Long Time No Type July 31, 2009

How many months has it been?  Crazy.  And I haven’t run in all that time.

I now live in Valley and I LOVE IT.  I’ve been exercising solely by walking with a pedometer.  But the other night Tim went out running and asked if I wanted to come along for the second mile so I did.  I was amazed at how easy it was.  And fun!  I ran 1.48 miles just like that- and I hadn’t run in months.  Crazy.

So the next day I went running after the radio show in the morning.  Another 1.48 easy.

The next day I walked with the girls from church.

The next day it rained.

Today I ran 1 mile to Langdale.  I’m enjoying this running thing again

post-holidays January 8, 2009

I don’t know where I left off exactly…I was doing well until New Year’s.  Two days I was supposed to run but instead I mini-tramped it.  So Tim and I are sort of trying to catch up…without moving too fast.

 

Yesterday and the day before I ran 1 to two miles each.  Then today we went out for 6.5 miles.  I made it.  I thought I did pretty good and so did Tim.  The only problem is that I am getting frustrated.  It seems like I can never get up to the  mileage I am supposed to be doing.  I should have done at least 7 or 8 but it just takes me much longer to get there than one week.  I dunno.  I looked at trying for a half marathon instead of a marathon, but if I did that, I’d be running four miles tops for the next month and a half or so.  And that just seems loserish now that I’ve been running more.  And boring.  Not sure what to do.

easy 3 December 31, 2008

Today was supposed to be an easy three mile run.  I was looking forward to it all day.  Then, when Tim got home, and it was actually time to run, I suddenly got in a bad mood.  So I stewed for 15 minutes and then went running anyway.

It wasn’t that it was hard, it was just that I didn’t want to do it.  You would think that after running six miles, three miles would be exciting and fun because it’s so easy.  Not so.  After running six miles, three miles seems boring.  I kept thinking, “Why do I have to do this?”

But I did it.  And by the third mile I was enjoying it, I guess.  I just wish I wasn’t breathing so hard!  It should be a really easy 3!!

Seriously, though, no complaints.  I’m glad it was a decent run without much effort on my part.

lots to catch up on December 29, 2008

in the past two weeks:

In Gatlinburg: one 3.2 mile run up and down some VERY steep hills.  Difficult but fun.

Sunday the 21st: Sick but went out for six miler at Stone Mountain.  Had to quit and go home and rest.

Monday the 22nd: attempted 6 miles at Stone Mountain.  I failed.  Ran/walked 5.5. Tim did 6.  Very disappointing.

Wednesday the 24th: Even more disappointing.  Tried to run three miles in the morning around Rust lakes.  I quit at 1, then ran/walked to 2.  Tim ran three.

Friday the 26th:  Great 4 miler at Rock Island.  Didn’t stop except to walk up major hill!  Very tough- sore calves for us both all during the run- but finished at Grissom bridge.  Think I’m getting the hang of this again.

Saturday the 27th: 3 mile walk with Dad, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kay, and Samantha.

Sunday the 28th: 6 miles!!!  2.5 miles through neighborhood, bathroom break at Publix, went to 3.5 at Tim’s work at Emory, turned around.  Very quick breaks on the way to 5 miles.  Breather at 5 miles.  Finished to 6 in spurts.  I’ve tasted discipline again.  I think this is a tipping point.  We were exhausted- walked another mile to 7 home- then went to Outback and tried to replenish.  Didn’t meet calorie quote for today, I’m sure.  Rest day tomorrow.

3- timed December 16, 2008

Tim and I ran three miles tonight.  We took the clock outside so we could see what our pace was.  My goal was to run our normal pace so that, just in case we can’t measure a trail in Gatlinburg this week, we can just run the right amount of time for the mileage we’re supposed to do.

I think we ran a little harder than we usually would have though.  Just a little bit.  Still, though, a ten minute mile.  That’s ok.  I know in the past I could run faster, but it takes time to work up to these things.

It was a good run.  Didn’t have to stop.  My knees hurt a little (I have GOT to lose that last five pounds!) and I had to breathe hard, but what’s new?

