Sunday, April 10, 2016

Tombstones & Ducks (WW # 36)



Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are excited that we continue to have new linkers each week.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's a truly wonderful way to make new friends, gain invaluable support, and all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


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M -- Rest
T -- 4 Miles
W -- Rest (A Plank PR!)
T -- 5 Miles + Physical Therapy
F -- Rest
S -- 3 Miles (5k Race)
S -- 8 Miles

Total -- 20 Miles



My weekday runs were slow and easy.  It's all I could (and should) do after last weekend's half.  In keeping with my "run more 5ks to work on speed" plan, I ran the Resurrection Run on Saturday.  It was a beautiful and chilly morning, but warmed quickly.  My goal was to beat my previous 5k average pace.  I was pleased to run steady and clock all miles under 9.  My splits were 8:57 / 8:45 / 8:55.  My average pace squeaked in several seconds better than my last attempt.  It definitely wasn't a big improvement, but it's still in the right direction so I'll not complain.

A slight Cat in the Hat look...

I've noticed my new Garmin 225 is consistently recording race distances shorter than my old Garmin 110 -- same race, same start, same finish.  This drives my overall pace up so it's hard to make comparisons to the same race in previous years.  Anyway, my official time was 26:46 and it earned me a dual win: 1st in AG and Masters.  In full disclosure, this was a very small race!  Personally, I think they shouldn't give you two awards.  I should've been pulled out for winning Masters and the next in line should've won 1st in AG.   But, I'm not the race director.



I was awarded with a tombstone made of real granite weighing in at 5 pounds.  {What does one do with a tombstone?  Wait...no no...don't answer that!}  We watched our grandson play baseball and later PoPo worked his grilling magic on delicious bacon wrapped filets.  Our movie selection for the evening  was The Visit.  Do not bother!  It's a movie about crazy, disturbed elderly people.  Just, no.

Around bedtime -- in fact I'd already dozed off -- our middle son arrived home with ducks.  {Huh?  Peep, peep, peep.  Am I dreaming?}  Two baby ducks.  You know, the kid who is going off to college in a few months!   Which means I'm going to be a ... wait for it ... crazy mother ducker.  Bahaha -- I'm sorry I just couldn't leave than one alone!

I have to admit, they are very cute.

Sunday was another gorgeous day.  I opted for a medium distanced 8 mile run as I have another half this weekend.  Many of you asked if I have anything special planned for half # 40.  Well, I get to run across this beautiful bridge at the Kill Cliff Destin Half Marathon.  That looks pretty special to me.  MissSippiPiddlin with be there too.  Even more special!





Don't forget about the Incredible Virtual Run by Level Up.   {See that Incredible 4" medal featured at the top of my side bar?}  You can sign up until April 15th and then run the race distance of your choice from that day through April 30th.   Use code SAVE10 for 10% off the registration fee.  In addition, all participants will receive a SLS3 $25.00 gift certificate!   If you do the math, I think you'll see you come out ahead.  Please let me know if you run and I'll feature you in my post race report!

And that's a wrap!


What special pets have you mothered?

Did anyone race this weekend?  Tell me all about it!

109 comments:

  1. You're doing great on your comeback! That Destin Half looks beautiful!

    Congrats on the AG tombstone! It will make a nice doorstop!

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    1. I'm excited about Destin. I just hope the humidity is not a factor. I think the tombstone would make an excellent weapon too.

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  2. Wow, running across that bridge looks absolutely incredible! Can't wait to hear all about the race!

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    1. I'm going to enjoy that bridge! It should be the only hill in the whole race too.

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  3. I was LOL at the crazy mother ducker! Very cute little ducklings! What a gorgeous course you'll get to run for your next half. Seems like a great race for your 40th! Congrats on your 5k awards! I also had to laugh at the tombstone! And congrats on your plank PR!

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    1. I keep asking myself...why do we now have ducks? Surely they will go to a nice pond once they are grown. I think that bridge will be a great way to remember #40.

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  4. The tombstone award is kind of creepy!
    My goal this summer is to run more 5Ks to work on speed too. I've been pain free for a while so perhaps it's time to work on time! -M

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    1. I don't want to seem unappreciative. But, the tombstone is definitely different. I guess it was chosen in reference to the resurrection.

