Ran 2 miles on the treadmill then switched to elliptical (I thought about you QP because I opted out of running outside because it was cold and windy.  Nice to have the option).  Did one rotation of strength training then home to the shower!  Tomorrow I am going to spin.

Happy New Year! 

I ran during a snow squall today.  At first I thought about going back because the snow was right in my face and I couldn't see.  Then the wind died down and the flakes got big and light and everything turned beautiful.  It wasn't long before the roads were covered and I was running off into a beautiful,  quiet, snow covered world.

AP: 9:53 (slippery) 

2 miles on the treadmill then some ab work and strength training.  Just enough to get my motor started on this cold Monday morning.

spinning today. great workout!

3 on the treadmill at the gym.  chatted with a friend and watched the news. Come on weekend!

Cold morning on the Rail Trail 29 degrees.  Couldn't feel my tooshie when done but a good run.  

AP:  9:22

Splits:  9:11, 9:10, 9:38, 9:27, 9:34, 9:13, 9:30, 9:17, 8:54, 9:00, 8:53, 9:58, 9:16. 

Tubing, zip-line, skiing (a little), and hiking.  My birthday weekend at Wintergreen Resort.  Had a blast!

I just don't want to run on the treadmill for some reason.  Spinning instead.  Weather cold and nasty.

Snow on the rail trail and on the shoulder of the roads.  Went to the gym.  Did an hour spin, ran 2 miles on the treadmill, then his a dance class.  Felt great (probably because I have been doing a lot of resting lately).

p.s.   My tushie has thawed out. 

Had a hard time deciding whether to run or spin.  Decided to run to keep those muscles strong since I haven't had as much time to run.

Signed up for a 10 miler in April. 

Beautiful day today.  Hi temp around 40 degrees.  Ran on Rosewick Road which has a couple of great hills.  AP 9:40. 

Splits:  9:36, 9:52, 10:16 (ran in the woods and forgot to turn off my watch), 9:34, 9:28, 9:25, 9:49, 9:14.

I hope I can get some shorter runs in the morning this week.  I've got plenty of excuses but what I need is more motivation!   Help!

Spinning :)

The freezing temperatures finally broke and it was a beautiful day.  High today was around 52 degrees.  Love it.  Didn't get out until after 2:00 but it was worth it.  Ran 8 miles on the rail trail.  It was the perfect temperature.

AP: 9:11

Splits:  9:28, 9:24, 9:00, 8:59, 9:17, 9:22, 9:15, 8:42.  

I pushed myself at the end to do the last mile under 9 minutes.  Felt great.  I think I just needed this break in the weather to re-motivate me.  I think I might be getting spring fever.  Stay away old man winter! 

Ran 2 miles in the hood.  First time using my headlamp.  Worked out just fine. Got to see the sunrise!  Feels good to finally get my tired butt out of bed and get back on track.

Another 2 miles in the neighborhood.  Love the weather.  Right around 58 degrees this morning.  I could get used to this!  I can't wait to get used to this!

Got out this morning before the cold air and rain moved in.  They are calling for snow tonight and tomorrow morning.  I would love to sleep in!

AP: 9:21.  Fastest mile 8:59.  Slowest mile 9:39.   

I got real nervous on the trail when a great dane and german shepherd were running toward me.  Of course I didn't have my mace because dogs aren't normally a problem on the trail.  I stopped running and put my arms on my hips to make myself seem larger.  I started thinking about the dog whisperer and how he avoids eye contact so I decided I would not look them in the eye.  I spotted this huge branch on the ground so I picked it up and started pushing in front of my as I proceeded toward the dogs.  Their ears popped up like "what is this lady doing?"  I kept the branch between us and they passed me by and I passed them only about 3 feet away from each other.  They didn't follow me and still looked puzzled by the branch.  Then I started thinking they must be on some dog adventure and really didn't have the time to mess with me (thank goodness).  Regardless the sheer size of these dogs was intimidating.   Next time I'll be sure to bring my mace no matter where I run.

Treadmill at the gym:)

2 miles in the hood before work.

spinning class at the gym.

I'm thinking about signing up for this race.  Check it out:  www.warriordash.com

I planned on doing at least 8 today but my daughter came to visit (with my grand baby growing inside her) and we went shopping for maternity clothes.  She left around 6:00 so I went to the gym thinking it closed at 9pm...wrong.  It closed at 7pm so I put in a quick 4 miles and was kicked out.  

