The birds have arrived

It was a cold and breezy May 1st as I ran the final stretch of my morning workout. The wind had chilled my hands to an icy numbness, but I was in site of our mailbox and would soon warm them up. I should have worn gloves, but I didn’t realize how cold it was when I set out.

Just then, my phone began to ring and I willed my stiff fingers to push the “answer” button. As I’d suspected, or hoped, it was the post office. Our baby poultry had arrived. May Day seems a fitting time for chicks and ducklings, even if it was barely above freezing!

We had several large tubs with wood shavings set up in our garage and plenty of heat lamps to keep little birds warm.

We set off for the post office as quickly as possible because we knew the sooner we could get feed and water to the babies, the better.

Chicks are able to be sent through the mail because of the incredible nourishment the egg yolk provides them while they’re still in the shell. After they hatch, they have about 72 hours worth of nutrients to sustain their body. Whether domestic or wild, this gives them several days to get adjusted and learn to eat and drink.

The birds were chirping, loudly, when we entered the post office and the ladies behind the counter said several early morning customers had volunteered to take them home. They were smiling and asking about them as we opened the top to do a quick check, so at least they weren’t bothered by our noisy delivery.

Here’s JR counting the birds before we left.

(The big ones in front sticking up their heads are geese.)

We got a true variety, mainly because it was “the best deal.”

Because we got a little of everything, I’ll share some quick vocabulary.

Baby chicken = chick
Baby turkey = poult
Baby goose = gosling
Baby duck = duckling

I’m sure you knew most of those, but poult is sometimes a new one.

Even though I might feel a bit unprepared, the birds seem to be settling in well. We’ve been warming up their water (in our microwave) and will add electrolyte powder for the first few days.

They are all little, fuzzy, cute, and stinky. About as I expected. The goslings and ducklings go through way more water because they splash around in it, and the turkeys are definitely the least vigorous.

We have the most chicks, and there are so many different breeds I think we’ll be trying to identify them all summer.

A baby animal post would certainly not be complete without pictures. I haven’t gotten many good ones, mostly because I don’t want to let in too much cold air as I’m trying to snap photos. I’ve tried though. Front top to bottom we have turkey poults, chicks, and then goslings and ducklings together.

First thing this morning we checked on the birds and re-filled waters, and then I went out for a super quick run. When I came back into the garage I figured my husband would still be busy caring for the birds.

He wasn’t there, and when I got upstairs he was busy chopping and mixing in the kitchen. He’d layered some delicious looking eggs, veggies, and cheese in a pie plate, which came out of the oven hot and golden brown.

I’m not sure if it’s more quiche or baked frittata, but I am certain it’s better than anything I’ve made for breakfast lately.

He isn’t even that much of a breakfast person. We didn’t have a lot of supper last night because of the new birds, so he was just hungry and decided to create. Or maybe he just felt like eggs in honor of our new acquisitions. Either way I was happy and impressed.

An Educational 5K

I’ll just start with the truth. I didn’t run my finest race this Saturday.

With that said, it was a gorgeous spring day, the refreshments were top notch (yay for chocolate milk, cheese, cookies, fruit), the people were friendly, and somehow I managed to place 1st in my 20-29 age group.

Here I am along with one of the county dairy princesses who was giving out the milk and cheese.

By way of a brief re-cap…

I started ambitiously, planning to run a 23-minute 5K.

The crowd was manageable, something around 150 people, and I quickly found myself near the front. By mile 1 my stomach was in knots, and I’d developed a side ache that shocked me with its persistence. By mile 2 my legs were tired — but more than that my body was just plain lacking “pep.” During the last half mile I realized 70 degrees might be pleasant, but when you’re used to running in freezing temperatures it feels uncomfortably hot.

(Not that I’m complaining — I’m thrilled we finally have some spring weather. )

I ran across the line without my usual kick, and I saw I’d run 26 minutes and change.

Ug. I haven’t run a 5K this slow in years.

I felt slow, and I guess I knew I was slow.

I looked again at my phone, which I’d carried to track distance and time. I and a gal near me both measured the course just over 3.4 miles. I started near the front and ran the tangents pretty well, so at least I can console myself that it must have been a little long.

I got more distance for my money I guess.

No matter what the official distance, this run was a long way off my best.

I did place first in my age group and came in 5th woman overall, so I know I should give thanks for that.

I also want to give a shout out to my fellow Team Dairy runner, Lisa, who helped organize the run. She is one speedy lady and came in first woman!

As I’ve reflected on the race, I realize it was educational in more ways than one. Here are just a few:

1) Training specificity works. Duh! Basically, I’ve been targeting my runs the past 3 months for running a half marathon. I’ve done long runs, longer tempos, and repeats of half mile or more. I’ve definitely been lacking on the shorter, faster tempos and 400 meter repeats that would help my 5K time.