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  5. Congrats on your AG. Gotta say that tombstone is one of the more interesting awards I've seen ;) Good luck with your half - running across that bridge should be pretty amazing!

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    1. Yes, interesting for sure. It's very heavy! It could be a weapon. I can't wait to run across that bridge.

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  6. What a Great Week, love the tombstone "trophy":-) Congratulations!! The 1/2 marathon looks amazing, so beautiful! Thank you for hosting the great link-up, Have a wonderful week!!

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    1. I'll have to come up with a good home for my new trophy. Outside? We are so happy you've joined us on the Weekly Wrap.

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  7. Mother Ducker LOL About that tombstone...recently I was awarded a scarf for being the Masters Champ ;-) I agree with the "double winning" thing, but then it does shift the 2nd place person to the 1st place position...and that's not a "true" standing. I don't think there's a happy solution, though. Another race with Tricia??? You two stay busy!

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    1. So corny, but I couldn't resist. Only I would have to raise ducks. Actually, he is doing everything right now. I can't keep up with Tricia. She is always on the go. I'm old. I have to stay at home sometimes and do nothing.

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  8. Congrats in placing in your race ! Two awards, good for you. A tombstone ? huh. Just huh. LOL

    That would drive me nuts if I changed my watch and had the distances off compared to the last one. Have you figured out which one is "right" ?

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    1. Funny, I always thought my old Garmin measured the races too long. Now, I feel the opposite. However, my finish time is my finish time -- so I guess the other stuff really doesn't matter.

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  9. Wow! Look at all those boats in Destin! How awesome. 2:45 second plank. Can you be you when I grow up! That is super hard and fantastic. I'm at 1:40 and basically die to get to that. Practice makes perfect! :)

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    1. I wonder at what big event that Destin picture was taken. A concert on shore, maybe? I've never seen it look like that. I'll keep working on my planks if you will!

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  10. Ok you are planking MACHINE! That's awesome! Those ducks are SO CUTE! Congrats on the awards. That tombstone is something! I once won a massive trophy for winning a small 10km. It came up to my mid thigh and it must have weighed about 20lbs. It's now sitting somewhere in my basement gathering dust. Crazy. Destin looks like a beautiful spot for a race! Looking forward to reading about that one!

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    1. I do appreciate a trophy or any reward whatsoever. But like you said, there is no where to put those big things. I hope the ducks STAY cute.

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  11. Looks like your next race will have some great scenery! Congrats on the plank record and the race!

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    1. I hope race morning will be clear so we'll have spectacular views while running over that bridge.

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  12. Wow, that tombstone award is very ... interesting. Congrats on your wins though! On your Garmin, do you think you are running differently - less weaving, tighter corners, etc? That bridge looks long!

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    1. I don't feel I'm running different. I've never been one to really pay much attention to the tangents. But, that could be part of it. That bridge is not very long nor high, but I'm sure I'll feel it anyway.

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  13. Wow congrats on placing in a race, I don't think I have ever done that. I am so envious of you. Keep up the good work

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    1. It was a small race. That always helps. It would be extremely difficult for me to place in a large event!

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  14. Congrats on the win! I was thinking maybe a garden stone except it'd look like you buried something there. Your upcoming half looks like a good one. Beautiful pic!

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    1. I had the same thought, but then people might think a dog is under there. I thought about keeping in the car. If I go off a bridge and into the water, I can use it to break the window. Yes?

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  15. Such cute ducks!! So glad you had an enjoyable and recovering week for running... just the way it should be!

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    1. The ducks are cute. My two dogs have different opinions. All weekend we've played "keep the dogs away from the ducks".

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  16. Congrats on the Masters win! A tombstone is such an odd trophy. Your next race sounds like it will be beautiful - a great choice for half #40!

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    1. When I chose the Destin race, I didn't realize it would be #40. But, I think it will work perfectly. I need to start thinking about #50.

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  17. Great job on your 5k winner winner!! That's a great idea to run 5ks to help train speed. I just decided I wanted to start doing that after last weekend's races. Half #40 - that's awesome! Wow that water is so pretty and that's so cool you get to run over it! I can't believe how many boats are in the water! Happy Running!!

