have not given up on running.  It is a huge part of my life and has continued to be so even in my blogger absence.  With limited time and sanity left I had to choose between blogging or actually getting some miles in.  For about a million reasons, I chose running. BTW~No knee pain!!!  I have written hundreds of blog posts in my mind during this time.  I've missed it and I've definitely missed all of you.  This blogging community is a HUGE part of my life and I have missed it.  I've missed taking part in races, in bloggy meet-ups, and hanging out and sharing such an important part of my life with others.  I still haven't been successful in creating my own local running gang yet so it's been a lonely few months.  That being said, that is exactly how I started, on my own.  I feel like in many ways I'm starting over even though I have continued to keep running a part of my life every week.  I feel terrible about leaving my followers hanging for so long. 

 I have lots of products reviews and a few giveaways headed your way so I'll be trying my best to make it up to you.

Without getting into too many personal details, here are a few things that have been keeping me busy.

I have been helping to take care of my Grandma since last year.  It has progressively become more difficult.  Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with dementia last month and it seems to be getting worse very quickly.  She fell over the weekend and it's a miracle she didn't get seriously hurt.  So many frustrations for my family as we are having a terrible time getting help with this situation.  It angers me that people can get fined and thrown in jail for treating animals poorly but the elderly are treated far worse.  It has been beyond frustrating and very sad.

On a brighter note I became an Aunt for the first time in January.  His name is Colby and he is the cutest little guy ever.  Can't wait to watch him grow and spoil him.  Both of my girls are totally in love with him.  Super sweet to watch them hold and talk to him.  Makes me sad that we didn't get to have a little boy of our own.  Super excited for my brother and his wife though :)

As for the rest of the chaos, I'm choosing to try my best to regroup and focus on looking ahead and trying my best to be positive.  One mile at a time, right?

There has been so many things that have happened already in 2012.  I don't want to waste another day.  Somehow I am bound and determined to squeeze it all back in.  For my sanity if nothing else.  I have so many running dreams and aspirations left to check off my list.  With Hood To Coast talk starting, I don't want to just stand back and not do anything to make my dream a reality.  I know it's a huge dream but if I do nothing then that will get me no where.  I'm here, I'm running, and each step I take will get me closer to where I want to be.

I've missed you all.  Be prepared for more.