2) Don’t race 2 weeks in a row and expect great results at the second one. Since my half I have felt fine, and I’ve never worried about a lot of specific recovery. Still, during the 5K I could definitely tell I didn’t have any extra at the end for a strong finish. But maybe this is just a product of not racing that often?

3) Minnesotans need time to acclimate to the heat. Especially this Minnesotan. I’ve got to be a little forgiving of myself as I get used to the concept of “warm” again.

4) Don’t eat too many cookies pre-race. On Saturday as I got ready I started mindlessly munching on an open pack of vanilla wafers. I had some coffee and a banana, which is normal, and I figured the sugary cookies would be quick energy. Perhaps they were the cause of my stomach woes?

5) There are more important things in a race than your time or place.

This was beautifully illustrated for me at the end of this 5K, and I want to quickly share the story.

This was a run and walk race, so families, kids, and parents with strollers were busy crossing the line as the time approached 1 hour. When it seemed everyone had finished, we gathered for a group photo and brief opening of the new trail.

Everyone applauded, and the organizers began to prepare the awards. That’s when I noticed a lone man walking steadily toward the finish. As he neared, other people started noticing too and began to clap.

He was an older gentleman, probably in his 70′s, and dressed in typical farmer attire — blue jeans, dark boots, and a plaid shirt with his race number pinned over one of the front pockets. (This is farm country after all!)

Underneath the brim of his cap you could see him smile as people cheered him on. He even waved to the crowd.

I couldn’t help but think that he reminded me of my own father just another decade down the road.

As he finished and people continued clapping I soaked in the moment. Races are about community, encouraging others, and celebrating individual victories. I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing this man had just completed his first 5K!

With that I’ll leave you with a photo of the race finish. Welcome to the Dairyland Trail.

Winter to Summer

There is no denying it’s been a late spring here in Minnesota. I was just reading in the newspaper that our local school sports teams have yet to play a game or have a meet.

We are on track to have one of the latest dates for ice off the lake in recorded history (I think there’s still over 12 inches of ice out there), and we’ve had about 3 feet of snow just in April.

We ran out of wood earlier than expected, but who would have thought we’d still be cutting wood in the snow in April?

I think this small sled should be our last batch.

With that said, a warm up is coming. Highs for today are in the 50′s, and the forecast says 70′s by this weekend.

Apparently we are skipping spring and heading straight to summer?

We are still waiting for our chicks and ducklings, who were supposed to ship out yesterday. We got a call this morning changing our ship date to Monday, which is honestly for the best.

Of course we’ll still start them inside under heat lamps — probably in our garage — but I’m glad our weather will be warmer when they come.

We’ve had an interesting few weeks with our baby calves in this weather too.

With the combination of thawing, re-freezing, and snow all ground is quite the muddy mess. Many of our hutches are on a paved surface for spring, but the oldest calves were still in the field.

We brought the big truck & good trailer to move most of them out this week. The mud proved a little much, and we ultimately had to get our pay loader to pull out the truck.

All turned out well, and the calves are settled and happy in their new pens.

In running news, I’m signed up for a 5K on Saturday. It’s a local race featuring the opening of the “Dairyland Trail.” A fellow Team Dairy runner and dairy farm mom is helping organize the run, so I’m excited to connect with her at the race.

My legs feel pretty good after the half, so I’m thinking and hoping I can run well.

Stay tuned for updates on the baby poultry and the race!

Earth Day Run for Team Dairy

I’ve been a dairy farm kid and dairy farmer my entire life. I’ve been running as long as I can remember. These two things are part of my identity.

They both have challenges, but the rewards they bring are numerous too.

This Saturday morning as I stood on the start line of the Earth Day Half Marathon in freezing 18 degree air, I was thinking about these things. I was thinking about the ups and downs of running, of farming, and of life.

I was thinking about how fitting it is that this Earth Day race has become an annual tradition for me — 4 years strong!

As farmers we care about and celebrate the earth everyday. We have to care and we get to care.

We make our livelihood from the land of this earth, and we feed the world from the plants and animals we raise on it.

Many farm families, like mine, have lived on and farmed the same land for over 100 years and many, many generations. Those roots run deep.

I smiled when I looked down at my “Team Dairy” shirt and thought about the connection. It really does combine the “farmer” and “runner” parts of me into one neat package.

Team Dairy was created by Midwest Dairy, who does dairy education, research, and promotion in Minnesota and other midwest states. There are no big sponsorships or endorsements; it’s just a bunch of dairy professionals, farmers, and supporters running races in Team Dairy pink. (I think they give the guys blue.)

They really welcome everyone, and we’ve got everybody from beginning runners to accomplished ultra marathoners running as part of the team.

Their mascot, Bessie, was even updated in honor of Earth Day.

