All Systems Go

I only have one word for my new FIRST running program: Ouch! I thought cross training would be much easier, but I am finding that there is an adjustment period. Over the weekend, after biking and running, everything was sore. When I told Airon that I felt like my legs were going to pop off at the hip sockets, we began joking that we wished I had lego legs. He would just snap on a new pair for me.

Overall, it is going well. I'm fighting new muscle twinges here and there as I get used to using new muscles. I have to really pay attention to make sure that I don't hurt myself. With running, I recognize nearly every ache or pain, and adjust accordingly. With this new system, I question every little twitch and wonder if it is a sign of an impending breakdown or a normal adjustment. I took Monday as a complete day of rest. Yesterday, I did a cross training workout on the bike. Today, I don't have any soreness at all. I will be doing a running workout today.

Something fun happened yesterday. I looked out the window and saw a red-shouldered hawk just sitting in our tree quite close by. I called the kids over, and we observed it out the window for awhile. We see them flying overhead, and hear their call frequently, but it's not often we get to observe one so closely while it is just resting. They got a big kick out of it.

I grabbed the camera and snuck outside. Using my zoom and a steady hand, I got this picture: I'm pleased with how this photo turned out. The hawk cooperated perfectly. I was silent while preparing the camera, then I very softly cleared my throat to catch his attention. He looked at me, and I snapped the photo. He stayed for about a minute more, then flew away.