We’re going to Gatlinburg on Wednesday with Tim’s dad’s family.  I’m sure it’ll be nice to do runs so that we can get outside a little bit, but it’s always strange running someplace you don’t know well.  At least it is for me.

Update: 4,3,5 December 14, 2008

Haven’t written in awhile.

Wednesday: Four mile run.  Raining. I wore my old shoes so I wouldn’t get my new ones all wet.  It was awful.  I had to walk/run the whole time.  But I didn’t finish that far behind Tim.

Thursday: Three miles.  New shoes.  Did ok, but still had to take little breaks.  Not sure what’s up.

Today: Five miles.  We’re in Birmingham, so we did a loop around Rust, two around the block plus Meadow Brook Road and some culdesacs.  Pretty tough.  Had to catch my breath a few times, but was doing fine.  FINISHED.  Now I’m tired.

3 miles for the calendar December 9, 2008

Tim and I ran 3 miles tonight. It wasn’t the worst run ever but it was tough. For me, it was probably tough because I ate HORRIBLY all day. The healthiest thing I’ve had to eat today is a hot dog bun with peanut butter on it, which I had for breakfast. Yeah. Not good.  Right now I feel sort of woozy- like my blood can’t figure out where it’s most needed, my stomach, legs, or brain.  I’m not sure what to tell it.

But anyway we did the 3 miles.  We have a lot of miles to log this week.  It’s not going to be fun.  But I’m sure we’ll get it done.

I’m thirsty.  See you later.

Race Day 5k December 7, 2008

This morning was the Jingle Bell Run in Birmingham, my first race in over a year.  I was nervous this morning so I woke up early.  Lounged around.  Had cereal for breakfast.  We left the house a little late and got there just in time to get our registration stuff.  I was excited though- we had our jingle bells on and I had a santa hat.  Tim and I were chipped so we took a place sort of near the starting line.

Well, it didn’t go well.  The race was delayed and the longer I stood there, in the COLD, listening to these marathoners next to me pretend they weren’t going to do well at the 5k, the less ready I felt.  Still, though, I wanted to beat BE&K time from a few years ago, and I really thought I could.  So the gun went off and Tim TOOK OFF.  I mean I felt like he was going so fast.  And…all this happened in like a second…but it was bad.  Tim was going so fast, all these people were passing us, and I, well, had intestinal problems.  I really thought I was going to have to find a bush nearby.  I couldn’t feel my legs at all.  It was awful.  It was the Athens Human Race all over again, only much, much colder.  

Well, I made it up the hill at the beginning of the course, and even a little further.  But I thought I was going to throw up.  I told Tim to go ahead, but he wouldn’t.  So then I walked a little bit.  Then I ran more.  Then I had to walk again.  My lungs were burning.  Then I ran again.  But I had to walk again (this is all way before even a half mile mark).  I kept telling Tim to go ahead without me, but he wouldn’t.  He kept suggesting we just hang back and walk with Macy and Dad.  So finally I agreed.

I am so disappointed about this race.  I said to Tim, right before it started, that this is the first 5k we’ve run together that we’ve both been prepared for.  And yet- look how it turned out!  All the new shoes and training runs and reading running magazines didn’t even result in one mile.  

Yes, I had fun walking with Dad and Macy.  I tried to make the most of it, and it really was fun.  I’ve been trying not to beat myself up about this all day.  But it’s hard.  Before Tim left this afternoon, I took him aside and told him how sorry I was.  I thought he would be understanding when I explained what happened, but instead he said, “Well, this just can’t happen for the marathon.”  I felt a little heartbroken.  I don’t know how to KEEP it from happening.  I still don’t know why it happened.  I don’t know if I can do this.

Tonight I looked up some articles on stomach problems when racing.  Apparently, a ton of people experience this.  This just happens to have been my first time to go through it, and I didn’t handle it well.  So I don’t feel as awful about myself, but still.  What if I’m prepared for this in the next race, but then I run into a new problem?  (sigh.)

