courtesy of onthetower

So by now, you all know that I dream about running a whole lot more than I actually run ( I am trying out the whole - turning thoughts into reality thing :-)).

As a matter of fact, through writing this blog about running, I have been able to pick up a thing or to from other bloggers out there in cyberspace and have started having better results in actually getting out there to run.

I believe in slow but sure, and the next thing I would like to weave into my ‘from dream to reality’ running habits is trail running. I suppose that this could only be done on weekends really, since I am a city person, but even if I can get in one short trail run in a month, I would be really happy. I think that the Idea would be to get a family picnic together, and make a family outing of it. Hubby and kids can either walk the trail as I run it, or hang out playing soccer till I get back from my monthly romp in nature. I love nature walks and we do do that quite often so all I need to do now is mark the ones that would be good for running on :-) Since it is winter now, I have until about March or April to dream it into reality (seems like an ample amount of time to turn it into the real deal) Eric from Stubborn Running did an amusing post about trail running that really wet my appetite.

Did you know that there were running shoes especially made for running in the desert that claim to be, and it seems are sand proof?
Well now you know. There are shoes like this and according to Jeff they actually work.
Jeff has done shoe reviews before, and quite smartly will only write the review after doing at least 100 miles in a shoe in order to get an good round overview of the shoes, including endurance.
UK Gear pt-03 Dessert Running Shoe are highly recommended by him. pop over to his site to read his review on them and while you are there, you can read about his experience at the saddle back trail marathon. I know people have all sorts of tactics to get over the difficult parts in runs, but his some of his are quite amusing and novel to me.

I have just read a post by Runner Leana  about her week in training, and I am green with envy.

If I would try to sum up my week it would look a bit dismal and sad.

Monday - full day at work with an early meeting out of the office, and husband coming home early, unexpectedly, with a slight unnatural curve left in his back - his reoccurring slipped disc had re - occurred again and all plans of going out for a run in the evening were abandoned for bathing and putting the kids down to sleep then coming down stairs to clean up the colossal mess that two toddlers eating dinner can make… (you have to have been there to imagine it)
By the time that is all done - there is no way that I can get the energy together to go out for a run (though I am sure that if I did, I would have a lot more energy the next day)
Anyway, My whole week was more-or-less Monday-like in its execution, and only on Saturday I managed to get in an early morning run.

Yay for that!
This week I hope will be a little better, although my husband is not quite right yet, he is a lot better and able to lend a hand…

I must say though that my week will probably never look like Leana,  If I manage to get 3 runs a week, its a really good week, and I am happy with that.

This is a call for all of you running mommas. The Marathon Mama needs you.

She has quite her job in order to write a book on the growing “Force to be reckoned with” in here own words of running mothers. If you are a mother who runs, or a father with a wife who is a mother who runs, (and runs can be anything as long as its regular or over a period of time) hop over and read that post of hers. Maybe you will find yourself willing to participate in this interesting project of hers.

Some people are inspiring both in the goals they set for themselves and the way the just get out there to accomplish their goals.

Such is Marshal King a man on a mission. He has committed to running 7 ultra marathons in as many months in order to raise money to help his dad fight prostate cancer.

Amy Guth From Blonkless did a great interview with him. If you are in need of inspiration - pop over and read.