Went back to the gym today to finish my run.  I set the treadmill on random and did 6 miles going up and down hills.  It was nice switching things up a little bit.  It is raining like crazy today.  Nice day to stay in and enjoy some reading.

4 easy miles in the hood.  Set out at 5:45 and within minutes it was light enough to see.  Love it!!

I took a sleeping pill last night so I was concerned about being able to get up.  Instead of being sleepy, I felt rejuvenated! 

9:54 AP 

Rick and I signed up for the Warrior Dash in May.  I guess I better step things up a bit to build up the strength to get over some of the obstacles!  

Beautiful day for the rail trail.  I wanted to take a nap after church but decided to get myself dressed for a run and see what happens.  I'm sore from some strength training I did yesterday so I wasn't sure how my run would go.  I reminded myself that I am supposed to make this an easy 10 and I don't need to think about my times (but I still peek at my watch to make sure I'm not going too slow).

AP: 9:35

Splits:  10:04, 9:31, 9:36, 9:38, 8:57, 9:29, 9:43, 9:59, 9:36, 9:26, (last .11) 8:26. 

Something has got to give.  I have to change my work out schedule.  My daughter is working a new job monday thru thursday and I stay up to wait for her to get home.  In the morning I keep turning off my alarm then hate myself all day for not getting my self out of bed.

Just had to do that little bit of ranting and raving.

Ran on some new shoes today...felt great!  Garmin battery low so it never found the satellite before it died completely.  I used the mile markers on the rail trail to keep track of my distance. 

30 minute shred with Jillian.

Spinning today.  I think I have been taking spinning for granted.  Spinning is really a terrific workout.  You don't realize it until you stay away from it for a while.

1 hour spinning class then ran for 4 miles on the treadmill.  My spinning bike  said I spun for 23 miles so I figure that has to be worth something :}.  The extra 4 miles wasn't as difficult as I thought I  would be.  Feels good.

Evening run on Rosewick...nice hills.  My Garmin is completely dead and won't charge.  I guess I'm going to have to dig up the warranty...bummer.

Took a class called "On the Ball".  It was an overall mediocre work out.  On a sweat scale of 1-5 (5 being a dripping good sweat), I give it a 1(one).  I guess one is better than none!

Spinning again this morning.  I thought about you Quiet Pirate when my alarm went off at 5:30.  I can do it!

I still had pillow marks on my face but I made it.  Glad I did! 

Well...interesting day.  Sun was shining and I found myself with a 3 hour window so I decided to do my run today instead of tomorrow.  I packed up my gear and drove to the Rail Trail for my run.  As soon as I got in the parking log, the sky opened up.  It was pouring rain.  I called my husband and he checked the radar and said it looked like it was going to rain for another hour or so.  I decided to drive to the gym and hop on the treadmill.

The treadmill bores me to death.  I was on mile 2 and started renegotiating my miles for today.  You know, the mental battle about how much you have in you.   That is when I noticed the sun was shining again.  I was even more disappointed because I was in the gym not in the sunshine.  That's when I said to myself..."Who is keeping you here?  Get your butt outside!"

So I hopped off the treadmill, ran down to the locker, got my Garmin and my vest (and mace), then headed out the door.  I had a wonderful run through new areas in the hood.  On mile eight I thought I heard a rumble through my music and I turned around.  Lurking behind me where these deep dark clouds and the rumble was thunder.  I picked up the pace and made it back to the gym just before another downpour started.  Success!

I Don't know my first 3 miles pace because I was on the treadmill, it felt like it was 12:00. 

9:37, 9:35, 9:34, 9:42, 9:39, 9:42, 9:10, 8:50 (.14) 

Got my butt out of bed this morning.  Haven't been able to really train for my race this Saturday but I'm still looking forward to it.

Rain rain rain rain.  The race started off dry then about mile 4 the downpour started.  It really wasn't so bad though.  I ran with a friend I met at my campground.  Her son is 12 and won 1st place in his division.  

Spinning today.  Spring break this week but I got called for jury duty Monday morning and picked for the jury.  This is the 2nd day of the trial and have been told to expect to be there all week.  I respect my duty and take it seriously but on the week of my spring break?...Why Lord?  Why?

p.s.  My spinning instructor was also there Monday for jury duty but he didn't get picked for the jury.  I bet QP knows why :) 

Got out of jury duty a little early today so I decided to do an afternoon run.  I got out to the rail trail at around 3:30.   I planned on doing 10 miles until I started running.  The first mile was extremely difficult.  I felt like I was running in mud.  I decided I would run until my water was halfway gone then I would turn around and head back.  I told myself not to worry about the time, just do what I can do.  At about mile 3.5 I wanted to quit.  I forced myself to continue and decided to pick up the pace so I could get to mile 4 faster so I could turn around and head back.  Once I picked up my pace I felt better.  I turned around but kept my pace up.  