I also don’t know what to do about my running partner.  He is always, and everywhere, going to be an exponentially better runner than I am.  And I can’t change that learning curve.  So…I’m not sure what to do.

I’m going to be ok going to sleep tonight.  And I’m going to go out and start the marathon training on Monday.  I’m going to find another 5k to do soon enough, so that I can prove to myself that I can do this.  Maybe I’ll run it by myself, I don’t know.  I’ll remember today for the fun I had with my family, and I’ll try to take some lessons away (no cereal before races), and I can hope for a better race next time, I suppose.

Sometimes it’s hard to feel like a runner.  I’m trying to remind myself that going out there, week in and week out, putting in the miles, is what makes me a runner.  Nothing else.

final 2-miler December 5, 2008

Tonight Tim and I ran 2 miles.  This is the last 2-miler we will have on our schedule for quite awhile.

We decided to run the hills at the old house again.  We figured, it’d be good for me to do better at them than last time.  Also, it was only two miles instead of three, so it actually seemed doable to me.

Someone suggested to me that I yell, “I Love Hills!” as I ran up the hills and guess what- it worked!  Also, I told myself that I could not think about the suffering I was feeling until I could see over the top of the hill.  And by then, well, it was pretty much done.

So I did GREAT and this was a great run!  In fact, on the tough, tough hills on the second mile, I even told Tim a story.  Sure, every sentence was divided into three or more phrases, with huge gaping breaths in between, but I did it.

This was a good work out to do right before the 5k, which is Saturday (!).  Also, our pace was good, too.  Go us!

limping 3 miles December 3, 2008

For a change of scenery and course, Tim and I ran at the old house today.  There is a two mile loop that has hills that last about a half mile each.  So it’s uphill FOREVER, downhill awhile, uphill FOREVER, downhill awhile.  We thought it would be good hill training.

Well, I was awful.  I was worn out but doing ok until the second set of hills.  Then Tim started talking to me.  As he was talking, I realized that he was not out of breath at all, that he was perfectly fine!  I suddenly got so frustrated.  And when he asked me a question, I just broke.  I walked for probably a tenth of a mile.  I did finish the three miles, but it was terrible.  I had to walk quite often.  Looking back, I didn’t do as terribly as I thought, and I DID finish.  But at the time I felt like such a failure.

It’s natural to have a bad run after such a good one the other day.  But it still isn’t fun.

The good news is that my shoes worked out great.  My toes felt a little weird the whole time, but I had zero pain in my feet, ankles, shins, or knees, so it was totally worth it.  I’m so happy about that!

Frustration October 31, 2008

Yesterday Tim and I ended up walking 1.5 miles because I was pretty stressed out about learning (cramming) everything for my ethics exam. Note to self: do homework ahead of time so that running doesn’t get sacrificed to last-ditch efforts to save grades.

So the test went well (I think) and I got back my Luther mid-term and got an A- and an A on those essays. The comments were good, so I was really happy and excited. I felt pretty pumped up about today’s run because (a) I was happy in general from the academic success and (b) I figured I have one free afternoon before I have to get crackin’ on some sermons so…what better way to enjoy it than a run!!

Against my better judgment, Tim and I decided to run right after school before lunch. The first mile was fine. Ok. Then I started to get bored. Then, as usual, I started gasping for air. (I am REALLY bad at breathing. I was always bad at breathing, but in college I was a voice major so I was always practicing breathing too, and increasing my capacity). So anyway I’m gasping for air, and I look over at Tim, and he’s still breathing through his nose!!! Soooooo frustrating. And before I knew it, I had quit. At about 1.3 miles. About 20 feet later I started up again…and ran to about 1.5…then stopped. Walked a little less. ran to 1.8. Stopped. Walked even less and started up again. Ran to 2.

I was really mad afterwards. I mean…it’s not even like I decide to stop. I just do. I think I just get frustrated, and I don’t deal with that…my only way to deal with it is just to stop. I definitely have to work on that.

