Making Plans For A New Decade

Dear G, the year is almost over and it's time for a summery.

Small picture: I didn't quite make my goal for 2009: 100 runs and 600 k. Aspecially not since it became so cold and slippery. Today I fell even walking to the close fishshop buying lobster and other new years stuff.

Big picture: I became a runner. We both became runners and yes, we changed our lives in 100 days. Unbelievebly much so.

And even bigger: this decade gave me three wonderful babies and what more could I ever ask for? I got a new profession and published another two books. Next decade there will be many more. Books, not kids.

And I'm making new plans. This is me, photographed by my 4-yearold son, comparing running programs for the half marathon.

My ambitions are high, but I'm also trying to stay realistic.

Which is so much more difficult…

Not quite knowing if I succeded or not my new goals can be seen under my mini.

I wish you all the best and a happy new decade!

Are you starting it skiing?

Running for Paris Marathon?

Keep me posted…

Love,

C

Freezing X-mas

Dear G (how are you?), I have a long story to tell you about something I heard just before X-mas. Will add it later. For now: it's been cold. And beautiful. At times, very cold.

- 13° even at 10? That is too cold for running, isn't it? Anyway, this particular day I had to hurry in to town to buy X-mas gifts.
I did run at X-mas Day in brand new pants, jacket and gloves and the snow made it so heavy, but my Mini is pissed off. Hope that you'll are having the most wonderful, relaxed, warm, stylish and tender Chrismas. We are! Love, C

Best Run Ever?

– 6 ° C, no wind, blue sky – and sunshine!

The Nike+ says I ran 6.33 on 34:34, (average pace 5.27), but I say:

Naah…

Running on snow is slippery and sometimes heavy, and it means taking small steps.

Nike+ apperantly knows nothing about running on snow …

But it's good training and quite heavy, so maybe it's fair to call todays run at least worth 6.33…

Or it will make up for the unfortune calibration I had in July and August.

Anyway: thought the fingers were a bit cold and I need a hat, but the rest of my clothes worked fine. And my new sweater is the best ever!

Didn't have time to run, but it sure made me a better mother, person, wife…

And yes, I think it was one of the best runs, ever!

Couch Potato & Gravad Lax

Dear reader, as you can see my Mini is complaining. It's been 12 days since my last run, and in two days it won't even move. Looks like I won't succed with my goal of 100 k before X-mas eve either …

Today L is back in preschool, so I do have an opportunity to run, but…

This is no running weather, is it? The newspapers that have sense for drama says "keep of the streets, don't go out walking" and that the "the cold keeps on craving casualties".

So I'll just use my time for the work that was supposed to be finished last week. Or was it a month ago…?

I'm also behind with all sorts of x-mas-fixing: buying gifts, baking and cooking. But yesterday I did marinate the salmon. I use the Swedish Marine Core's recipe (my brother made his service as a Marine Core chef) for Gravad Lax: 2 kg fresh salmon, 1.2 dl sugar, 0.8 dl salt, plenty of dill and white pepper. Mix sugar and salt. Gently dry the salmon with some paper. Put the salt/sugar on top, then dill and white pepper. Cut it in two. Put the thick side against the thin.

Put it a plastic bag (or two) and marinate it for 3 days (first 24 h in room temperature, next 2 days in fridge). Then you put it the freezer for 3 days (not according to the Marine, but to the Health Authorities) and take it out at least 24 h before serving. The whole thing takes 7 days, but it's so easy…

And as soon as the weather calms down…

Now What?

Dear G, I was supposed to finally have time to run!

E was supposed to start a new challenge!

My new sweater is waiting!

And now what?

The Nike+ site has gone mad. It won't let E start a new challenge and registred her last run year 2099. L is home sick. And there is so much snow! It just keeps coming!

Yeah, I know that I said I would run this winter no matter the weather, but does the snow have to come this sudden? Does it have to be so much of it? I'm not prepared! And anyway, I can't run with a sick little 2-yearsold in my arms.

Hoping for more runner's luck,

C

Christmas Craziness

Dear G, when I was a kid we used to celebrate Christmas at Christmas. Around December 24 – 27, that is. Nowadays Christmas is celebrated whenever in December. The sooner the better, they all seem to think. Though December still is the month when all work has to be finished (I need time to work!) and when so much has to be bought. No wonder people seem to think that buying is an occupation.