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    1. I feel bad about the dual winner thing. Most races don't do that, but I have seen it before. That is the color of the water in the FL panhandle. Add the white sand, and it is simply spectacular.

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  18. Wow! Congrats on the great amazing race! I have never mothered an animal, but I do love dogs.

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    1. We love our dogs too. Yesterday, I spent the day keeping them away from the ducks!

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  19. Great job on the 5k! and the planking, you are really rocking it! I have mothered cats, and calves mostly. ALthough we did mother a sparrow hawk when I was younger, he was really neat, but eventually flew off and left us.

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    1. The planks are so tough for me! I can't always increase my time, but I keep trying. How cool you raised a sparrow hawk!

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  20. Crazy Mother Ducker! I love it! We haven't had any unusual pets at all, just cats & dogs all my life (although there was a long dry period when it came to dogs).

    Speed increases aren't usually in leaps & bounds, so just a few seconds is really good.

    Half #40. Yes, you are a crazy mother ducker! Had to go there!

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    1. We've had the usual little boy pets like a tropical toad, turtles, fish, etc. You are so right about speed! Yeah, I'll own my crazy.

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  21. Wow, that looks like a gorgeous scene for a race course. I'm a bit jealous since I love the beach and running at it!

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    1. The only thing about a coastal race is that wicked humidity it can throw at you. I've got my fingers crossed!

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  22. I've never seen a tombstone award - mixed feelings, haha! Congrats on your race and placing!

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    1. It was a first for me. It's too big to be a paperweight. I'll figure out some useful function, I'm sure.

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  23. My aunt did two rounds of ducks because my cousin wasn't allergic to ducks. They're very cute, but hers got fat pretty quickly and couldn't really fly.

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    1. My son says these won't fly either because they are domesticated. They need another duck to show them, I think. They are cute and he is (so far) doing all the work. But like I said, he leaves in a few months.

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  24. Congrats on your awards! The tombstone could be fun for a Halloween decoration. And those ducks, how cute are they! I love duck eggs but have no idea how long it takes for them to lay. Or even if you have girls or boys. Ha ha.

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    1. I'll have to definitely remember to get it out at Halloween. I wondered if we would get eggs too. I guess we'll know eventually.

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  25. Nice bling. I wouldn't want that around my neck though, might break it =)
    Looking forward to your recap of the marathon.

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    1. I have to appreciate the effort of awarding something unique! I may use it for strength training.

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  26. If you have a garden you can use the tombstone for decoration.

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    1. Yes, it will definitely make a unique addition to the backyard.

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  27. Congrats on your dual wins! Awesome plank too! Very interesting that your son came home with ducks. Very cute though! :)

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    1. My house gets very interesting some times. He is doing an excellent job taking care of them. My dogs are not very happy with the new arrivals.

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  28. Wow, that Destin race looks beautiful! And congrats on the first place awards in the 5k. The ducks are adorable but I have no idea what goes into taking care of ducks!

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    1. My son has researched everything and is doing an excellent job with the baby ducks. By the time he goes to college, I hope they'll be old enough to stay outside. Or, perhaps living in a nice pond somewhere.

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  29. Way to go in your 5K!! Yay for the AG and Masters win! Have fun in your half this weekend! The bridge looks awesome!

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    1. That bridge comes very early and then again very late in the out and back race. I don't think it's incredibly steep, but it does look long and that might be taxing.

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  30. Congrats on another strong 5k and awards! That tombstone is pretty wild. Your plank times are getting so long, too! I can barely hold 30 seconds. I'm happy to be finished with my goal race. I'm going to try and focus on running for fun, maybe cross training, and I'll also run some 5ks to work on speed. I have 2 halves coming up, but they're just for fun.

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    1. I wish I had more weeks of cold weather to work on my speed, but it will be over any day now. When it comes to summer, it's all about effort. Speed goes out the window.

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  31. Way to go on your 5K! I have no idea why some watches do that! Weird! That bridge looks amazing. Can't wait to read your recap! That race is going on my bucket list!

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    1. I'm hoping that bridge isn't too steep. It's already long so a low rise will already feel pretty hard.

