Run Amelia! Run!

I need new shoes.

(wait, let me go back)

I'm going to do a 5K.

(yup, back farther)

Last night I ran & walked 2.7 miles in 45 minutes. This is a woman who earlier this year took half an hour to walk a mile.

(wait, still not back far enough)

I'm doing the 5K because M is going to do her first race.

(oh yeah, better go back further)

On Monday M and I were walking back from the park and we saw a race. One that has been run a few blocks from my house for the last 27 years. (I know, how did I miss that) She LOVED it. She wanted to run with them. She wanted to race, especially when we saw kids doing it too.

Someone on the bus mentioned a kid's race that happens with the shorter distances before the TC Marathon. So I looked it up. There was a toddler trot, a mere 50 yards, but she can do that in the back yard going after a ball. (what? like you've never done that) Half a mile though, that is what she does when she goes with me on a walk. She sits in the stroller until the last half a mile and then I let her run while I cool down. However, if I am going to schlep my ass over to St. Paul for her half a mile, why not do a 5K myself. Sure, why not. I'll make A go with too. It will be a fun family event.

(OK, caught up)

So, I ran last night to see just how fast I could go if I did a 5K, and my feet were hurting after I was done. It has been 6 months since I got my shoes, and in that time I have been walking, shredding and occasionally jogging in them. They are shot as far as running goes. So this weekend I'm likely going to drag my behind to Marathon Sports in South Minneapolis because they are awesome and carry women's shoes in an 11.5. I didn't even know that was possible until back when I first tried to run and tweeted about it Brook's Shoes followed me. I looked them up, and what do you know, 11.5. In the New Balance I got before I had to go up to a 12 that was slightly too big. Woo hoo! I'm going to do a 5K y'all!

Also, in regards to letting the two and a half year old do the half mile. I agonized over that. However, she has been so giddy about the running, why not encourage her to do it more. It is good to start habits young. Running is also more about competition with yourself. If it was hockey she wanted to do, I'd have a problem. Running is a life skill. I never had that, and maybe if I had I wouldn't be where I am today.

How about some questions?

Mostly parenting related, but some gardening too.

Toddler bed or twin bed? We found M with her foot resting on the top of the side of her crib a couple of nights ago. She was trying to escape and if I hadn't scared the crap out of her, she would have likely fallen pretty horribly. That combined with the diaper removal last week, and I think it is time to take the plunge. We have access to a free toddler bed, but would have to pay for a twin. I worry about transitioning twice.

Just how much can you prune off of a tomato and have it survive? I should have caged mine, I did not, they are falling over. I need cages, stat! I also need to cut them down. I have tiny tomatoes, so I'm trying to cut enough, without it being too much.

Two years old too young for fireworks? We could likely drive not that far and see some. Her bedtime is 7, she is up until 8, but they won't start around here until close to 10. I'm thinking one more year.

Why can't anyone figure out that women have larger feet than a 10? I swear to god it is starting to drive me absolutely batty that I have such limited choices in shoes. I need some dressy but comfy shoes for BlogHer, and for work. Anyone out there to prove me wrong? My left foot is an 11.5, my right is an 11. I can do 11-12 depending on style. Seriously. Show me that cute and comfy exists in larger sizes. I will love you forever.