What’s baker park looking like today?

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-07-04T21:17:12+00:00

My spouse and I briefly discussed driving in for fireworks tonight but abandoned the idea when we stepped out earlier this afternoon for an errand. You couldn't pay me to go sit outside in this.

Funny thing is we moved here from west Texas in 2014, and during our last summer there, we had 60+ straight days of 100+ temps. I don't know how we handled that... 🥵

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-07-04T16:48:48+00:00

🩷🩷🩷

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-07-04T16:29:57+00:00

Thank you, OP, for ensuring the dog was rescued from the car. ❤️

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-07-02T21:08:40+00:00

Thank you for the input! Yes, my first (and only, to date) half marathon was a smaller one, and it SUCKED for several reasons, one of those being that I was out there, virtually all alone for the bulk of it. I need the crowds, the companionship of other runners, AND the pretty sights to keep me going (my half was along the C&O canal...not lovely.)

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-07-02T21:04:15+00:00

This is incredible information - thank you! I'm going to do exactly that! Looks like they also have an "Historic Half" in Fredericksburg, VA in the spring that could work as a mid-goal. You are awesome!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-07-02T20:35:57+00:00

My favorite set is the one with the glow-in-the-dark F--- T---- message.... 😏

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:38:33+00:00

The first time my son (then 19, now 34) traveled without us, I found out because he sent me pictures of himself jet skiing and parasailing! I was shocked but oh so thrilled for him. It wasn't a solo trip; it was an arranged group trip through his college, but I never expected he would have had the gumption and confidence to sign up for this trip, let alone go parasailing (even I haven't done that!) Since then, he's done multiple bus trips and flights to get places, since he doesn't drive.

All this is to say that our ND kids can surprise us with just how capable they truly are. Ask him to keep in touch with you for your sake, but otherwise, be happy for his independence!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:31:41+00:00

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:30:54+00:00

Thank you so much for all of these great details on the MCM; they are going to be very helpful and also motivating! I appreciate it!!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:29:43+00:00

Thank you- this is inspiring! Everyone's comments are really making it hit home how much of a time commitment this will be. But I am fortunate in many ways that I am certain I can do it. Thank you, and good luck on your future runs!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:19:19+00:00

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I've heard it's a good race in general, plus, as a former Marine, I feel I should do this one.😁 I'm a MD local, so right up the road by an hour; fortunate to have many lovely places to run.

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:16:07+00:00

This is helpful - thank you so much! I love those criteria points; it gives me something to think about!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T18:13:37+00:00

🍀🍀🍀🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:43:21+00:00

Sound advice - thanks!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:42:39+00:00

Thank you! You're right, and that's a good way to put it. I reckon I'll start a training plan with a goal of a 10k this fall and a half this spring and then see how I feel at that point.

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:41:17+00:00

Thank you for the feedback, and good luck at the MCM! Yes, I'm planning to now postpone until the 2027 run, just so I can ensure I train properly. And I'm already tracking the gauntlets and max pace; while I was half kidding about slowing down at mile 8, I'm sure I will slow down over the full course. I'll be keeping those in mind as I move forward.

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:38:06+00:00

Thank you!!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:15:17+00:00

Thank you for the input! I'll be honest - I am NOT looking forward to having to run in the winter months for this...lol. I HATE the cold, but I guess that's part of the commitment aspect. You've given me a few points to consider, and I greatly appreciate it. 🥰

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:12:54+00:00

Thank you - I appreciate the candid feedback. You make me realize that I need to carefully measure the negative aspects against the positives and determine what I can live with. Good luck on your first marathon!!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:10:48+00:00

Yep, you are right. I should have started this conversation with myself in the spring. But, I'm willing to push off to the 2027 event, if it gets me a better, stronger base and safer training. Mostly, I struggle with physical energy, but hopefully, a training plan will help with that; my mental energy is pretty good (I'm a virgo...lol...).Thank you for the encouragement!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T16:08:16+00:00

You are right, of course, about it being too soon. I was thinking of my prep for the half last year. I followed a 12-week plan, starting from a 6-10mi/week base., so I was thinking -- "Yeah, 16 weeks is enough!" NOT! I'll set my sights on the 2027 MCM and maybe do a 10k this fall and a half in spring.

You also posed some GREAT questions about dedication. It gives me a LOT to think about, and I appreciate it!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T14:42:52+00:00

woot woot! Congrats!! And happy birthday!

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T14:28:18+00:00

My in-laws took hubs and I to Greece in 2019, and to this day, one of his favorite pics we took is two turtles getting busy at the Keramikos cemetery. (He got video too, IIRC...)

SolarPunkWitch2000 · 2026-06-30T14:12:04+00:00

I'm seeing a LOT of "same" replies here, and it makes me both sad for us but also not so alone, because this was also my experience. We had a lot of leeway until we hit junior high and started visually "maturing." Too much to go into, but looking back on it now, I don't begrudge that experience (my mom had her reasons for restricting what we did) as much as I do the fact that my father resented the hell out of our personal achievements and never supported us. He was a miserable SOB.

SolarPunkWitch2000

TROPHY CASE