'The Long Run' Book Review

The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter's Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete

I learned about this book from a blog that I follow.  I ordered the book on amazon.com (here).  It arrived on a Friday and by Sunday afternoon I was done.  It was defiantly a book that was hard to put down once you start reading!

You can read the first chapter here.

The book is the true story of New York City Firefighter, Matt Long's journey from elite athlete, to accident victim, back to being a runner and triathlete. 

Warning:  There is very graphic detail of his injuries.  I found myself closing my eyes and saying "oh my gosh!" out loud as I was reading!  However, it only intrigued me more and made me want to find out what happened next.

Most of the book goes back and forth between his life before the accident and his recovery journey after the accident.

I found this book full of inspiration.  It is definitely a book that leaves you saying "if he can do that I can surely run _____ miles."  Whatever your current goal, it is easier then what Matt Long had to endure to first walk again and then against all odds begin running again.

I highly recommend this book for all runners and non runners alike!  If you can't find strength, hope and motivation from this book there really is no hope for you!

The Book Trailer from YouTube.

In other news....

Our dog slipped into the freezing swimming pool yesterday.  Not sure exactly how long he was in there when I found him.  Being the super hero I am, I pulled him to safety.  We used the blow dryer to get his fur dry.  Then I warmed blankets in the dryer and we wrapped him in them for about 40 minutes.  He definitely had some early hypothermia going on.  Shivering uncontrollably and labored breathing.  Thank goodness all is well now.

And I'm officially ready for SPRING!

Read this book and let me know what you think. What other motivational books do you recommend?

Don't Drink and Run!

Workout:  3 sweaty miles.

Saturday was another beautiful day in Texas!

Angie had a lazy morning reading "The Long Run" and sippin' coffee. Perfect!

Then the family was of to Fort Worth.  Angie let Cyn massage on the hammy, and then it was a visit to Fort Worth Running Company to get the hubby some new running shoes.  Nothing for me today! Sad face!

Sexy!

Run Forest Run!

Audrie found a new running partner.

Then we headed home for some 'King of the Hill' fun with friends.  We started the afternoon in Glo's front yard and ended the evening in Cheri's backyard by the fire. Another perfect.  Except for maybe the amount of wine we consumed.  More about that when you get to this mornings run!

The ladies chillaxin' in the beautiful weather!

Sippin' wine and icing.

The man who has to put up with Randee.  Bless his heart!

I had to go get Brittany out of bed to join us.

Wake up sleepy head and CLEAN YOUR ROOM!

Little Brittany and her 100,000,000 text for the afternoon.

Yeah, not sure what I was doing here.  I think this a great look for me though.

We ordered pizza.  Let the kids roast marshmallows.  And perhaps we might have had a bit too much wine.

Cheri and Randee - all smiles!

Randee and a blurry Glo

Um yeah, it was time to go home at this point!

So we learned a lesson last night.  Don't consume mass amounts of wine and expect to enjoy your run the next morning! 

The first words out of Brittany's mouth when Randee walked out of the house was "oh no, she looks super bitchy this morning."  She was correct!  We sweated like we were really doing something as we did our slow moving 3 miles this morning.  Thank goodness our training plan had this as a short run today.  I think there was some divine intervention on our side.  It took all we had to finish the three.  Brittany just giggled and rolled her eyes at us.  I'm not sure she enjoyed having to run our slow pace!

Due to the Super Bowl coming to town, downtown Fort Worth was kinda crazy.  Our normal parking spot was a "non parking" zone and several streets were closed except for foot traffic!  We finally found a spot and did a bit of stretching.

Self portrait!

Stretching the calf and checking out the eyebrows.

Um yeah, I don't really stretch.  I'm way to cool for that.

Then along the way we came across this.  Someone had a mighty fun Saturday night!

Nasty thong on the ground.  Brittany is convinced it was Randee's.

Run GURLS!

The bitchy runners doing what they do best.  Bitchin' and runnin'.

Brittany self portrait

Finally, we were done.  We decided to act like all the other nimrods and take pictures of all the ESPN Super Bowl hoopla. 

Everyone else seemed to be taking pics in front of this...so thought we would do the same.

The area where ESPN will broadcast live during the Super Bowl.

Downtown Fort Worth

Then it was FINALLY time for our coffee! 

Us in front of our "usual" Starbucks.  We usually end every weekend long run here!

2 Chocolate Milks.  2 Venti Lattes.  2 Ice Waters.  Same every week!

Of course they did not make Randee's coffee to suite her.  Same as every other week.  So she returned it and got yet another free coffee for our next visit. We really should try a new Starbucks.  They kind of suck at making coffee at this one!

So Brittany was right.  Randee was in a mood.

Now I am icing of course. Hopefully my afternoon will include finishing "The Long Run" and finally cleaning my house!

P.S. Talia we missed you today!  Feel better!

Do you drink and run?  Do you regret it?  What kind of weather do you prefer to run in?  Cold?  Hot?

Spring Teaser

Gorgeous day in Texas!

Everyone was outside after work enjoying this spring teaser!  

This mornings workout was kind of a joke!  It was only in the low 40's, but for some reason we were both super cold.  We walked about 1.5 miles and did some stretching.  Hardly worth getting up for, but better then nothing I guess!

A went back to the chiropractor this afternoon.  Doing the three times a day icing and twice a day stretching & foam rolling.  Got to keep those hammies loose!

After work I really wanted to hang on a patio and have a drink.  I really think everyone should get off at 3pm on Friday....especially when it is so pretty outside!

I picked up the kids and we went to On the Border.  I had way to many of these....

I REALLY love their salsa!

and it will take me at least 15 miles of running to run of this....

Very good, but actually a bit too sweet!  Didn't stop me from sucking it down though!

The kids enjoyed themselves and Gloria joined us.  A nice way to end the work week.

I think Audrie was about to punch him in the face.  Such sibling love!

As I write this I am in my usual position on the couch....icing of course.  Look at this lovely picture Trent took of me foam rolling last night.

No, it's not your eyes.  This is a super blurry picture.  Don't be hatin' on my sexy outfit of leopard pajama pants, work shirt and brown sock.  It's all the rage in Kenya with the elite runners!

Now I'm about to chill and read

I've heard great things about the book.  Be looking for a book review soon!

Oh yes, and because I know you are all wondering...

My snot is almost gone and I might go to bed without taking NyQuil tonight.  I might have withdrawls on the NyQuil thing.  Do they have a 12 step program for that?

Happy Weekend!