Thursday there was a little party at L's preschool with lussebullar (saffron buns), gingerbread and homemade apple must.

Friday morning: Luciaparty at A's school – more lussebullar and gingerbread.

Saturday: After J's gymnastic and A's tennis my parents-in-law came to celebrate Christmas, as they will be in another part of the country the actual days.

Sunday: big Christmas party at this fancy social club where my uncle is member (see pic). My mother, my aunts, uncles, sibling, cousins and cousin's and sibling's children plus the relatives of my cousins husbands – we had the traditional Swedish smörgåsbord served at Christmas – the eat all oldstyle dishes you wouldn't dream of having at home UNTIL YOU DIE or at least fall of your chair.

Monday morning: big Luciaparty at J's & L's preschool. More gingerbread and even more lussebullar.

No time for running whatsoever. So I didn't get to try the new runners shirt, I lost Emi's competition and my goal is down the drain. Why are goals so much easier to set than to keep?

Ps. This is little Santa Claus lamb is what J got in his goodie bag at the club. Isn't that a great idea for the kids' parties? No sweets in their bags, just ONE big toy? A bit expensive, but wouldn't it be nice to NOT give them more sugar after the cakes, buns, cookies and lemonade?

Rewards For Running

Dear G, instead of running I went to town today. Shoped some clothes, and not for the kids! (No, that is not me in the pic, but I did buy the skirt).

I've always loved clothes shoping, but with my new size it's a real treat. I've lost weight for one size this 100 days club year, but most of all, clothing is not about hiding anymore. It's not "what can I find to hide my belly" it's: "this I like" or "this I don't like". Like buying clothes before babies, husband and marriage. Only with them I'm so much happier.

Afterwards I was hungry, and passed a restaurant that my dad had told me about. I did hear that their sushi was really good, but I had imagined something small and the opposite of glamorous. Instead I found something that made me close to religious.

They don't have any ovens, no permission to sell wine, you can't reservate a table and they only serve lunch. But the food!

I had to ask people "what are you having?" because everything looked so delicious.

This is my sushi. I might be the best I ever had in Stockholm. Not as good as Nobu, London and Nobu, New York, but really good, and so much cheaper! Cheaper than East, but much more interesting. My wallet had just been emptied, and I had to go back to work, but otherwise I could have ordered the whole menue…

Anyway: this is why I run. To be honest, I don't need races.

I run to be able to enjoy fashion and food.

Isn't that a good enough?

December Darkness

Dear G, I don't when you spent your first December in Sweden, but I guess you must have been chocked by darkness.

Even me, who lived every December of my life in our just outside Stockholm – I still can't get it. It's so dark!

I leave my eldest at school at 8 am – still dark – and get home after picking up the kids from preschool and school at 4 pm – and it's night. Without the outdoor lights I wouldn't find the keys – or even the door!

Swedes try to cope with the lack of sun by lighting every candle we find (and call it Christmas), but you know what? Candles are not the sun. They are just not enough to keep the depression away.

So this is what you need to do: you have to get out at least 30 min every day at fullbright sunny noon. Because then it looks like… Like this.

Like today: instead of having a social lunch I put on my sneakers for a quick 6 k run at 11.30 am. Took this pic at 12.15, had lots of work to finish and a meating to go to, so I had to hurry back home.

The Ipod said: "This is Tiger Woods speaking. Congratulations. You've just made a new personal record for the mile."

A bit surprising, that too. He could have said: Good running, but it doesn't look like this in Florida. But they say he has bigger problems on his mind?

Without any sort of comparing with Mr Woods and his wife, I would like to say that friends are an utterly good Darkness Fatigue Fighter. Our dear reader in Lausanne came by, was so nice to the kids, and also gave me a new runner's sweater that I can't wait to try. And then my husband made us grilled salmon with yoghurt sauce, couscous, lime and broccoli, full of all sorts of vitamines. Fighting December Darkness!

ps: maybe Mr Woods should try a new hobby – cooking for his wife… ds

100 Days Winter Club & What's On

Dear G, it has been cold, but I've kept on running. This particular day we had –4 C°, and I did 7.5 k. Was actually quite warm, because I put far too much clothes on.

