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Ladybug Lovin'

Yesterday after I ran three measly (and way too hard for three) miles, The Princess wanted to go for a walk. She has been asking for a few days when we can go for a walk, so we decided to finally make it happen. The main reason for the walk? So she could push Emerson, her doll that she treats like a real baby and takes EVERYWHERE, in her stroller. So of course Bean had to push her doll in a stroller too.

After I stopped to take that picture of my girls, I noticed a ladybug on the giant weed next to me. Then I noticed another. And another. And another. I looked at the nearby weed bushes and there were ladybugs everywhere!

This picture doesn't do justice to how many there actually were. But if you look closely, you'll see a few of them doing something that A LOT of them were doing. I don't know if it is ladybug mating season or what, but there was some serious loving (or piggyback rides if you are under the age of six) going on.

We made sure to let Bean know ladybugs are good bugs. We've had to do that with rollie pollie bugs too. Otherwise she sees a bug and automatically steps on it. Or brings it to me. Three times in one week, Bean came up to me, said "here Mom" so I would hold out my hand, and placed a bug in it. I don't hold out my hand anymore when I hear the words "here Mom." The Princess however doesn't even want us to step on ants because they are "little creatures."

So that is how I got over my craptastic three miles. Ladybug watching.

I didn't however have to get over the 15 miles I ran on Saturday. I started from home and planned where my family would come pick me up later that morning. My IT band started bothering me around mile ten (it NEVER bothers me on the treadmill, thus the effort to do more outdoor runs and get my IT band used to the difference), so I couldn't have been happier when I saw my little family standing next to the trail about two miles later. It was the perfect surprise at the perfect time. They gave me kisses and love, and off I went no longer thinking about my leg. Then I saw them again just as I hit 14 miles. My IT band was on fire, and I was tempted to hop in the car and call it good, but I decided I didn't want to be a quitter with a single mile to go. So fueled by seeing my favorite people again and knowing I would climb in a cool car with them in less than 10minutes, I finished it. And finished strong. It was my fastest mile of the 15! Eventually I will plug in my Garmin and find out exactly how fast, but not right now. So just take my word for it.

And Monday, I started my weekly addition of 1 mile barefoot. This is supposed to help prevent lower leg injuries. And since my right shin and calf act up sometimes on the treadmill (but never on outside runs of course), I figure I'll give it a try.

Comments

  1. okay first i love that your daughter said "little creatures"....too cute.

    second...I am INCREDIBLY jealous that your fam met you out on your run for support. that is seriously awesome and had to be the best surprise everrrr! good job on your run :)

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  2. Great job on finishing the 15 miles!!

    Piggy back riding, huh? That works :D

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  3. I am cracking up at that piggy-back comment, too funny!
    Your girls are sooooo cute with their strollers, what a precious picture.
    Awesome job finishing up a tough long run!

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  4. I'm looking forward to hearing how the addition of barefoot goes.

    Way to go on pushing through the last mile, that is awesome!

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  5. "here mom" hahahaah, that is awesome. kids crack me up. I'd probably traumatize my kids if they did that to me. I'd be freaking out and yelling about bugs. Nothing like mom freaking out to cause a phobia.

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  6. I am sorry about the ITB. I struggle with that on a daily basis as well. My new best friend is my foam roller. Works wonders!

    I love ladybugs.

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  7. I hate ITBs! I hope yours cooperates. And yes to BFing! Go easy with it.

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  8. Nice post! The lady bugs often "piggy back" when food is around. I bet there were some plant lice on those weeds. Yep, they do it while eating... Way to go on that 15 miles!

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  9. Good job on the 15 miles...especially with an uncooperative ITB! Your daughters are so precious with those strollers. :) And, yes, I've received some interesting "gifts" after hearing the words, "Here Mom", as well.

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  10. Great job on your 15 miles!! I am so proud of you and absolutely LOVE the fact that your cute little family came and cheered you on. Love that!

    Love the picture of your little girls pushing their strollers. Priceless!

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