Why Doulas are Essential to the Birthing Process

Have you checked out my Sweepstakes for a free entry to a trail race?  Go enter here!

As per a request from a very wonderful pregnant lady, today I thought we would take a pause from running to talk pregnancy and babies - sorry if this is boring to some please feel free not to read, but I am guessing others may find it of use...maybe.  Btw, if you are so inclined here is my birth story.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was sure that I would have an epidural.  No question about it.  I remember talking with a friend about it and she mentioned there was no need to be a hero when I told her I was having drugs.  At the time, I could not have agreed more.  However, I also knew I wanted to take child birth classes.  My sister-in-law suggested Bradley classes.  I liked the idea of Bradley because it was a series of 12 classes, two hours each, one time a week.  Some people might just want to go for a one time three hour class, and that is totally fine, but I am a student at heart and wanted more!  The only problem I had with Bradley was that is was all based on natural child birth - something that I did not think was for me.  Yet, since it was the only decently long class that would satisfy my inner student, we enrolled.  At the very least, I figured we would make a friend.  Luckily, the best thing Bradley gave us was a friendship with another couple who are near and dear to our hearts.

It has now come to my attention that I only have pictures of Lee with my friends' twins and not of us, so yea there is that - picture to follow....

Anyway, long story short because this post is supposed to be about doulas (I can review Bradley another day if anyone is interested),  I started to really drink the Kool-Aid about natural childbirth and decided I wanted to try it. I actually stopped telling people this except some of my closer friends because a lot of people laughed at me.  I get it, I cry really easily, I don't like pain, but I also run marathons.  When I am willing to endure the hurt, I am willing.

Can you compare the pain of running to the pain of childbirth - a post for another day?

So at 36 weeks pregnant, we made the commitment to this whole natural child birth thing including staying at home during labor as long as possible.  And at 36 weeks pregnant we switched to a midwife, a hospital that seemed more natural childbirth friendly, and embarked on a journey to find a doula. I knew we needed a doula. Bradley is all about husband based coaching, which is totally awesome, except for the fact that neither my husband nor myself had ever been through a birth before and it seemed like a coach should be someone with some type of experience. Luckily I found quite an amazing lady.

This is actually like 37/38 weeks but its what I got so we are going with it.

The Run Down on Doulas (from my experience)

(1)  They can be really pricey like over $1000.  You can find a more reasonable one by using a student  or a newly licensed doula; the downside to this is they have no lived experience.  Our doula was a student but had many years experienced and was actually reasonably priced.  But we had to search through some "bad eggs" to find her including one who did not believe in getting any type of vaccinations ever (sorry but you are not coming into my birthing room).

(2)  They are there for you and your partner and that can be whatever that means to you both.  They come and meet with you once or twice prior to labor and discuss your birthing plan and how they can help you accomplish that. Maybe your partner is out of town, they can be the person to stand in for him or her.  Maybe your partner needs a break during labor (it can be long), they can provide that.  Maybe you both need some coaching, they are good at that too.

(3)  They are on call for you 24/7 for the two weeks leading up (it might be more like four) to your due date and after if you have not given birth yet.  You can text, email, call, whenever for whatever. They are not doctors, although some are midwives, but they can answer your questions and help you determine what to do.  When I thought I was in labor, I texted my doula and we were in constant communication.  She knew right away that this was the "real thing" and told me what to do and that she would be there soon.

The morning I knew things were going to happen, I made Aaron snap a quick photo.  Yes this was after my 40 minute elliptical workout - just a little warm up jog before the marathon.

(4)  They are there throughout your labor.  I wanted to labor in the comfort of my own home.  If you want the doula to come to your home, she will.  If you do not, she can meet you at the hospital.    I was like "GET THIS DOULA OVER HERE NOW."  While I look to Aaron for comfort and support in every area of my life, for some reason while giving birth, the doula was the one who I needed.  Do not get me wrong, Aaron helped a ton!  But Leanne, my doula, new exactly how to touch my back to lessen the pain of back labor; when to tell me that it was time to pee, again; to make sure I was drinking; and finally when to go to the hospital. As an aside, Lee is named after my mother who passed away over a year ago, but when I met Leanne, it just felt so right that her name was also my mother's name, Lee Ann.