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  32. Congratulations on racking up the awards at your 5K!!! LOL at the crazy mother ducker reference. Those ducks are SO ADORABLE, though. I have similar issue with my Garmin always tracking the distance a little bit off than others - it is frustrating. WOW on your plank of 2:45 - that is amazing! The Kill Cliff Destin Half Marathon looks amazing - how cool that Tricia will be there, too!

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    1. I can tell the ducks have already grown! Thankfully, my son is doing everything -- I knew he would. It's just that he'll be gone soon. Planks are HARD. I may never get to 3:00!

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  33. Huge Congrats on your AG Award and Masters! Great job! Your planks are inspiring me,too! I need to pick it up! It's so hard to figure out Garmins - I always have the same issue. The Baby Ducks are too cute - enjoy them!:)

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    1. My planks this week haven't been very inspiring, but I keep trying anyway. The ducks think my son is their parent. It's cute.

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  34. A tombstone? What kind of award is that? As in YOU KILLED IT?! Congratulations on the win!

    That looks like a very awesome bridge to run across! Best of luck on your upcoming half!

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    1. Ha Ha! Good one! I wished I had thought of that. I can't wait to see the view from that bridge. But, I won't stop for a picture. I never have.

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  35. what a unique medal for your 5k!
    and your #40 half marathon looks pretty neat-I'm sure it will be a good course to celebrate!
    Ive mothered all sorts of animals-from lizards, birds, ducks, cats dogs and even snakes!

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    1. My boys used to catch lizards and even a snake once. Thankfully we didn't have to keep those as pets. I've never run a half in Destin (only several nearby). I hope it will be a great experience.

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  36. I am awe of your planking ability. I struggle at 1 minute.

    Congrats on your AG award. So what did you do with your tombstone? I ate a piece of mine and it was the best apple pie ever!!

    That half looks awesome. Have a blast with Tricia.

    I don't have a race this weekend but there's a 5k that is tempting me.

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    1. I haven't done anything with it yet. There's a very cool function for it -- I just haven't come up with it yet. I wish I had won an apple pie. I'm looking forward to this half because it's one I've never done. I needed something "new" for # 40!

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  37. BaHaHa - crazy mother ducker!!!

    Congrats on your masters and age group wins, and yes, I agree with you on the double dipping. It's more fun for more people to win prizes.

    As always, thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I felt bad for the lady who should have won first in AG. I've seen races with double dip awards only a few times. At least it's pretty rare.

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  38. I didn't read the comments, but has anyone suggested a door stop as use for your tombstone award? And yes, that is one of the stranger awards I've ever heard of receiving, but big congrats for winning it!

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    1. A few people suggested a door stop. Oddly, none of my doors need stopping. LOL. It's definitely a conversation piece.

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  39. Oh, wow! Look at that bridge! Destiny is on our list of places to visit. Enjoy it!

    Sounds like you had an awesome week!

    I am pretty limited in the pets I've mothered: currently, we have three pugs, although I have also had other dogs, a cat, some hamsters, parakeets and fish. Would really, really, really love an alpaca, though.

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    1. It's beautiful in the FL panhandle. Just pick any city! It'd be so neat to live on a small farm with all types of animals to mother. My dogs would love it too.

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  40. Love the baby ducks. And totally laughed at your comment about them!
    Great job, that is awesome and funny about the tombstone award:)
    That bridge looks gorgeous, Looks like a fun race Have fun!

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    1. I have to admit I haven't had to do anything with the ducks...yet. Our son is taking care of them very nicely. The tombstone is actually well made. I believe it is a "real" one from a local manufacturer.

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  41. I think a tombstone is officially the oddest prize I've ever heard of in a race. I wouldn't know what to do with it either! A yard ornament of some kind to confuse the neighbors? Congrats anyway :)

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    1. Actually, I've received other odd awards: door security pole, cow bell, and rubber duckie to name a few.

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  42. The ducks are adorable!! My mom had a pet duck when she was young, but I've only been a dog mother myself.
    That is one of the oddest looking prizes I've seen...I don't think you'll be able to hang that one up on a wall as heavy as it is. Perhaps a nice paper weight?
    I'm super jealous of the Destin half marathon! I love Destin, I went every year when I was younger and still think they have the most gorgeous sand and beaches. That will be a beautiful run for sure!

