Two Wheeling

LX has taken over the balance bike full time:

When little ones start out learning balance, moving to a pedal bike is a quick to master skill. MissC has her bike and, at 4 years old, can ride it herself.

Adventure in San Fran!

Ben wasn't feeling well this morning. I wanted to let him rest and have some peace and quiet. So, after piano lessons, I drove up to San Francisco. And it only cost $430.50 to get my car back! Plus the parking fine.

There's a bike shop up there I'd been meaning to visit for a long while, My Dutch Bike.

A bicycle built for four:




Simple, right? Drive to the city, find a garage or meter, slice a vein for the fee, go to the shop.

Another bike that can carry three:




The shop was nice. I had the children look at magazines while I tried out the Bakfiets . Try one. Seriously. It took me a couple minutes to be comfortable with the length and steering, then it seemed so natural!



Then LX and MissC got to ride along. Hooboy, did he howl! He's not used to being ahead of me, so it may have been more like a roller coaster to him. Once he stopped screaming, he started calling out , "Oh, no!" each time we neared someone or as I cornered. Back at the shop, he scrambled out as soon as his seatbelt was off. MissC, on the other hand, didn't want to leave!





The children raced on Kinder Feets.




Then we walked back to where we parked. And kept going to check if we'd parked on the next street... And crossed one more for good measure when we came across a traffic cop.

So, yellow on a meter means delivery only. Don't park by yellow meters in San Fran.

The officer suggested we head over and take the 14 bus to the impound. Only, I was flanked by five children, so the bus had left moments before by the time we found the right stop.





We kept walking. I had checked my phone when talking to the officer and the impound was 1.7 miles away. The children have covered that distance before, but I kept updating my phone to see if I could hop on a bus.






I gave MissA the camera, TJ pushed the stroller with sleeping LX, and the younger girls held my hands.

The gal at the impound was sweet, complementing the well-behaved children. My tired children.

Barefoot with Ben

The alarm went off at 4:50am.

My dear tenderfooted husband and I got up and ready and headed out the door. We walked halfway around our block (a larger than average block, including 2 cul-de-sacs), and ran down the far end. I was surprised to find him slower because he usually has to slow down for me when we run shod. So, I suggested that was enough for today and we walked home.

A nice shower, rubbing the tender feet, and I feel good. The feet tingle, but don't hurt at all -yay! And, we're back to running!

Barefoot Run #1

I woke when Ben got up. Being in bed but not sleeping just isn't my thing. I tried to fall asleep and my mind wandered. Several times I thought of exercising. I could get up and read the Bible (exercise my soul).. I could start up the 20 Chin Ups challenge again (I can do 1 now).. I could clean the school room -it desperately needs it! I could run. Finally, I just got up.

Ben was gathering his things. "Is it too late to go for a run before work?" of course, he's already showered and is about to head out. I sat a few more minutes listening to the rain before finally deciding. The sitter would be up soon, it'll work out fine. I pulled on a couple layers, kept my feet warmish, loaded up the C25K app with memory work (Psalm 91), and let the sitter know I'd be out for a bit. The rain let up.

The Couch to 5K starts with a warmup walk, then alternates runs and walks, ending with a cool down walk. Day 1 is 9 runs, I made it through 6 before my left calf tightened. I walked back, happy with my progress! After a shower, I checked my feet and they look great.

Oh yeah, I'm running barefoot. When I tried running in shoes, the flat soles kept my feet from bending naturally and my shins would hurt -like stabbing pains with each step. In my VFFs or barefoot, my feet warm up along with the rest of me (they're a little cooler in the rain, but after the first or second run, they're warm enough) and give me feedback on my form. I concentrated on picking up my feet (shorter stride, more steps per minute) and I was amazed I was able to run that much. Now I just need to strengthen my calves!

Does running in the morning make the difference? Last time, my calf hurt after the first or second run. Either way, I'm excited that I may actually be able to run. :)