Notice the lack of picture - yea this was not a photo kind of event

(5) When you are at the hospital the doula may be really engaged or a bit more mellow.  I literally was hanging on to my doula as we entered the hospital.  Aaron had to park the car so she was with me.  She helped me change and go to the bathroom and was there for comfort.  At which point, my midwife began to run the show.  My doula took her cues from my midwife. I think she could sense that I needed the midwife at that point, but she was still a huge help in all the work we had left to do.  And of course in the end took photos for us!  How I do not have one with her is beyond me.

I have no clue how people have perfect pictures right after birth.  Who is going to have makeup on and look great after having a baby.

(6)  She does a postpartum visit  the purpose of which is to check in and see how you are doing and if all is going well.  Honestly, I loved this because this woman was awesome. I was like "can we please be friends in real life, you rock."  

(7)  What I loved about my doula was she was also a personal trainer, specifically, working with postpartum women and had awesome deals for her doula services and postpartum services.

Ultimately, I think everyone can benefit from having a doula.  I never thought I would be saying this but they make the world of difference whether you are planning a natural child birth, a vaginal birth, or a cesarian.  They are someone who knows the drill, can get you through the tough moments, and be a shoulder to lean on.  To me, they are essential!!

I realize this blog post is long enough.  I have more to say on what to look for in a doula, if people are interested I am happy to write more, if not we will leave it at that.

Ending with this because why not

Did you have a doula? Do you have anything to add?  Do you want to hear about Bradley classes and tips on finding a doula?

A Story Book for Lee - On Our Run Today. . .

Have you checked out my Sweepstakes for a free entry to a trail race?  Go enter here!

On my run on Saturday, it was hot! I may have been really feeling the heat and going a little bit crazy.  Luckily, the path I was running on was full with many animals and sounds of nature not only did it keep me company, but it gave me an idea for a children's book for Lee.  In fact, some of the below is what I saw on Saturday. Yes, I am going to totally use Shutterfly to create it, but here is a sneak peak.  I am still working the title, help me out Shutterfly deal ends on the 5th! Edits welcome. I am serious, totally making this book for little baby Lee.

On Our Run Today

Mommy and Daddy like to run.  Wubby likes to run too. 

Sometimes, you even come with us and we run all together as a family.

When we go for a run, we see. . .

10 ducklings waddling along

You are the cutest duckling of all

9 dogs running with their moms and dads

Wait that is Daddy and Wubby

8 people zooming past on their bicycles 

7 runners running along smiling ear to ear

Mommy smiles when she runs

6 other girls and boys just like you running or riding with their parents too

5 turkeys, 1 daddy turkey and 4 baby turkeys

You were Mommy's Little Turkey once upon a time

4 tiny birds chirping in the trees

3 chipmunks scurrying along the way

2 turtles - one big mommy turtle and one itty bitty baby turtle and 

1 happy family - Mommy, Daddy, Wubby, and Lee.

When you grow up, you can run on your own if you want.  And if not, that is O.K. too!  No matter what we love you through and through.

Any ideas on the title?  Ever use Shutterfly or something like that to make a book (not just a photo book)?

A Trail Race Sweepstakes = A FREE RACE ENTRY!

You all have been so patient and wonderful with me this past year as I go through my ups and downs with blogging and I am so happy to be back at it.   Thus when Eddie, organizer of great Cambridge 5k race series,  gave me the opportunity to hold a Sweepstakes for a free race entry for the Vert-Sasquatch portion of the series, I jumped at the chance!

Just as a way of background if you are not familiar with the Cambridge 5k Series going on this year.  CHECK IT OUT!  There are 5 races, the first one took place this past Sunday.  But there are four left, two trail races and two more road races and apparently you can be on teams!  Honestly, check this out and if you are one of my close dear friends in the neighborhood, you know that I am already formulating our Jewish team for the December 1 race - you know who you are! And as per my NJ and other friends not located in MA - get your butts up here and race!

The Race Schedule

Race #2  is the SASQUATCH race on July 14th

Race #3 is the  BIG BAD WOLF, on September 21

Race #4 is the OKTOBERFEST on October 6

Race #5 is the YULEFEST on December 1

Eddie has been gracious enough to offer Aaron and I chance to run the last of the 5 races, The YuleRace.  I think Aaron would rather dress up as Chanukah Harry rather than Santa though...