So Tim and I talked, and he agreed to try to motivate (NOT criticize) me a little bit more during the run. And I, in the meantime, need to figure out a way to be a little bit more resilient. It’s not just about the run, the muscles and breathing, it’s about my mind and how I control my emotions. Including frustration. The good news, which I will pat myself on the back about, is that I didn’t beat myself up over this forever. I just said, “These things happen” and moved on. Definitely an improvement! Goodbye perfectionism! The downside of that, of course, is that I give myself a lot of slack.

…that was a lot of self awareness in one paragraph. But as my piano teacher used to say, “Being self-aware is the easy part. Practice is the thing.”

A Solid Two Miles November 2, 2008

I don’t know what the deal was today, but I did NOT want to run. I preached this morning, Tim and I went out to eat, then we got home and I just crashed. I relaxed for awhile, then took a nap, and when I woke up I was just full of dread about the two miles I had agreed to run today. I guess the non-success of my last run was getting to me. I was just nervous as all get-out, which is crazy, because running isn’t like war or poverty or anything. It’s just running.

Of course I can think like that now, after the run.

So anyway I frantically looked online for motivation for running, and found a little bit, but not a lot. Finally Tim came in and just told me to get off my bum, basically. So we went outside and as we walked to warm up, we talked a little about how I didn’t want to run. He said, “You know I’ve never seen someone who deserves to do badly as much as you do!” And it’s true. I have a terrible running attitude. He said, “You need to have my attitude. ‘You gonna meet your goal today?’ [make believe punching of an opponent plus sound effect "pow!"] ‘Why would you even ask that, you know I will!’”

I thought that was a funny attitude, but that is definitely how Tim is. So anyway we got started and…it wasn’t bad. At first I could feel that my blood sugar was low. I thought about lunch and was confused- I didn’t eat anything that should be messing with my blood sugar. Except fried okra. And mac and cheese. And that roll. Oh wait…dangit. I really have to start eating better.

Along the way I remembered an old trick I had used in college. When we started working on the second mile I just told myself it was the first one. It’s amazing how gullible my body apparently is.

Also I imagined all the people just sitting on their bums in their apartments, getting fatter. “Well, regardless of whether I finish two miles or not…at least I’m not them!” Ah yes, the old “I’m better than everyone else” trick.

At the last turn, I felt like I could really throw up. When I start heaving for air, I pull my stomach in sharply and it makes me feel sick. But I made it! I made the whole two miles. It took me awhile to catch my breath and feel like a living person- I was dizzy and my ears were ringing at first- but then I felt proud. I did it.

And I didn’t walk at all.

Better November 5, 2008

Yesterday Tim and I biked 6 miles. It was great to be outside and enjoy all the beauty.

Today we ran 2.2 miles. I only said, “I don’t want to run” one time. And then I did great running! I really didn’t feel awful at all. There was only one time when I all of the sudden felt my blood sugar freak out. But I ran a little harder and for some reason, it went away.

I’ve been having trouble with the old hypoglycemia lately, which is crazy, because I really thought I’d grown out of it. I hadn’t had problems since college…and even then I hadn’t had serious problems since high school. But now it’s like it was when I first got diagnosed. I eat a piece of bread and I’m shaking and burning up and confused. It’s bad.

So…I have to try to change my diet big time. And if that doesn’t work…I guess I’ll see the nutritionist.

Great Run November 11, 2008

This is likely to be one of the most stressful weeks of the year. I don’t know that I’ve been this stressed about school work/work work since college. So I need to keep that in mind in considering how I do with my work outs this week.

Tim and I ran 2.2 miles today. It was GREAT. I was not expecting a great run at all- for several reasons. First, the last time I ran was last Thursday. I was supposed to run just 1.5 but only ran about .9. Disappointing. So I hadn’t run…or even exercised…since then. Also, we went out of town this weekend with friends and ate HORRIBLY the entire weekend. I gained at least two pounds. Lastly, I had a very stressful day and drove home fairly late. Then Tim and I went running right away. I was in a bad mood.

