Spring Flowers - Outside Explore: Tune in or out?

(tulip photos by me)

From Runnersworld.com's Daily Kick in the Butt:
"Every day, I stop halfway through my run for five minutes, look around, and enjoy the surroundings. I'm reminded of why I do this and why I love it so much."
-- Anita Ortiz

(tulip photos by me)

And from espnW.com, Leslie Goldman's feature on distance-runner Diane Van Deren.
Van Deren processes time differently as a result of a lobectomy she had in 1997 to help with Epilepsy. Learn more about this incredible athlete, her success with distance running and how she uses sticky notes to find her way.
http://w.espn.go.com/espnw/features-profiles/6495356/diane-van-deren-goes-distance

Questions for You:
- What do you notice while training outside?
- Do you stop to take things in while on a run or ride? Or are you all business?
- Thoughts on distance running and the ability to tune out past miles?
- What's your favorite use for sticky notes?

Birthday Butterflies & Zinnias

I love taking pictures, especially of plants, flowers and animals in our garden or up at the farm. To celebrate my birthday week I took these:

Questions for You:

- How do you celebrate your birthday? This afternoon my oldest son is doing a local youth triathlon. Then over the weekend most of my family is doing the adult tri, followed by lots of screaming and cheering along the Ironman Wisconsin course on Sunday.

- What flowers are in your garden?

pictures by me