Ok back to the race entry at hand.  Now personally, I have never done a trail race, but this one looks just amazing!!!!!  It is located at the DCR Middlesex Fells on July 14th at 10 a.m.  Now, if you have never been there, then this is reason enough to want to try this race out.  The Fells is amazing and very close to the Stone Zoo, which happens to be the location for the post race party!  Just a note race entries are filling up fast so if you do not want to wait - register here

note it is the 14th I promise

So here is what is getting me about this race...it just looks so darn enticing

(1) It is great for a beginner trail runner as it is only 2.35 miles.

(2) At the same time, an experienced trail runner may love to do this for fun or to help another newbie!

(3) You can take the Orange Line directly to the race (they offer a shuttle bus at Oask Grove before & after the race).

(4)  The post race party is going to be amazing and sponsored by Notch Brewing, Slumbrew, & Pretty Things.

I am not one for trails in all honestly, but this one may just convince me otherwise. At first, I was like "I would never do a trail race," but as I look at this race more and see the pictures I am more and more enticed by this race.  Also, my coach OK'd it, so now what excuse do I have. 

These people look happy.  They don't even look tired.  I am in.

The lucky winner will receive 1 free race entry and a cool VERT hat.  Two others will receive VERT Hats.  Hey why not...can always use a hat.

So how do you win?  Here is the lawyer in me, if you remember, it is not hard to win my sweepstakes, you just can simply enter your name in the comment sections for a chance to win.  However, feel free to spread the word, it won't help you to win or lose but will let other people know about this cool race and the series in general..

Here is all the fun Terms and Conditions

OFFICIAL RULES

 TERMS AND CONDITIONS - FOR A FREE RACE ENTRY TO SASQUATCH RACE AND/OR A VERT HAT

Basics:  To enter the sweepstakes for a free entry and/or vert hat Band please just leave a comment on this post, meaning the post that announced the sweepstake.  The comment does not have to be anything in particular.  It will be used so that your name can be entered into the sweepstakes as facilitated by Random.Org.   There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes.     By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes and are thus agreeing to the full terms and conditions outlined here.

Contact information/Privacy Policy:  When entering the sweepstakes, please provide a means for the writer of this blog to contact you when the sweepstakes has ended.  You may choose to leave your blog address, twitter handle, email address, or any other means that you are comfortable with and provides a reasonable way for the writer of this blog to contact you.  If you do not want, your contact information put in the comment field, you may e-mail the writer of this blog at 26.2runforfun@gmail.com.  Your contact information will be used so that the writer of this blog may contact you if you win or if the retailer sponsoring the sweepstakes needs to contact you if you win.  Your information may also be used so that the writer of this blog can converse with you, even if you are not the winner. Your name (meaning whatever name you leave - whether twitter, blog, or real name) will be announced on this blog if you do win.   Your name will also be announced on Twitter. After the contest, either the writer of this blog or the sponsor of the sweepstakes will use your name and contact information to contact you if you win and send you your prize.  By entering this sweepstakes, you give the writer of this blog, the right to contact you or have the sponsor contact you as well as post your name on the writer's blog to announce the winner as well as announce your name on Twitter.  

Eligibility Requirements:  To enter this sweepstake you must be over 18 years of age and a United States citizen.  Other restrictions apply.  You can enter by simply leaving a comment on this blog, NO PURCHASE or other consideration is neceessary.   You cannot enter by any other means. 

Duration and deadlines:  This sweepstakes starts on Wednesday May 29, 2013  at 8 p.m.  and will go to Wednesday June 5, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.  Winner will be announced by Monday June 3, 2013 at 8 p.m. and will be announced through this blog - Runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com.  A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen Monday June 10, 2013 after 8 p.m.) .  All prizes will be awarded.  Thus if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen.

Prize Description: There will be three winners.  One winner with receive a free race entry and a VERT Hat.  The other two will receive a VERT hat. The race fee is valued at $38.00 

Odds of Winning:  The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.  The winner(s) will be chosen using Random.org.  The writer of this blog will count up the names that have been submitted and plug the information into the Random generator on Random.org to select a winner. 