I didn't get my 10 miles in but I was happy to have 2 miles under 9 minutes:)  p.s. Tomorrow is closing arguments in the trial.  Should be my last day.

 Splits:  10:15, 9:54, 9:46, 9:51, 8:42, 9:52, 9:21, 8:55.

No watch.  Just an easy 2 in the hood.  

didn't get much sleep last night.  Maybe 5 hrs or so.  Took a lot of effort just to go 1.5 but still a great way to get my day going.

Campground run.  Nice cool morning.  Kayaking after run does a great job on the arms.

spinning!  yeah!! I love spinning!!!

I almost talked myself out of it but I'm so glad I didn't.  Two miles was just enough to get my blood flowing for work.

2 miles in the hood again this morning.  The race this weekend really snuck up on me.  Not ready for a personal record but more than ready to run with my buddy!

What a great race!  The rain held off and I was with "Zebra Trainer" and "Chubaka" (aka QP and spouse).

Highlights were;  yellow ribbons, QP pulling me up the hills, "Is that your breath or did you just "fa_ _?", hot tub, chocolate eclairs, cannon balls, lady in spandex with no panties, and the post-race beer.  

Low lights;  having to leave so soon.    

2 easy miles easy in the hood.  Still sore from Sunday's race.  Looking forward to the "Warrior Dash" this saturday!

It's Official...WE ARE WARRIORS!

I recommend the Warrior Dash for everyone!  It was a blast!

Fire pit jumping, mud pit sloshing, cargo net conquering, barb wire crawling bundle of fun.

We saw Batman, Tarzan, men in suit and ties, girls in bikinis with guys in bikinis!

I could go on and on and on! 

Spinning class today.  Met another Warrior and we enjoyed sharing stories.  

I have a love / hate / love relationship with spinning class.  I love it before I start,  hate  it about midway, then love it again when it's over.   

Ran 5 miles at the campground.  Rick (my hubby), rode along on the bike with gatorade and a dog fighting stick.  Didn't have any trouble with dogs but came across a huge snapping turtle (Rick couldn't resist poking him with his stick).  It was very humid but overcast (thank goodness).  Rick couldn't resist riding into a cornfield to find out what the buzzards were eating.  Turns out they weren't eating anything and now he is having a case of tick phobia since he went in the field.  I laughed as the buzzards flew off as he rode toward them in the field.  I love how weird we are.  Keeps life interesting.

2 very hot miles in the hood.  Went out at 5:30am and it was super hot!

Nice comfortable temperature for running.  It was a tough start for me today.  I feel so out of shape (probably because I am).  I took a couple of walk breaks to regroup and get my mental game on.  I kept thinking of all these reasons why I was struggling today...could be the 9 to 12 hour days I've been working for the past 9 months...or maybe the fact that I was up until midnight last night with my daughter...or maybe because I need go shopping and didn't have any milk for my oatmeal.  Whatever the reason I decided to live in the moment.  Grateful that I am able to be out running.  I decided to just do whatever I could and start planning what I will do to get faster and stronger.

All of a sudden I thought of  QP because I saw a fabulous road kill.  Poor deer was no match for a car. I was scared to look at it because I don't like blood...then I looked anyway.  I have never seen road kill like this one.  The poor deer's brains came out of her nose.  No blood just pink  brains squiggling about 4 inches out of each nostril.  Sorry this is so gross but I can't help telling you.   I'm still considering going back for a picture for QP.

The distraction was good because I forgot how crappy I was feeling.  I decided to push myself the last mile so I would have a good mile out of this run.  Mentally I told myself to push for a 9:05 mile.  I was happy to see my watch in 8's and kept going.    Looking forward to a summer of improving strength, endurance, and speed.

AP:  9:35

10:05, 9:48, 9:29, 9:44, 9:32, 9:37, 8:48 

Just a couple of wake up miles in the hood.  Feels good to get the blood flowing.

Spinning!  love it!   Especially when I'm done!

2 miles on the treadmill at the gym.  Met a friend but had to leave early to tend to a houseguest.  Glad to get my blood flowing.  