This could be the first time in my life I run in this cold weather, maybe even the first time I run outdoors in December. Better get used to it, because I've decided to run during the whole winter. No matter snow, ice, wind, darkness – or rain.

I need to get outdoors and get some sun to stay strong during the dark months. And to run enough to be able to enjoy Christmas treats – and life!

As always I will combine running + yoga (the best of marriages). Goals: a record for the 10 k and to improve my handstand. Will explain why another day.

As I couldn't run for two weeks in November, I've restarted with what I call the Murakami method. I run nearly every day – but never very long. You should stop when you still could go on running, says Murakami. Which in my shape means between 6 and 8 k (as opposed to Murakami's 6 – 8 miles). The method made wonders end of June and still does.

Friday, the five of us had our shots against the New Flu, and I didn't really feel fit to run. Instead we baked

gingerbreads, and guess what? The dough tastes even better than the cookies, and yes, the kids do know that …

On 100 Days Autumn Club & What Happened

Dear Readers (if I have any), as you've probably guessed, my dear friend G and I split up. G is currently training for 30 k cross country skiing Feb 27 and Paris Marathon (Wow!) while I have a little too many and small kids for such brave and extravagant plans.

My 100 Days Autumn Club was about running further and faster. Half a year after I started running I decided to make a personal record on the 15 k.

It was a good plan and October was a great month for running, so I kept on going longer and longer.

But then life changed, again, as it sometimes does either you like it or not. My husband and I had a sick parent each to worry about. We also had sick kids, too much work, too little sleep and too little time for ourselves. All of a sudden two weeks without running had passed, and it was end of November. And much muddier. Didn't make the 15 k, but almost.

During this private mess we had a little (or not so little) garden project, me and my husband. I ordered 28 big ligustrum for hedge planting, got the wrong type, had to buy new ones and to sell the old ones – while my husband spent the weekends mud digging. I wanted to help him, but it was too heavy. Eventually, I had to ask a man with a steam shovel to come. Life should contain many more steam shovels.

If you think I complain, I'll say that we had some of our best meals this Autumn. Here is Coq au Riesling with potatoes, one of the best courses after running in dark, rainy Swedish November. And yes, a glass of wine. As life is meant to be a pleasure!

Day 12 – 15 Green Tea – And Black

Green tea is healthier. It goes better with sushi and most other Asian food. A cup of green tea can be very refreshing.

But then again, who could live without a morning Earl Grey or Sir William? Who could survive without a afternoon Darjeeling, or a cup of Lapsang, the Chinese tea that goes so well with certain books?

My heart is with the black tea. And so are my legs – all of a sudden running in miles… Yes, black team brought home the victory.

Apart from the Tea Challenge I've been working on my ability to run 15 k. Monday I ran 13.3 k on the northern side of the bay, all the Lidingöloppet trail, from the church to the goal. I'm trying to find the right pace for 15 k, and quite by mistake did a new personal record for the 10 k. Wednesday another 10 k, no record.

I like the long runs. Moving on, no stoping, the legs do what they have to do and the path just goes on and on. Who would have thought there could be so much tranquility in running?

Like having a cup of green tea.

Or black.

Day 14- Challenge Break

Dear C,

I am taking a challenge break. I´m still running, still reaching for the stars...
Still thanking the 100 day club every day.

G

Day 8 – 11 On Hold With A Cold, But:

Dear G, I so much wanted you to rest to get well, and as I didn't see you run I kind of thought that our club was on hold. Also my dad is sick and it's confusing to be a parent to one's parent. And time consuming …