Disputes or mistakes:  Writer of this blog will not be held liable for any technical failures or typographical errors.  If the winner does not claim his or her prize within one week of the winner announcement, a new winner will be chosen.  If there is a dispute between two or more participants on who won the sweepstakes, a new winner will be chosen.   If the site goes down, and comments/entries are lost, participants will have to resubmit their entry.  The writer of this blog will make an announcement on her blog and extend the sweepstakes for one week starting from the time that the comment section is back in working order.   At any time,  if the comment section is not working, the writer of this blog shall not be held liable.  When she becomes aware of this (although it is not her responsibility to become aware of it), she will extend the period of the sweepstakes to ensure that all entrants are given one week total time to enter the sweepstakes.  Thus if the comment section is down for one week, one week will be added to the sweepstake.  If it is down for one day, one day will be added to the sweepstake.  This only applies if the writer of this blog is aware of this issue.

Sponsor Information:  Eddie, organizer of the race, can be contacted through twitter here

Disclaimer:  This sweepstakes is being held in the United States and is open to United States citizens, making it under federal and all 50 U.S. states law and jurisdiction.  The sweepstakes is VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  The writer of this blog is not liable or responsible for any lost or broken items and is held harmless.  She is also not liable or responsible for any injuries or problems that occur from using the item won in this sweepstake.   

Time of delivery:  Once a winner is chosen and contacted, the writer of this blog will work to get the winner his or her prize either by shipping the item or having the sponsor ship the item to the winner or by any other means reasonable.  There is no time requirement by which the item must be shipped.  The writer of this blog will work with the winner and the sponsor and will ship the item (or deliver by any other means reasonable), but again no time limited is required.  The writer of this blog is not responsible for items lost or damaged while in shipping or delivery or before or after shipping or delivery.  If the item needs to be returned/exchange or if there is a problem or issue with the item, the winner should contact the sponsor directly.

My Second Child

No, no NO I am not pregnant; I do not mean that as a second child.  Rather, I mean Wubby (a.k.a "Wubs," "Wub-a-Dubs," "Wubinator") you all remember him right...

Wubby - April 2012 

Wubby - May 2013

When Wubby first appeared in our lives, I was ecstatic to have him.  I could not wait.  But, honestly, within a few weeks, Wubby and I had developed a love/hate relationship of sorts.  I was pregnant and sick and it was A LOT of work for me to even try to take care of him - even though Aaron did mostly everything.  I kept telling myself that I could never be a mom if I could not take care of a dog.  I also convinced myself that dogs must be harder than children - ha ha ha.

Wubby had a love for towels & blankets especially eating them

Yup Wubby had taken my bath mat

Wubby also realized our relationship was strained.  He often saw me deep in an emotional meltdown - oh pregnancy (sure I am going to blame that on pregnancy, nothing to do with my personality, nope nothing).  He did not listen to me.  He did not see me as superior.  And he seemed to poop everywhere, I  mean everywhere. And chew up everything.

I did love Wubby, do not get me wrong, but I did not feel that connection with Wubby as deeply as others might with their dogs. I just didn't.  Writing that now even makes me want to cry.

Still wanting to develop that special relationship with the Wubs

Then Lee was born.  My greatest fear with Wubby through all of this was whether Wubby would be good with Lee.  We had trainers, took classes, worked hard. Unfortunately,  Wubby became pretty anxious - considering I had postpartum anxiety I cannot blame him.   He was never ever bad with Lee, actually he was very good with Lee and continues to be a wonderful brother.  But he was anxious and not the best listener when it came to listening to me.  We had a behaviorist come and help us.  She told us that we may have to think about "rehoming" Wubby if we could not get him "under control." 

Wubby's first look at the Pack-n-Play pre-Lee.  Yes, there is a baby doll in the crib to get Wubby used to it

After hearing that, something clicked.  I could not stand the thought of Wubby leaving us.  Wubby was my child and I loved him more than I could ever imagine.  He was a part of our family.  It was just not  an option.  However,  if it meant danger to Lee or others, we would have found Wubby another home.  I know other parents who have had to make that tough decision and my heart goes out to them.  They made a difficult but right choice, which is only to be admired.