But despite all this, the run was great. There was never a moment when I thought I wouldn’t make it the whole way. There was only one moment when I was weary. It didn’t last long at all. I just picked up the pace a little and I was fine.

If I had to guess, I think several things contributed to the good running:

(1) It was cold. I don’t know why but I have been running better when it’s nighttime and cold.

(2) Tim was with me. Always better.

(3) I am very stressed out. And compared to all the stuff I DON’T want to do, running suddenly seemed unusually attractive and freeing.

(4) We had a pretty brisk pace the whole time. I didn’t get bored.

So…go me. I feel great.

2.5 November 14, 2008

Tim and I ran 2.5 miles today. We ran after school/before dinner. The run was very, very rough and convinced me that I need to buy new shoes (something Tim has been telling me since we started). But we did it.

Afterwards we had a supper of red beans, brown rice, and salad. I took a shower. Then I crawled into bed and didn’t move for about an hour and a half. I still feel paralyzed.

2 November 15, 2008

Our training schedule called for 2 miles today. After hours at the computer working on commissioning papers, I was ready to go!

So, 2 miles, easy peasy. Well, not quite. I really pushed myself. I mean our speed might actually have been technically classified as “running” instead of “fairly fast jogging.” I made sure I couldn’t finish a complete sentence the whole way. So it was a challenge, but it was nice that I set the challenge, instead of the training calendar.

On an unrelated note, these commissioning papers have reminded me how tired I am of writing. I started to get really sick of it toward my senior year in college. But seminary, surprisingly (and…strangely…) doesn’t require much writing so I’ve been out of the habit and out of the loathing for awhile. Now, though, it’s back with a vengeance in the form of some 24+ very touchy questions. I am sick sick sick of writing what other people want me to write.

Enough venting. I’m going to enjoy my reward for running- 1 cup of cold, whole wheat pasta and a glass of water. Yum.

2.5 November 19, 2008

After not running for three days (three days of eating poorly, being WAY stressed and busy, and not getting enough sleep), Tim and I got back out there today.

I can’t describe the relief of having my commissioning papers finished. What a huge, huge weight to have off my shoulders. Today after class I was actually free to enjoy my lunch, take a nap, and then wake up and run. I was sooo not wanting to run, partly because I was worried that after so many days I would have regressed. But also, it was 35 degrees outside today in.the.sun. … I hate the cold.

BUT, after bundling up a little bit we went out, froze our rears off, but finished the 2.5. Not bad at all.

I thought a lot about Julian while I was out there. Julian is my neighbor. We take care of the stray cats here. He is in Baltimore because his dad took ill quite suddenly. Today Julian texted me and said that they had to make decisions today. His dad is coming off the ventilator tomorrow. Very, very sad. And I feel for Julian. I know his heart is broken.

It’s easier to run when you consider that…in the grand scheme of things…twenty minutes of physical pain- on a bad day- is really not bad at all.

1 + weights November 20, 2008

I can’t remember why, but for some reason Tim and I decided to rearrange our training schedule and go to the gym tonight. So about 9 o’clock or so, we headed over there. I ran a mile on the treadmill, which is a vast improvement from the last time I tried that a few weeks ago (yay for improvement!) I ran at 6.0 mph too, which was quite comfortable (last time I had to run at about 5). I definitely could have gone 2 miles at 6.5, but I didn’t want to push it, since we’re upping our mileage tomorrow.

I also did some weight machines. Very light weights, fewer than 101 reps. I didn’t get to arms but that’s ok. The important thing is that I got back to the gym after not visiting for two weeks. Weights are important. And it was nice to do the treadmill thing. Unlike most people, I actually really like the treadmill. I would like to be able to get back to what I did in college- just get up really early and run 2 miles on the treadmill before classes. That was great.

Also, I ate wayyyyyyyyyy too many oreos today.

Did You Know? November 21, 2008

Did you know that the original marathon run was not 26.2 miles, but 24.85 miles (40,000 meters)?