Have also had a cold (like the rest of the family), but I just ran 5 k in the rain and it felt great. See you at Tuesday,

your brunette friend

C

Day 11 - Week in Review

Dear C,
Today is Sunday, and tomorrow it will all begin again. I am trying to remember when I worked out, and what I have done based on my pictures.
Been in the park a few times. I know where you were running and depending on which direction you were coming from I think that was the green trail? Not really sure where the 15k run intersects. But I need to look at the map or maybe my gps one time when out. As you can see by lovely foot picture I have been fighting this old blister. Lobbing on vaseline before I run so the underlayer can grow. Yuck, I know.
Thursday evening I took the train to Uppsala for dinner so I could help entertain L´s American colleagues. First, I missed the bus, then I missed the train by 10 seconds. I ended up on this train filled with commuters who were very busy on their computers, phones or reading so it was completely quiet the entire trip-sort of nice. My lovely dinner of seafood was much more exciting than the company. Understandably Americans can get a bad rap and I have to say they were so narrow-minded and boring. I guess to come from a sunny 85 degrees to Sweden isn´t the dream trip but come on! Got home too late and had dessert of very rich chocolate cake.
Back to Saturday skating with the kids. They love it, my legs thank me until next Saturday. C and I went to a girl dinner which was fun. I drove so no wine-fairly healthy and fun but once again no time to breathe.
Picked apples from neighbors yard and then make 5 liters of apple sauce. Tastes fairly good and only a tiny pinch of sugar.
Needless to say, I still have a cold and am thinking of whether or not I may take a sick day to totally veg??
About planning the workouts I go into the week with a rough idea of what I want to do. Then, the unforseen changes may take some reworking of the original idea. Generally it would be great to say that I run 2 days and do 2 days of strength training-spinning or army bootcamp, and the yoga but it seems better to just do the best I can at the time.
I´d say I am working much harder now than before because I need more strength in my legs, and will definately need that for the ski.
Have the funny feeling that you may be in the south of Sweden? Hope all is ok.
XXOG

Day 7 – The Importance of Getting Lost

Dear G, speaking to one of the fathers on preschool I realized that I didn't run the 15 k trail yesterday.

Started right, but at Långängen I took the wrong path and after a while ran I the 30 k trail instead. At this point, Killingebacken, I'm far from the 15 k.

It's a pity, because this was my favourite part of what I thought was the 15 k trail.

But now I've found a new favourite 10 k trail.

As an American you of course know that the men (no women) that discovered new parts of our planet nearly always were lost. Looking for India, finding America…

It's very important to get lost every now and then.

In every aspect of the word.

Day 5 – 6 Planning For Blossom

Dearest G, do you remember how we, when we did our first 100 days club almost four years ago, planned our exercise for the coming week on Sundays? And e-mailed the plan to each other?

At that point we had my old friend Sven as our PT and consultant, and he and I made up the rules together (mostly he, to be honest). The planning was certainly his idea, and I never really liked it. I like to live life as it comes, and as a mother of a baby and a toddler following plans was very difficult. And therefore depressing.

But now that we don't have any babies, perhaps planning could be to our advantage?

This week I actually have a plan. It is to explore the 15 k trail of Lidingöloppet. Today I ran its first third, and getting there and back made about nine. So to reach magic 10 I did some pace training on our street. Later this week I plan to explore the remaining 10.

And I must say it is a beautiful trail. Like this place, south of the bay, where you can see over the water, the woods and the northern part of the island.

I remember that Sven said that we should go for the 15 k competition instead of the murder 10, and for next year I certainly agree.

I also have a plan for you: why don't you just concentrate on getting well? And on work? It's not the end of the world if you don't run for a week. Remember this April when I couldn't run for a whole month? What is a week compared to that?

You know that in the end of those seven week you will have run farther than I anyway.

Another plan: to make a beautiful spring garden and to get those tulip bulbs in the soil.

But when? The days, as you say, get shorter and shorter and between work and sleep and picking up kids there is so much laundry to keep up with. Where does it all come from?

I haven't been to the yoga for three weeks now, and I miss it so much. It's exactly what I need – training strength, flexibility and balance, together with some letting go of responsibility. I agree that it is a lot of stress to go there, and Tuesday afternoons I always feel that I need to be home with my lovely kids+husband.

But all the amazing knowledge that our teacher has and learning the poses gives me inspiration for the rest of the week. And relaxation, concentration and mindfullness, even if it seems like she hasn't time for that during the class. The hard work pays off, even if it doesn't happen right there and then.

It's like with the tulip bulbs.

You plant.

And then, much later, it blossoms.

WORKOUT 10 k, homestyle yoga, for once without kids.

Ps. CJ thinks I bought ugly tulips. He only appreciates the white ones.