Anyway, the behaviorist taught us how to help Wubby and I made it my goal.  I worked with Wubby every single day to teach him that I was his Mommy and he needed to listen to me.  We worked to ensure that Wubby's anxiety lessened and that he would be a safe puppy for everyone.  It was hard work, but it helped Wubby so much and the anxiety dissipated and he began to see me as his mother.  He learned to stay, come, sit, lie down, leave it, take it, move back, walk with me etc.  I am not saying its perfect, Wubby still has his adventures - he may have had a joy run around the neighborhood yesterday and we had to go around chasing him, scaring his Mommy a lot.  He also listens to his commands, except if we are at the dog park and want him to come in which case it is very hard to get him to stop playing - we are working hard on that one. 

My boys

Today, Wubby and I have changed our relationship.  I know he is safe around Lee and others (although we keep a close eye, as one should around any animal).  My love for Wubby is overwhelming.  He is my child.  I am overwhelmingly happy when we take Wubby to the park or when we come to NJ where he can run free in a gated backyard.  I always want Wubby included in all our outings (although Aaron has to give me a reality check on this sometimes and my friends probably want to kill me, I owe them a lot - I AM SORRY!).  When I am sad, Wubby and I cuddle and he makes me feel better and I can spend hours petting him and cuddling.  One of my favorite Wubby times is after Lee is in bed.  Aaron and I are sitting on the bed and Wubby is chewing his bone on the floor.  I count 1...2....3...and we both slowly get up, corner Wubby and give him a huge snuggle and play with him, giving him special Wubby time.

Can you tell what this is?  Wubby and I sleeping and cuddling...

I never really got it before, but now I get it.  So even when I end up spending 20 minutes cleaning my running shoes because I stepped in his you know what...

Not  my best picture

Wubby is still my child, he is part of my family and we all love him so much...

17 months

Do you have a special relationship with your pet?  Are they part of your family?

How far would you go to finish a run?

As recent events have shown, do not mess with runners, we are a breed onto ourselves. We do anything and everything for running.  That is not to say we do not care about anything else but we take our running seriously!  I completely acknowledge that there are runners who are a lot more relaxed about their running and won't empathize with this post.  Even I stopped running at multiple points in my career for things bigger and better. However, for many of the runners reading this, I know most of the time come hell or high water we are running.

No biggie just a 5k the day before I gave birth

Throughout my running career, I have done WHATEVER it takes to get my run in and/or finish a race.  Sometimes, I admit my decisions were not the smartest and have resulted in injuries (hopefully I have learned my less).  But most of the time whether it is snowing, hot as hell, or I am just feeling awful - I am going to put that aside in the name of running.

So I spent two hours in the medic tent post a very hot 20 miler - worth it

Please, I am clearly having fun

Ok now that some of you are nodding in agreement and some of your are shaking your head like I am crazy lets talk about yesterday's run.  Rewinding to Friday night, I was super scared for my run.  I have been dealing with temperamental knees of late - an old runner's knee injury essentially - and had my knee taped by my PT.  I may have called him twice on Friday getting the double, triple O.K. to run 10 miles Saturday morning.  Then there was the fact that it was cold and windy on Saturday and I had not packed for such weather. But when I woke Saturday morning, all that melted away as I geared up for a wet, cold run.  

Because when it is time to run you get excited

So now what is really so hardcore about running in the cold rain?  Not much I guess. Maybe even stupid because of my knee (I promise I got the O.K.), but then Mile 5 came around on Saturday.  At Mile 5, it was time to take a ShotBlok. No biggie I thought and took a walking break to eat and drink.  Yea....and then all of a sudden I felt something crunchy, and we all know Shotbloks are not crunchy in the least, just chewy. And before you knew it, out popped my crown on my tooth.  TMI?  The crown has been there for years, through many ShotBloks, but today out it came.  I could have stopped and gone home, but what good would that have done.  So I put the crown in my iFitness belt (you never know what it will be good for) and I finished those last 5 miles - clearly, what else would you do....

Some people may think runners are crazy.  I just think we are a special breed.  There is something so amazing about digging deep and getting through a run; having a goal and reaching it no matter what.  Are we crazy?  I don't thing so.  It is therapeutic? Hell yea.  Will we stop? Nope.  Granted, when you have to, when you may be injured or hurt, when family comes first, you stop, you do what you have to do.  But in most cases, runners keep going, they preserve, what else is there really to do!

