May's BookClub Choice: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

I missed last month's book club meeting. The ladies chose 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I remember my mother used to read his books when I was younger. Horror books/movies are not my thing so I was never a big fan.

Here's the NYT review. I don't want to spoil it for myself so I averted my eyes while copying the link.

But you know what? It's always good to step out of your reading comfort zone. Seems Mr. King stepped outside his usual genre with this book. Thankfully it is not horror. While the book length is a tad scary, I am excited to finish. We might allow two months to read the weighty tome. I'm already a few chapters in. So far, so good.

What are you reading this month?

Woodys Marathon & Half-Marathon (and 10K): In pictures

Here's a hodge podge of photos of some friends who ran in Woodys today. For many it was their first race! Exciting to see so many smiling faces when they crossed the finish line!

        

A nervous Brent before running 13.1 miles

         

A happy Brent after running 13.1 miles

This was Toni-Lee's first marathon. I interviewed her for a pre-race story. And here's Paul asking her how it went for a follow up story.                      

Kevin finished his first half-marathon in Kevin style! Awesome. 

Ann's first marathon went awesome! 

Here's the proud family. Brent and his mom, brother & his girlfriend and Sona on the end.

Sona and Michelle after the 10k race. It was Sona's first and Michelle's second race. 

Andy's second marathon! 

Karen's 9th marathon! 

Danny interviews the eventual winner of the marathon. Guy wins in 2:49.

Michelle watches for Jillian to finish her first half-marathon. 

Rockstar Tara ran her second Woodys 10k           

In Pictures: Friendship Run & Volunteering

First day of Red Deer's Public Market

The first day of Red Deer's public market is always rockin.' Today was no different. I popped in for a bit to check out the action. I love markets. I really, really miss the Byward Market. Red Deers market is not shabby. 

The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon so you have to get there early. I hardly went last summer because I was usually working. But this summer I plan to go more often. Nothing beats fresh fruit & veg. (I do miss the variety though.) There's also a mini market on Wednesday nights on Little Gaetz. That's super fun too. 

I was pressed for time so I just power walked around to get a feel. I picked up a big bag of peppers. Yum! I also ran into a few coworkers and city staffers. Red Deer is that small. One day this summer I will spend more time just hanging out and soaking in the atmosphere. Markets are great that way. (I'll pass on the mini donuts, thank you)

Woodys 10K Race kit pick up

Let the countdown begin! I picked up my 10k race kit directly from work. There's not much in the expo as the race is low budget and low key.  We don't even get a bag with our bib. I don't mind because this way I spend less money! It was a quick in and out for me. I didn't even make eye contact.

Though I was a little choked up when I reviewed my info on my bib. I'm moving into a new age category this season. And this 10k will be my first race in this older category. I feel so old. I just started running nearly 4 years ago and here I am moving up already. (I guess that's what happens when you age) I've been told 40 to 49 is competitive. That's fine because Sunday's race isn't entirely about speed. As I get closer to my 50k, I keep changing my goals. I've gone from setting a PR to just crossing the finish line. Yup. I am that nervous about next weekend that I can't take it one race at a time.

And besides there will always be another 10k. 

So for Sunday, I aim to run strong & with a smile on my face.