But I'm not planning for the expected.

I'm planning for the extraordinary.

And I do worry about you.

Day 6- Best Intentions

Dear C,

I met these 3 babies this morning. You have to look closely at the picture to see them but they seemed very happy at the ungodly hour of 6.

As we have spoken about trying the run before work- it just never seemed like a good idea until this week. When I realized that I do not have enough time or light to get out. Especially on a yoga night.

After having my ears ache and a cold since Lidingö loppet I thought I felt better...but now I can hardly hear and my head is full! UGH.

Yoga has been a bit of a flop. It is much more of a struggle than I thought it would be. Leif getting home on time, mtgs, and sickness. I hate to think of wasting the money, stretching and peace of mind.

What is up with the TV tax? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. They call my mobile all the time and I tell them that I don´t believe in TV. It´s a conspiracy that I will not be part of. What is the argument for it-please enlighten me.

Impossible to be sick this week. Have staff in London are covering for each other...

XXG

Day 4 – Cinnamon Bun Day It Is!

Dear G, marriage has its sides. As you know my husband is not only a brilliant chef and an excellent sommelier, he is also a heavy cinnamon bun addict. His abuse is so serious that he considers people that eat less than two cinnamon buns during a meating wimps. And that three cinnamon buns a day is a perfectly normal diet.

And now we are talking about the big cinnamon buns of Valhallabageriet that we (at home) cut in 4 pieces.

As you also know this "diet" keeps him very slim, while I have put on a rather large number of extra kilos since we met.

So married to this man I have to watch out.

But of course we also celebrated Kanelbullens dag, even though we didn't bake as you did. Maybe it was a good thing that we didn't, because then I'm not sure I would have stopped after having two.

My dear husband also made us Rosemary Sausages with truly Parmesan-heavy Italian Risotto for lunch, and Veal Steak with chanterelles, fried potatoes and a creamy Calvados sauce for dinner – so yes, it was a good thing that I went out running.

Thought it looked so cold and rainy, so I took my storm- and rainjacket, which was a bit of an exaggeration. Hate being too warm while running, and hate even more to have a jacket jumping around my waist.

WORKOUT: hilly 6.45 k. Did yoga with all the kids afterwards, including hand standing against a wall.

PS 1: Isn't it American to celebrate all kinds of special days? If not: I agree that Kanelbullens dag is among the silliest. But also the nicest…

PS 2: My 4-year old son asked "What gift does the cinnamon bun get on its day?" And replied the question himself: "A glass of milk".

Day 4- Kanelbullens Dag!

Dear C,

I´m certainly no expert on making these but L went to the country house to take the boat out of the water so the girls and I made an effort. What are all these silly little days here in Sweden? No Swede should ever complain about Santa or Valentines day because Kanelbullens dag is right up there.

I ate two and had 2 coffees (obviously we believe in Santa).

Legs still in pain & cold worse than ever! No working out, just laundry.

Grumpy,

XXG

Day 3 – Goals & Dreams

Dear G, these are my goals for our 50 days Autumn club:

1. To be able to run 15 k without stoping or walking.

2. To look good in this skirt.

Ps. Even if I not quite get the star jumps (they seem terrifying) – I'm very impressed with the boot camp training.

Day 3 - A much needed Saturday

Dear C,

I am sitting by the fire, cozying up. My cold is still thriving and every muscle in my body hurts. This I don´t think is from the cold but instead from my Army workout yesterday. It is quite random but I heard through a friend about an American ex-marine who is does his version of an Army fitness regime. I thought I´d try and encourage some people from work to do it after school one day per week. So I volunteered to meet him and try it out. We met at Gardet betwee the American football goals (as it was fitting). I´d say I felt pretty good about it for the first 30 miutes. Then when he had me doing star jumps. That is not what he called it but in my field hockey days we called it that. Anyway it is really hard jumping up into a squat and then pushing your legs out and then literally jumping back up. My legs could do no more but I had to go on-after all he was a marine and I didn´t want to seem like a whimp. What I got out of it was that it is going to take more than running to get ready for the 30k ski. I need more total body strength and endurance. This leads me to the next 47 days and goals:

With the change in seasons I want to be realistic-especially when the clocks change. With work and the kids it will require some change. Including running some on a treadmill when necessary. I ready an inspiring nytimes article about running on the treadmill. Of course it is silly to compare Baghdad and Sweden but they both have extremes! So spinning, and strength training are in order. In addition, sitting in the sauna which will help relax muscles and keep me warm!