(Or maybe just in honor of my race. )

Along with pondering the Earth Day and farming connection, of course Boston was on my mind. I think the most important aspect of the run may have happened before any of us runners took a step. It happened when we signed this banner and all it stands for.

The level of care everyone felt was strong and evident, especially as we stood in a moment of pre-race silence.

I also want to express my sorrow and prayers for those affected by the explosion in Texas. While accidental, their tragedy is just as real and just as painful.

If you’re reading this post to see how the race went I won’t keep you in suspense too long.

In a nutshell, I started out quicker than planned and never really let up.

I think my success was due largely to the 1:55 pacer. She tricked me! She told me she was right on pace, and I kept loosing her and catching up. By mile 3 I was way more fatigued than I wanted to be, but I wasn’t ready to give up on my 1:54 goal.

I breathed deep and tried to focus as I willed my legs to find their rhythm. We came upon a small off-road section that is normally grass, but this year it was frozen snow and mud. I totally would have fallen on my butt if it weren’t for a nice man behind me. He put a hand on my shoulder to steady me on an icy downhill patch. Thank you mystery guy!

I took a gel at mile 6, and by mile 7 I decided to put my earbuds in and let the music give me a boost. Well – I only put in one earbud so I could hear the loyal supporters cheering for us in the cold.

I’m not against music during races, but I don’t like to use it the whole time or let it block out everything else.

By mile 8 I realized I was just steps behind the 1:50 pacer. I looked back for the 1:55 gal, who was several people behind me, and she thought he must be off pace. She thought she was about 1 minute ahead.

I don’t know exactly what the splits were, but I think several watches were probably confused. I just decided to relax and run my own race. Relax being a relative term of course.

When I hit mile 10 in 1:24 I knew I had it. I absolutely knew.

The finals miles were tough, but the crowds were big along the last quarter mile stretch. I gathered energy from them as I passed runners one by one. My quads are still protesting the pounding they took on that final downhill.

1:50:XX was the verdict on the clock as they called out my name.

Officially I finished in 1:50:18, which I can still hardly believe. It’s a big personal best for me, especially considering I doubted whether I would even run 1:54.

If I would have realized just how close I was to breaking 1:50 I wonder if I could have pushed just a little bit harder?

But then I have to remind myself that’s the question I’m always left asking; no matter what my time is.

A strange twist on this particular race was the length. Because of all the snow we’ve had they needed to re-route the finish line, leaving the course a touch short. Instead of 13.1 miles, we ran 12.975 miles. Now I’m wondering if this is really a PR or not, but I realize it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme. It doesn’t bother me the way I know it would have even a few weeks ago. Perspective is a powerful thing.

And I still had a great race. Nothing changes that.

This earth day race means a lot to me — perhaps this year more than ever. Nothing can change that either.

Happy Earth Day, and thanks for following along with me on my farming and running journey.

Dairy Farm Gadgets and Goals

It’s still snowy and cold here so I won’t even attempt to talk about spring planting or field work. Let’s just say it’s going to be a few weeks…

The other morning even Boo, who normally wants to go out first thing about 5 am, looked back at me mournful of the snow.

Instead, I thought I would take the time to blog about a new gadget I’ve been using at the farm.

Spiffy, right?

I like bright, and I was even surprised by the bright colors it came in.

It’s a digital refractometer, and for my purposes it measures the amount of solids in fluid milk.

We’d been wanting something accurate to do this for awhile, and our dairy supply store recently starting carrying this easy-to-use model (that you don’t need a PhD to decipher).

Perhaps I should back up for a second and explain why we need this.

We pasteurize some of the milk from our cows to feed to the baby calves.

Our pasteurizer looks like so:

There is a little pump on the bottom right that pumps the milk through that clear hose (also on the right) and out through a nozzle. We use this to fill all the bottles and then bring the bottles out to the calves.

Back to the refractometer.

We want to measure the solids in the milk — made up of fat, protein, and other solids — so we can make sure the calves are getting consistent milk.

You see, cows have natural variation in their milk. Some have more fat and protein while others have less. For example, a low cow may only have 3.1% fat and 2.7% protein while another cow has 3.8% fat and
3.2% protein.

Certain breeds of cow, like Jersey, have richer milk and may give up to 5% fat and 4% protein.

These may seem like small differences, but too much fluctuation can upset a calf’s delicate stomach.

Because the milk our calves get is always a mixture of several cow’s milk the solids should stay pretty even. “Should” is the key word, so we wanted to start monitoring it.

Mainly we want consistency, and I’ve been creating a chart of solids % from my readings twice daily which has been in a good range from about 12-13%.

If we find the milk too thin we would look into purchasing a powdered supplement to add, and if it was way too rich we could add a bit of water.