What are some crazy times when you have pushed through a run and gone above and beyond?  How far would you go to finish a run?

Ode to Baby Lee - 6 months

Happy 6 months to my beautiful baby boy!  Be gentle folks, I am not so good at this...

Oh Baby Lee

How can it be;

Six months ago

There was lots of snow;

Then out you popped

And the fun just has not stopped.

Born November 23, 2012

Oh Baby Lee

You caused us such glee;

We named you after our mothers 

And you became Wubby's younger brother;

You grew so fast

and Thank Goodness went go to sleep at last.

Oh Baby Lee

Who are you to me;

The baby who once had lots of tears

And caused his mommy lots of fears;

You became my smily boy

Who loves all his toys.

Oh Baby Lee 

You are our little beluga who lives in the sea;

Ok, maybe not since at first, you did not like the bath

But now you go swimming and have found another path;

You love dancing, singing, jumping and clapping;

And you would rather all that instead of napping.

Oh Baby Lee

You love to make friends, oh gee;

Near and far

where ever you are;

the friends appear

have no fear.

Oh Baby
You are everything to me;
Oh Baby Lee
How I love thee.

Stats:

Weight: find out tomorrow
Height: find out tomorrow
Foods: Peas (yuck); Oatmeal (yum); rice cereal (yum); sweet potato (yuck); banana (MESSY!)
Sleeping: You are an amazing sleeper
Likes: Jumping, Dancing, Music, Ipod Headphones, Wubby kisses
Dislikes: You seem to love everything!
Firsts:  You can roll over back to front; you are eating solids; you went to a Red Sox game;  you went to the Science Museum; you were in a duckie parade; you played in the snow; you ride in the B.O.B

The Run-Blogger Connection

If you have ever met me for even a few minutes or read my blog, you know that without a doubt I love love to run with friends.  Not only is it so much more fun to run with others, but it also gives me the strength and motivation I need to run my best.  I have been really lucky for the past few years running with bloggers along the way that I have "met" as well as my family! But some running partners, you know who you are, hold a special place in my heart.  Unfortunately, of late running has been a solo activity for me, which is really really lame.

How else would you run but with friends and sparkles.

Luckily, this weekend I had a chance to run with another blogger.  I don't know there must be something about bloggers but running with them always makes the run ideal.  Just as backdrop - last week I ran alone - 10 miles it took 1:36:00.  My half took 2:02 two weeks ago. They were O.K. runs but not as good as I wanted.

This week, I ran with support, with a friend, I ran 12 miles in 1:48:59.  What happened? Clearly, running with a friend, a fellow blogger and runner makes a big BIG difference.

Dani & I post run

Dani and I have technically crossed paths twice and have checked out each other's blogs but other than that we had never really talked, but we quickly agreed to spend 12 miles without a flinch of an eye.  It could have been awkward, it could have been silent, she could have not liked to chat, while I like to chat away.  But I was never worried about that, I knew she was a runner, a blogger, and would be an instant friend!  (Dani is right now un-following me on Twitter - I tried to explain to her I am a blog stalker but I don't think  she realized how bad it really is).  The only worry I had was her speed and keeping her from going as fast as she wanted - she is super fast and amazing. 

From the start, this run was amazing.  We met and off we went chatting away talking about anything and everything like old friends from races to jobs to life we moved along with ease.  And as I looked down at my pace I was increasingly excited, not only was I making a new friend and hopefully running buddy, but I was seriously increasing my pace from last week!

8:57, 8:41, 8:56, 8:54, 8:59, 9:35, 9:04, 9:13

Get excited Wubby - Dani told me about a dog beach!!!

Then the last few miles hit.  It was hard stuff.  This run was pushing it for me.  If I was alone, I probably would have given up, but running with another I pushed myself.  I told Dani to keep talking and she did, she encouraged me, as wonderful runners do, and soon enough we had finished.

9:06, 9:14, 9:14, 9:01.... 

I have not been a consistent blogger in the past year.  Of late, I have felt the need to get back into blogging, and this run only reaffirms this.  The friends and running partners I have made through blogging are friends of a life time, people I could not live without.

Thank you Dani for helping me have such a great run (and again hopefully I totally did not creep you out with this post hehe).

Do you have that special run/blogger connection?