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    1. No -- that one won't go on the wall, for sure. I've visited the Florida panhandle all my life. The beaches and water are spectacular!

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  43. Your next half looks like it'll be memorable.

    Congratulations on your placing, even if it did come with an unusual trophy! I suppose you could use it as a placemat or tray!

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    1. Because it's stone, it would make a nice coaster to put drinks on. Although it's huge!

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  44. I was stationed in Ft. Walton Beach (just minutes from Destin) in 1992 and I LOVED it there. Great week!

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    1. Then you know how beautiful it is in the panhandle! I'm been going all my life. I've run a couple of races in Ft. Walton too.

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  45. I'm not gonna lie. The tombstone award is a little intense. 😂

    Nice plank!!

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    1. That's a good way to describe it. I do appreciate any time I get an any award -- because I worked hard for it.

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  46. You look almost too happy doing that plank!

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    1. In full disclosure, I took the pic Once I finished. So, that's my I'm-very-happy-to-be-done-with-my-plank face!

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  47. I'm the mom to a gecko. More specifically, a gecko that needs to be hand fed. I know.

    Nice job on the 5k - it's been a long time since I ran a 5k for speed.

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    1. I know all about buying crickets to feed a fire bellied toad. And then, you had to keep the crickets alive too. It was like the food chain at our house.

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  48. Congrats on your race! Not sure either what to do with a tombstone award!... Those little ducklings are adorable - is your son taking them to college with him? Wow that bridge run in Destin looks awesome - I'm sure you'll have a blast. Enjoy the rest of your week.

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    1. That was my first question. Are the ducks going with you to college? He has actually found a home for them with someone who already raises ducks. Whew!

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  49. The tombstone is a little strange I will admit but dang you have made such a great comeback! I think #40 sounds pretty special to me! I bet you and Tricia will have a great time!

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    1. Thanks, but I'm still working hard on that comeback! As you know, our southern weather is going to prevent great paces for a while. Boo!

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  50. Hahaha well congratulations on your new babies! I have mothered two dogs, six chickens, a calf (who lived in our backyard for a time- oh my!), and most recently 14 baby chicks. The chicks are still in our garage. They are getting bigger and are naughty and very full of themselves.

    Great job at your race! Those are really even splits, which is awesome. Congrats on the AG win and the master's win. I agree with you that races shouldn't double count awards. As far as that tombstone... maybe it would make a good bookend? Haha.

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    1. I think I'd like having chickens. But I think I'd would want the coop well away from the house. Ha -- chickens with personality. A bookend is a great idea! It'd be a great conversation piece anyway.

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  51. I bought those arm sleeves to go with a wonder woman skirt. What was I thinking (about the skirt)? I'm not having to do anything with the ducks -- yet. I hope the humidity will stay low this weekend. I'd like to post my best time this year but humidity will through a kink in that. Good luck to you!

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  52. youa re rocking the planks! i need to get back into those!

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    1. My, they are hard! I haven't come close to that time this week.

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  53. Ha! What does one do with a tombstone? ... I have no idea! Congratulations on the AG and Masters win! Awesome pace. Those little duckies are adorable!
    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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    1. I feel like a great function for that tombstone is going to just pop in my head one day. And, I'll be delighted to have won it!

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  54. I'm rolling on the floor over the crazy mother ducker! Hey you can bring them to the beach and we can let them swim in the ocean.... ok maybe not.
    That is a great pace all in the 8's wow! The 5k's your doing for speed is really paying off for you. I admit I'm nervous to run one with my family next weekend, I hate 5k's they are so hard and I'll have added pressure on me to not let any of my family beat me!!! Ugggh. I'd love to have all 9's! See you this weekend and we'll come up with something to celebrate the 40th!

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    1. I fret more over the 5ks! I know it's going to hurt like heck but I want so badly to beat my last time. That will be more difficult now, especially with the warmer temps and humidity. You will beat the family!

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  55. Great job on your times in the 5K. The tombstone is an odd award, but I guess that’s what makes it unique! Crazy mother ducker made me literally laugh out loud! They are cute ducks. The bridge at Destin looks beautiful! Good luck in your race!

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    1. Odd, much I do appreciate it. Always. My son has found the ducks a permanent home, so I guess I won't be a crazy mother ducker after all!

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