So far so good. Just a few drops of milk and a few seconds is all it takes.

We can also measure our colostrum, which is the extra rich milk a cow gives right after she has a calf. We want the colostrum to be 20% solids or higher for the new baby, and if it’s much less than that we may need to supplement it with powdered colostrum replacer or colostrum from another cow.

Sorry if I got too technical here — I even feel a bit of information overload!

Running Tales

In my title I also mentioned something about goals, and I do want to touch base on my goals for Saturday’s half marathon.

Normally I’ve got several tiers of time goals, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a specific time in mind.

But I have something else at the forefront of my brain. I keep thinking about the Boston Marathon, and I know I will continue to think about it during the miles of my race.

What I want most on Saturday is to take nothing for granted. I’m so grateful I’ve got a healthy body that can run, and I’m glad we live in a free country where I can choose to train and race without restriction.

On Saturday I want to run the best race I’m capable of in whatever conditions the day brings.

Running is physical, but running is even more about the heart. Many people put their heart into running the Boston Marathon, and many more put their hearts into helping those in need this past Monday. I want to honor that heart and that spirit.

As I’ve said before, I’d love a PR and need to hit 1:54 to achieve that. But I now realize it’s just as important that I reach out to those around me, cheer on fellow runners, and say thanks to those who make the race possible.

In all areas of life (not just running) it’s important to take time to smile, say thank you, laugh, and celebrate the people and milestones that matter.

Pray for Boston

Yesterday, as I was thinking about what to write for my “attitude reflection” this month, I’d just come inside for a quick afternoon snack.

The TV was on, and I saw images of the Boston Marathon finish line flash on the screen.

I’d eagerly followed twitter for news of the race and winners during the morning, and for a split second I was thrilled that the national media was putting a spotlight on this great event.

Then I realized. It was not a positive story heralding runners and community. It was devastating. The finish area was smoking, people were injured, and panic was evident.

I know I wasn’t personally a witness to this tragedy, and I don’t write this post as an attempt to chronicle the “latest news.”

Rather, as a running fan, a runner myself, and mostly as a human being, I am just numb with sadness.

I can’t fathom why. Why?

The heartbreak of loosing a life. The devastation of loosing a limb — as they say many have. The fear of not being able to find or contact a loved one. The exhaustion and elation of running nearly 26.2 miles followed by sheer panic at seeing smoke and explosions at the finish.

I can not imagine.

In the midst of everything, the outpouring of support, prayers, and generosity I’ve seen in the news and social media media since the tragedy give me hope.

The strength of the running community, the Boston area, America, and the good that lives within people everywhere can overcome and help heal the evil that happens in this world.

Today is not a time for a “happy” attitude or for rejoicing. It is a time of sadness.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t focus on the brave and selfless things people are doing in the midst of tragedy.

I’m turning this verse over and over in my mind today:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 46:1-2

I’m trying to focus on the grace of God and of the power of His love and work shining through people. I’m giving thanks for the medical teams, race officials, law enforcement, and many bystanders doing their part to care for people during this unthinkable time.

Pray for Boston.

The land of snow, rain, wind, and mud

Greetings from the land of snow, rain, wind, and mud.

Normally I wouldn’t be this bundled up for 30 degrees, but the wind is whipping along at 20-30 mph making things quite chilly.

And even though it may look frozen, semi-thawed mud is lurking underneath the snow and ice and makes a slippery mess as you drive through.

Currently — on Sunday afternoon — the precipitation is switching from snow to freezing rain and making a nice icy crust over the snow and everything else.

There you have it; the land of snow, rain, wind, and mud.

I can’t help but think back to last year at this time, when much of the country was under a heat wave. I remember this because tomorrow is the Boston Marathon, and at last year's Boston I think temps reached 90*. It was so hot that the marathon actually let people defer their registration to this year's race if they wanted because of heat concerns.

Speaking of which, best of luck to any of you running Boston tomorrow. Maybe someday (or in my dreams) I will make it there too.

Mid-April last year there were already tractors in the fields doing spring planting too. It will be well into May this year before we get crops in the ground.

Strange how this weather thing works. Last year was one of the mildest winters in memory. This year our snowfall is well above average, I just read that March Minnesota temps were 5 – 10* below average, and here we sit on April 14th in a near blizzard with 18* windchill.

The bright side, of course, is that our ground is dry and we really need all the moisture we can get. Sometimes things just get miserable even if you're en route to a desired outcome.

Which reminds me, I have a few quality runs I'd like to get in this week so I've got confidence in an awesome race on Saturday. Not that the runs will be miserable per se, but a hard run is a hard run. Don't worry though, I won't push it too much before race day.

I don't mean to bore you all again with chatter about the weather, but for me it's rather all-consuming right now.

I hope you are all enjoying the rest of your weekend (under more pleasant skies).