Looked for my abs this morning... couldn't find them.   Will search again tomorrow.

Got out a little later than I like but the heat was bearable at first.  Ran on the rail trail.  Lots of people out on bikes, roller blades, or walking.  Only saw one other runner.

AP:  9:35  Splits;  9:41, 9:34, 9:25, 9:44, 9:42, (last .17 8:40).

After running, I figured since I was already so hot and sweaty that I'd go take my kayak out to work my arms and abs (believe it or not you use your abs when getting a good speed).  I had to stop for gas on the way and took my stinky self inside the quick shop to get a muscle milk to hold me out.  I was a little embarrassed but not too embarrassed to go in.  I felt some eyes on me like they were thinking "wow... she is a smelly mess... wonder what she has been up to".  

Got to the river and was happy to see the tide was up and there were no spiders in my kayak.  Grabbed my pocket fisherman (recent mother's day present) and hopped in.  The water was calm with a nice breeze.  I went across the river to a favorite fishing spot of mine just to see if anything was biting.  I ripped across the water as fast as I could until my arms ached.  I got to the other side and casted a few times but no bites.   Moved to another spot... no bites.  Moved to another spot... no bites.  Oh well, the fish weren't biting today but I was enjoying every minute.  After about 30 minutes of playing fish chaser, I decided to head back to shore.   I dug in and paddled as hard and fast as I could.  The front of my kayak sliced through the water and left a wake behind me.  I was flying and loving every second.  Finally, I reached the other side and slid on shore.  I has such momentum that the boat went halfway up into the grass so I didn't even get my feet wet.

I am feeling a little bit of my abs and a lot of my shoulders and arms.  Thinking about going out again tomorrow after church. 

Beautiful cool morning.  AP 9:53.  Wish every  morning felt like this one.

SPINNING :)  Instructor was off his bike so that is always interesting.  He likes to turn up your tension and dance around your bike.  Love it.

AP:  9:25      10:35, 7:54, 9:44.

Don't be too impressed with mile 2.  I was supposed to do a mile at 8:30 but I didn't have the stamina this morning so I sprinted for a 1/4 mile then turned of watch and recovered.  I did that for the whole second mile.  It felt really good to go that fast, even if it was for short sprints.  I can't wait until I can get faster with less recovery time. 

AP: 9:30 splits: 9:14, 9:18, 9:52, 9:37

Started out with the sun to my back and feeling great. Turned around, had the sun to my face...not feeling as great.

It was a hot and humid run but I feel fortunate to be able to be out there doing it!

Ran 3 miles but my Garmin died after 1.5.  It was a 2:00 in the afternoon run.  It was overcast and drizzling so I figured... why not?  I figured out... why not.  After 1 mile the skies cleared and the sun started blazing.  All of a sudden I was one of those crazy people who run in the heat of the afternoon.  Needless to say the run didn't last as long as I intended but nevertheless I was glad I ventured out.

AP:  9:48   

Just two words... OATMEAL COOKIES!  5 before bed, 3 for breakfast, and 4 post run.  Help!  I still have a dozen left.  They are sooo good.  I was going to take them to a cookout today but I want them all!  What should I do?

Been traveling for 4 days and finally made it to Vermont (visited family in PA for 2 days).  I was so happy to be out of that car I thought I would weep tears of joy.  Checked in hotel around 5pm and the family wanted dinner.  I just wanted to hit the gym and unlock my pretzelized (is that a word?) legs.  Had to let my dinner settle then hit the treadmill around 9pm.  I started to feel human again.  I started to believe I could survive this trip.  I know I can do it now that I have a place to regroup.  

My sister is with me and she has trouble with her left knee.  She got on the stationary bike and tried to pedal with just her right leg but it kept slipping out of the strap so I put my right foot on the left pedal and helped her.  It ended up working out well for her...good times.

Another day of touring Vermont.  Maple syrup making factory and the Cabot cheese factory.  Lots of yummy samples and souvenirs (even something for you QP).  Spent a lot of time in the car again taking in the beautiful landscape.  Couldn't wait to get back to the hotel again to untie my legs.  

Did 5 on the treadmill then spent about 15 minutes on the elliptical. 

Got back to the room kind of late today.  Got on the treadmill at 9:30pm but it was necessary.  Went moose hunting today (looking from the car window).  Doing souvenir shopping tomorrow (my favorite part of any trip).

