How 10 miles become 11 (and a giveaway)

In my fancy list on Friday, I mentioned I had a 10-mile run planned for Saturday. I also said it would probably be interesting. And it was.

I did an out and back on a paved trail with my girls in the double jogger. It was sunny and cool, perfect for a run. The girls were loaded up with books and snacks. And we were off. A few miles in, a guy on a bike yelled: "That's impressive." That kept me going until a male runner gave me another boost with the following exchange as he passed:

Him: That doesn't look easy.
Me: It's not, but it's worth it.
Him: Hmmm...
Me: It's better than not running.
Him: True.

After five miles, we turned and started back down. I knew I had been pushing up a gradual incline but really noticed the difference going down when I averaged a minute per mile faster pace on the way back. At mile six, I stopped and shared a watermelon Carb BOOM! gel with my girls. They are becoming big fans of my energy gels. My oldest asked several times when we were going to "eat that stuff."

The girls were little rock stars, never complaining. We made a few quick stops to get out suckers and fruit snacks, took a little break to watch a rabbit eating grass, and stopped once when the littlest midge kicked off her shoe. We also had a few photo op stops. My biggest midge brought her camera and asked me to stop once to take a picture of a tree she liked and later of the powerlines. Other than that, we were having a great run.

About 1/4 mile from the car, the littlest midge started whining. I stopped to see what she needed and noticed something was missing. This:

I checked and double checked under the stroller, under my girls, in every pocket and corner. I literally wanted to cry. No blanket. When it comes to my girls and their blankies, there is NO messing around. All it takes is one touch when they are upset and they stop crying or pressing it against their cheek when tired and they go almost limp with relaxtion.

So we turned around and slowly began retracing our steps. I distinctly remembered seeing the midge with it about two miles back, so I figured that was as far as we would go. Almost 1/2 mile later, a man on a bike was about to pass us when he stopped, "Did you lose a pink blanket?" (I think it helped that my other midge was holding a nearly identical blanket.)

I wanted to hug him. But I didn't. He said it was about a block away, so we ran the block and found the blanket sitting on a bench. Someone had been nice enough to move it off the ground but smart enough to leave it there. We had a very happy reunion with the blankie and then headed back to the car.

So, that's how ten miles becomes 11 miles on a Saturday.

Now for the other thing I mentioned on Friday: a GIVEAWAY. UPrinting.com has kindly offered to give one of my readers a 16 x 20 rolled canvas. If you have been wanting a great way to display that picture of you crossing the finish of your first marathon, your favorite family photo or any other picture you LOVE, now is your chance.

Here's what you get:

• 16 x 20 Rolled Canvas for One (1) Winner
• Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround
• Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
• Eligibility: Limited to U.S. Residents only

Here's how you get it:

• Required: Visit UPrinting.com and let me know what other items peak your interest. Leave a comment. (1 entry)
• Optional: Tell me about the picture you will get printed if you win. (1 entry)
• Optional: Link back to this post from your blog. Leave a comment. (1 entry)
• Optional: Tell your friend about the giveway on Facebook or Twitter. Leave a comment each time you do. (1 entry for each time you post it)

The giveaway ends this Friday, May 14th at noon. I will announce the winner Friday afternoon.

RUN: Got exactly what I wanted for Mother's Day: new running shoes and RoadID.