At the 1908 Olympic Games in London, the course was changed so that the race would cover Windsor Castle to White City Stadium, ending in front of the royal family’s box. This added additional miles to the race. This is also why some people yell “God save the Queen!” as they pass the 24 mile mark.

26.2 became the official distance of the marathon at the Paris Olympic Games in 1924.

So…I can thank the queen for another two miles? Just another reason I’m glad to be American.

Tim and I got our stimulus check today. Added to the money I made preaching, I think we can afford to both get my car fixed and get new running shoes. How’s that for economic stimulus? I’d love to save the stuff, but our budget is too tight to afford these things any other way and still save for Tim’s tuition. So extra money goes to extra items, like a new sideview mirror and running shoes. They shall be my reward for the 5k. A little early. Maybe I won’t wear them until after the 5k. That would be just like me

2.75 November 22, 2008

So, I did it. 2.75. I was not sure I could. Tim and I took a nap that was wayyyy too long this afternoon. And after that I of course had to eat lots of chocolate (not sure why naps make me want to do this, but it’s an irresistible urge!) So then I felt kinda sick. But we HAD to run because it was getting dark and even colder outside and we were going to Blue Ridge this weekend.

It was sooooooooooo incredibly cold. And it was so painful. But I didn’t stop once! And I made it.

I classified this run as a bad run because it was so horrible and painful. But it’s not the same type of bad run I used to have, because I didn’t stop. Maybe this counts as an improvement?

2 (oops) November 25, 2008

I forgot to write that yesterday I ran two miles.

It was supposed to be 2.75, but when we got back from Blue Ridge I was in a turrible state. It had been a horrible weekend, I felt awful anyway (that time of month), I was tired and cold and in general in a bad way. So anyway Tim talked me into running 2.2. But I took a break in the middle so I only ran 2. Guess it’s better than nothing.

Did a workout DVD this morning. I felt awful afterwards. I have been so low-energy. It’s really bad. Tomorrow we’re supposed to run 3. I’m kind of looking forward to it.

We bought new shoes for Tim today. He really needed them. We went to a professional running shop and got him fitted. He has really high arches and a neutral gate, which I think is cool. I bet I don’t have a neutral gate. Anyway his shoes were $101, which is a lot less than I thought they would be. I used some of the money I earned this month.

I think in December I might get new shoes. But not yet. I want to reward myself for the 5k.

I am not a good runner. November 26, 2008

Today I was supposed to run 3 miles. Tim and I got our schedules mixed up though, so I ended up having to try to run alone. I set out to do the 3 miles myself. I almost thought, for sure, I could do it!

But as it ended up I only ran 1.1. I just don’t have the heart to run by myself

This was not a good thing. I have been very negative and low about myself all week, for other reasons, and this doesn’t help. I just wish I could go out there and do what I want to. But as usual, I couldn’t. So…3 miles tomorrow, after school.

What a disappointment.

3! and the shoe store November 27, 2008

Let’s start with the shoe store.  Tim had a great time running with his new shoes- he said they made all the difference.  So today after class I decided to go ahead and buy my new shoes.  We went to the same running store where we got Tim’s, and I did all the little tests.  We discovered I have really high arches and also that I have some major over-pronation, especially in my left ankle.  That actually explains…quite a bit.  

So I tried on many pairs of shoes, and test-ran them all.  Then we took the most comfortable ones and ran them on the treadmill with the camera, to see if they fixed the pronation problem.  Well, they didn’t.  So finally we decided to go with a super-supportive shoe.  The only problem being that it is not made for high arches but more for flat feet.  We tested it on the camera and yes, it fixed the problem.  It seemed very comfortable when I ran it outside.  So we bought them.

After that, Tim and I went out to run 3 miles.  I was excited to run in my new shoes.  It did not work out as planned, however.  Immediately I felt tired.  There seemed to be no cushion, even though I hadn’t noticed that running around the block at the store.  By the half-mile mark, the ball of my foot and the little toes were all asleep.  I had to take the shoes off at 1 mile.  Not good!  Very sad!