Quick run on the rail trail.  Nice to be back home.  Garmin not charged so don't know my pace.  Found a new perk on the rail trail...a misting station.  Great on these hot and humid days!

Had a slight wardrobe malfunction today.  My shirt kept working its way up, exposing my belly.  Whenever I started coming up on someone I would have to hold my shirt down.  I felt a little awkward.  I wonder what the other people were thinking?   

Did 10 miles in the hood.  Kept water on the back of my car and would do 2 mile laps ending back at my house for water.   I used smart coach on the Runners World website to make a training plan for my 1/2 on October 2nd.  It said I should do my long run at a 10:30 pace.  That just seems kind of slow but I enjoyed the nice easy pace.  

Took an evening run around the hood.  10m pace.  Not too bad running at sunset.  I'm gonna try adding a new routine to TV time in the evenings...50 sit-ups, 10 push-ups, 1 minute plank, and bicycle crunches.  Wish me luck!

Speed work today.   Tried to get out by 7am but turned my alarm off.  Got out at 8am instead.  

AP:  9:51   Splits:  10:39, 8:40, 10:30, 8:59, 10:26

Bet you can guess which miles were speed work and which were recovery.  

Did a 4 mile easy run in the hood.  At about 1/2 mile a little heel nipping dog came after me.  I turned around, pointed at him and said, "DONT YOU CHASE ME!".  We faced off and he backed off as I reached for my mace.  I walked backwards away from him and he just stood there barking at me.  Once I got out of sight I started running again.  Got my adrenaline going for sure.   I'm glad I didn't have to use my mace and I'm glad I had it with me.  This is when it's nice to have a Garmin because I changed my running course so I would not be passing that little heel nipping fellow again.  

Ran 10 on the rail trial.  It was a beautiful morning.  Forgot my Garmin but I wasn't too concerned because the rail trail is marked every mile.  

For some reason there are grasshoppers that have been sitting on the trail and they don't fly off until just before you step on them.  Sometimes they fly off to the left or right but sometimes they fly right into me.  Freaks me out.  One time my head phone cord brushed my cheek and I thought it was a grasshopper.  I ripped my headphone out of my left ear and frantically brushed off my face.  I felt silly when I realized it was nothing.   I guess grasshoppers are better then heal nipping dogs :)

Ran 6 on the rail trail  AP:  9:49  Splits;  10:56, 9:21, 9:14, 8:58, 10:07, 10:20.  

I have a new running partner.  My niece, Charisma has decided to join me on her new bicycle.  It's nice having someone to workout with, makes the time fly.  Speaking of flying...I had another grasshopper incident.  This time the grasshopper bounced off my arm and flew into my hair.  I did the grasshopper jig, screamed, and kept going. 

3 miles in the hood with my niece.  I walked to her house which is about a mile from mine.  I needed the walk to wake up my sore and tired  legs.  I'm glad it was an easy day because my body would only do easy.  I want to go spinning in the morning but I'm afraid I won't have much left for my long run on Friday.   What to do?  To spin...or not to spin...that is the question.  

p.s.  I'm still planning on wearing my magical skirt on Friday :) 

Hottest day of the year so far.  Took more breaks on my last two miles than usual.  Should have started before sunrise.  Making this post short because as soon as I got home from my run, I  found out my 1st grand baby was being born!  His name is Harvey and he is doing well.  I am super excited!

Forgot to mention that I wore my running skirt.  Some guy thought my great niece was my daughter...Love it!  Not bad for a grandma! 

5 miles in the hood with my niece on her bike.  Fastest mile 8:50, slowest 10:48.  AP 10:05.  I really need to work on my speed.  I'm hoping I can blame my sluggishness on the heat and humidity.  I'm hoping with cooler weather will come faster times.  My race is October 2nd, so I still have time.   Now I'm off to see my new grand baby boy.

P.S.  QP, I found a pirates treasure on my run.  I will post it once I figure out how to put a picture on this thing. 

Went spinning this morning.  Saw several familiar faces and new ones too.   Brought my camera with me to show off my new grandson.  My instructor played a Dave Matthews song called "Granny" in my honor.  I asked my instructor (Mark) to take it easy on me since I'm a little sore from speed work yesterday...he didn't.  He is famous for turning up your tension and he did mine today.  I have a love/hate relationship with my instructor.  I loved it when he played "Granny",  hated it when he turned up my tension.

4 easy miles in the hood.  Not so humid today, felt pretty nice this morning.  Meeting my niece is really helping to keep me motivated to get out of bed in the morning.  