With this there are some things that are expected: like the disappearance of my spare tire. Also, I am going to stretch stretch and stretch some more! The comfort of my couch, a lovely fire, and some red wine and chocolate should come in moderation.

Today, I got out hoping that the run would help. No pain no gain. Right now it doesn´t feel that way...

PS Not sure about the army fitness. Will keep you posted,

XG

Day 2 – Brrr!

Dear G, it was so cold today! Frost on the car, no thing to get rid of it, no gloves when they all of a sudden are needed.

And the gym was a flop. So I'll just stick to running.

Ran a little more than 6k, but I need warmer running clothes.

What are your goals for the 50 days club, G?

And how about our Canadian friends?

Are you there?

Can you hear us?

Day 1 – Autumn Soup

Hi dear G, I planned to start this 50 days club with a inspiring picture of the lovely colourful Autumn Soup that the kids and I made for dinner. But I forgot to take a picture. Which was a real shame as I, apart from the 2-, 4- and 6-yearold assistants, also had two dishwasher-fixers lying on the floor as I cooked. They were about 1.95 tall each. You should have seen us…

And no, they're not done, because they needed a carpenter to finish the work.

Planned to start with a nice 10k run, but had too much work to do and also a cold. With CJ coughing and L waking up a 1000 times per night because of the cold I'd pay anything for a cold vaccine. Isn't it strange there still is no cure for colds?

Not too healthy we had all sorts of pancakes after the soup – also quite messy.

But at least we have a dishwasher after two weeks of hand washing.

Our new runners are a surprise to me as well. I must have forgotten to make the challenge for invites only. Shall we force them live by our rules? To blog at least every other night and to do the Vasaloppet 30 k x country skiing? While taking care of preschool children, housekeeping and work at the same time?

Watch out, Happy Runner, Cbege and 2Big4Now, you have no idea what's coming up!

I thought about you and your ear and hoped you'd get a chance to relax… Didn't make it to the yoga either, but tomorrow I'm invited to try a new gym method.

Life is an adventure.

With or without 1.95 m tall dishwasher fixers lying on the floor.

Take care,

C

Day 1 - Perscriptions, Painkillers & Priorities

Dear C,

Today is the first day I have actually moved my body since Sunday. My ears & throat hurt and my head has pounded. Tomorrow my class has their first assembly (for the parents) which is a big deal. My stress has taken a turn for the worst instead of running I ate brownies, cookies, ice cream, and who knows what else.

Thank goodness it is Oct 1st! Time to get back into the mode. This dark picture is from my evening run. It included a reflex vest, hat and mittens. What a change from a week ago! Anyway, the park is fairly well lit and you can run 3-5 km with lights. It sure helps your time to run in the dark as each shadow jumps. Not sure I like it or if I will run streets instead. But maintaining any running schedule now probably requires some running in the dark.

So who are all our challengers? Or is that part of the fun that we don´t know who they are?

Hope you are well. You should have received email saying you are officially signed up for tjejvassan. 30k baby!

XXG

Day 100 – A Great Success, Totally Murakami

Dear readers, you must admit that our last 100 days club was a great success.

Like G already said: totally Murakami (if a specific Japanese author and marathon runner ever reads this – thank you for being our guru).

Ok, we might have had a little more wine than suggested at times than the rules suggested. And even more coffee… But we have both improved our snack habits. We've had less sugar, less cookies, less crap food and more food. I think…

We've been both doing some yoga, and now we're doing the powerful dynamic yoga that gives strength, flexibility and muscles. Where as the relaxing part can be made at home…

And most of all – we have been running! Mostly in sunshine (it was hot, remember?) but also in rain. In those 100 days

G ran 411.45 k

C ran 289.83 k

Together we made 701.28 k!

Finally, we made the super hilly last ten k:s of Lidingöloppet (speaking of Chinese torture…), the Lidingö tjejlopp.