So I put my old shoes back on and finished three miles.  I’m very sad about my shoes and not sure what to do.  I guess I’ll take them back to the store after the holidays and see what they say.  

As for the 3 miles, it was rough.  The first mile was rough because I was worrying about my feet.  Then the stopping and starting was bad.  When I came back from changing shoes, I was in a hurry and out of breath.  So I had to walk for about 30 seconds towards the end.  But that’s ok.  Finished three miles and I lived.  

My ankle hurts. The top of my foot hurts.  My knee hurts.  All on the left.  Hopefully we can get this fixed :/

1.5 November 30, 2008

Forgot to write that yesterday TIm and I ran 1.5 miles here in Birmingham.  Was supposed to be 2 miles, but TIm was running in Lindsey’s shoes so we had to cut it short when his feet started hurting.  Three things from this run:

(1) Running in misty rain is gross

(2)The hills in BIrmingham are MUCH steeper than they are in Atlanta.

(3)We need to practice running first-thing after breakfast.  Running in the morning is awful.

3.1! running December 1, 2008

Ahhhhhhhhh….a great run

We were scheduled to run 3 miles but we still felt pretty good so we made it 3.1. YAY FOR RUNNING A 5K!!!

So we drove in from Birmingham tonight and heard on the radio that we might get snow flurries in Atlanta tonight. So Tim and I got all bundled up to run. It was a little warmer than all that haha But I still like to overdress and then take something off after every mile, so it’s like I’m relieving my misery instead of increasing it at every mile.

Immediately our calves were tired, because we ran hills yesterday. I can deal with calves being tired though. If my calves explode, I can live on. It’s when my lungs and abs feel like they’re going to explode that I get worried. If they explode, I’m dead.

Anyway, our calves were tired, and there were puddles EVERYWHERE. First thing, I stepped in a huge icy puddle. Cold feet!! That’ll get you hopping! We started at a really fast pace for us. At about a mile we noticed it, but we also felt pretty good, so we kept at it. We slowed down a smidge for mile two, just to conserve. But honestly, my calves were tired, but my heart rate was not up at all. I could speak complete sentences up to about 2.8 miles, even though we were going pretty fast. Maybe I’ve suddenly become fit. At about 2.75 miles it started raining, which was added incentive to run fast and farther, so we could finish closer to home. We finished really strong and although I was worn out and out of breath, I didn’t have to sit down like last time haha

Afterwards we walked a mile and ran into a couple trying to move a couch into their apartment. We helped them move it in. I lent my couch-moving expertise and told them the secret trick (you have to bring it in through the patio door). Brian and Sherise. If I can remember their names it will be a miracle.

So anyway, I’m feeling fantastic. I haven’t had a great run like this in awhile and it feels GREAT. My calves and feet are tired but in a good way. And now I’m showered and cuddled up in my robe and looking forward to the next run. YAY!

Corrected Shoes December 2, 2008

I had a busy day today, largely because I spent a huge amount of time at the running store. I took in my Brooks to figure out what the problem with them was. After trying on many more pairs of shoes and running many more .4 intervals on the treadmill, Brooks was still the best. I had to purchase some reeeeeaaaaaaaalllllly expensive inserts though. I’m anxious/nervous to see if they do well on my next run.

Tonight I went to the gym, walked 1 mile on an incline, and then did some very light weights. Felt nice to relax and have an easy work out.

I am five days away from my first 5k in….over a year. I googled myself the other day and found that when I raced the BE&K 5k back in 2005 I ran under an 8.5 minute mile. I have no idea what I’m running now, but that seems kind of fast.

Also today I started a new month on our wall calendar. Hard to believe I have almost two months of training under my belt. Now that we’re a week away from completing the 5k, I put my first month’s schedule for marathon training on the calendar. CRAZY. Soon we’ll be up to 4 and 5 miles. This week will be my last time to run just 2 miles. Goodbye, two-miler. I will miss you.

Tomorrow’s a 3 mile run. I wanted to run it in the morning, before my 9:30 class. Tim says no, though. Too cold and he doesn’t want to get up. Oh well.