Halloweek

Rich & Ryan's joint collaboration pumpkin this year...if you know my son, you will know that he added those hearts in the corner. If he had the space, there'd also be rainbows, hot air balloons and puppies as well. 'Cause...that's my boy!!!

This year's Halloween was definitely a Halloweek of fun for Ryan. Aside from Christmas, it's definitely the most fun month of the year for him. He's been out celebrating four days straight this week at a Monster Dash mud run, a Halloween party, a cast party (for Rich), a pool party and trick or treating with friends.

Practices have been at the Civic Center due to Ironman/needed renovations. But I have been loving the elevation (cooler) and location (quieter, with nice hills to climb on my runs). 

But October also means the big annual karate tournament is just around the corner. This is that one day a year that Ryan and his dojo mates work hard year round for. A lucky few will be lauded with accolades and awards, but many others can have an 'off' day that can be heartbreaking to witness. We're reminded that progress isn't based on how you perform that one day- because things happen. Judges make mistakes. Kids get matched against much stronger/taller/skilled opponents. You might blank out for a second during your routine or accidentally drop your weapon. Not getting an award doesn't say anything about your hard work, sacrifice or love of the sport...but it's hard when you don't earn a tangible award demonstrating that.

A few pics of the week's events:

Does this face not capture joy?

My week wasn't quite as successful as Ryan's. I didn't quite get in all the running miles I'd hoped (I still got in 31 last week), but this week is another 40+ if I can finish out the week strong. I can't say I was 'lazy' (I still got in the scheduled miles), but I shirked the gym, shirked the speed work and found excuses to cut extra miles I could've down out. On the one hand, it's not a big deal, right? I'm just living my life. On the other hand, all those little shortcuts add up, and I'm going to suffer more than I should unless I get my act together.

I'm hoping to get in a solid 8 today with my bestie, rest Th (since I'll be in second grade all day), and then it'll be a solo 22-miler on Friday since all my work buddies are off to work. *gulp* I'm hopeful, but I know it's gonna hurt. Running for 4+ hours always does. Thankfully, I'm still blessedly, blissfully injury-free, and for that I'm undeniably grateful.

It's a big weekend for our family- my long run, Ryan's big day and some much needed family siesta time together afterward, if all goes well! Happy Fall, y'all!