C made it on 1.03.52 with a cold in her body.

G made it on 1.05.43 with an ear infection!

(Next year we'll both go under one hour…).

About my personal goals:

1. To run – not obsessed in periods, but moderate every week. On my personal goals: I was obsessed at periods, but only had one week (in delicious Denmark) without running.

2. To not let the vicious circle of bad sleep + coffee + sugar + a little too much wine take over my vacation and summer. There were many days when I had to have coffee after a messy night with my 2-yearold (or the others), but I had a lot less sugar and wine.

3. To run the Tjejmilen August 30 and Lidingö tjejlopp September 27. I'm not aiming at a certain time (yet), but just to run the 10 k in both competitions. Didn't do the Tjejmilen because of sick kids, a cold and no night sleep, and regretted it so much. So it was a good thing to run the Lidingöloppet though the cold. Wouldn't have been able to do that without all the running the last 100 days.

4. I will blog every day, but if it's ok by you I'll blog about the day that passed next morning, so that I can go to bed when I need to. I'll also try to blog a little shorter in my new moderate style. Have been blogging a lot. I think it has been good for my English too.

5. I will be more serious about my yoga. Am getting more serious about the yoga. I believe yoga is the perfect wife for Mr Running.

And now new adventures are waiting. We are taking a three days break, but will be back already October 1 for a sweet little 50 days challenge.

Day 100- Congratulations!

Dear C,

We did it! First goal completed. It feels good to have that done. Even with lifes obstacles it is possible.

So as you can see I rewarded myself with a nice, strong latte.

This week I will start a different kind of training. Along with the running I will bike, and attend an Army boot camp class.

Time to train the whole body, and get better strength.

Hope you are proud and feel good! Thanks for being a great friend and 100 day partner.

Totally Murakami, Until the 30th of Sept. signing off.

Gxo

Day 99 - Stressed Out!

Dear C,

Where do I begin? It has been too long since I have written. My body is stressed, and I can´t seem to calm it down. My shoulders are high, the knots hurt, and for some crazy reason my ear is bleeding. It must be an ear infection but it doesn´t really hurt. Though when I think about it perhaps I have been a bit dizzy (more than the usual).

How do we become mindfull? That we can get into a zone and just let go. Yoga does this but there isn´t much time for the relaxing part in yoga she is so busy with the chinese torture. This rushing reminds me of a little story "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth really a tribute to the rainforest but a question of why we rush as well.

Running does this but my body doesn´t want to now. But I will go on, and do the best I can.

Today we went shopping because the girls have been wearing too small shoes. Now they both have the same size feet, and there are no hand me downs. Then we went to löplabbet and I got new running sneakers. This may help my knots? Anyway the shopping took ages we got way more than we set out for and the kids became cranky and hungry.

Tomorrow the girls will go to a birthday party instead of watching mom run. We said they could choose and of course the thought of candy is much more fun...

So I made my 400k goal. that is nice. Hope I make 10 tomorrow!

Much more to come in the future for us!

PS I need your pers.no for registration for vassaloppet.

XXG Should we walk over together?

Day 95 – 99 Cold & Celebration

Dear G, so what happened? A few days before the race L got a cold. And so did I.

Poor nightsleep, and many questions around the race. I had decided and planned for reaching the 300 k at day 100, but realised I had to choose.

Either ignore the cold and run enough to reach 300 by Sunday.

Or try to rest and get healthy by race day.

Decided to stick to the race, but as we are getting worses I wonder if I did the right thing. But the choice is made and there will take a lot more than a cold to stop me tomorrow.

So my goals are the ones Murakami had for New York Marathon (free from memory)

No walking – I'm a runner (might do exceptions for Karin's backe, the steep that is more like a wall).

I will make it to the goal.

And I will have fun.

Speaking of fun, we had a little celebration this week. The night between Wednesday and Thursday we counted 12 years since CJ kissed me the first time – we have been a couple since.

Six years by ourselves, six years with children under 2.

Everything is so symbolic.

How about your last 100 days?

See you tomorrow,

your friend

C

ps oh yes, we had champagne with a toast followed by cod with shrimps, butter sauce and horseraddish. Safron Ice cream for dessert… Already told you that story…