Got up earlier today to do 9 miles with my niece before she had to go to summer school.  Humid this morning but not too bad being up before the sun.  We saw some bunnies and goose poop but that was about it.  Did a sprint for my grandson, filling my lungs as I willed him to do the same...love that baby.

Ran 5 miles on the rail trail.  AP: 9:57.  Nice cool morning.  Seeing fewer grasshoppers, which is nice.  This is my "easy week" according to my training schedule.  No speedwork...yeah...I like slow and steady.  I'm like the turtle in the story, 'Turtle and the Hare'.

Nice overcast morning with an occasional drizzle.  Ran around the neighborhood while my niece rode her bike.  My niece is suffering with an ingrown toenail (ouch), so we cut things short so she could get her shoes off.  

What a nice cool morning.  It's amazing how much nicer the run is when you are not sweltering in heat and humidity.  My niece joined me on the rail trail again with her bike.  I am looking for a bike now so we can do some long bike rides together.  She is not getting enough speed up to get a good work out because she is going at my running pace.  I have been encouraging her to ride ahead and loop back so she can get more miles and speed.

I'm excited about running with QP in a couple of days.  I will be bringing the pirates treasure I found on my run a couple of weeks ago.  

4 miles in the hood then off to see my friend!  No time to blog... must be on my way.

Had a wonderful run in the heat and humidity with my good friend, QP.  I found a road kill frog which she promptly took a picture of.  Later in our run QP yells SNAKE!  We both jumped from the edge of the road into the middle (thank goodness no traffic at the time).  It wasn't until after we passed that we noticed the snake was squished in the middle (aka...road kill).  We did not stop for a photo op but QP discussed how that snake was alive last time she passed it (glad it wasn't this time).  Got back to her house and she treated me to a delicious blueberry protein smoothy then off to the peach stand to buy fresh peaches :)  yum   

Spin class this morning.  We did something called a "fat burn" class, which is hard and steady for 45 minutes.  This is my favorite kind of class because sometimes my instructor gets spin crazy (out of control, crazy fast).  My controls said I went 20 miles.  Hope I have something left for my long run tomorrow.

Thank goodness it was a nice cool morning because I turned my alarm off and didn't get out until almost 9:00.  Went to the rail trail and enjoyed the wildlife.  I saw a doe feeding her twin fawns, a turtle sunning himself, a hawk, and lots of grasshoppers again.  Did six miles out then turned around to head back.  At mile 10 I caught up to a girl heading in my direction.  She was walking so I stopped and asked her how many miles she had to go and she said 2 ...  I said "me too" :)  I asked her if she wanted to do the last 2 miles together and she was game, so we introduced ourselves and hit the pavement.  I was so happy to have someone get me through the last two miles because it is a slight upgrade the whole way.  The 11th mile was my best time!  When we got back to our cars we  parted ways with the satisfaction of knowing we did it!

Easy run in the hood between downpours.  Downloaded some new songs on my shuffle so I was excited to get out and listen to them while running.  I can tell my endurance is slowly building since I've increased my weekly mileage.  Slow and steady.  I'm hoping I can keep a 9 min pace for my 10k in 2 weeks.  Guess I better focus on my speedwork (my least favorite part of training).

AP:  9:49 

Another 3 easy in the hood.  AP 10:09.  Making oatmeal cookies now...thinking they will be great as a carbo load for my speed work tomorrow :)  

Speedwork on the rail trail today.  Beautiful morning!  We slept with the windows open last night.  It's 8:30 now and only 70 degrees...Love it!

AP:  9:39     10:37, 8:41, 9:06, 9:08, 9:56, 10:24

I wanted to keep miles 2,3,&4 under 9 minutes.  I succeeded with mile 2 and was really close on 3 and 4, maybe next time :) 

Too much sweet tea with dinner.  Decided  to run 2 miles at dusk.  Felt good, carried my mace, no earphones or watch (don't want to give anyone a reason to jump me).  Now to feast on some rice pudding (carbs for tomorrows spinning class:)

Spinning class today.  Had a different instructor and she kicked my butt.  I have found that I have lost my spinning butt since I haven't been spinning regularly.  It was very painful to sit today :(  Gonna have to keep spinning until the nerve ending die in my tushie.   

9 miles with my niece.  I ran while she rode her bike.  We did hills and wooded trails.  It was a beautiful cool morning so we were glad we got up early.  We planned on doing 13 miles today but my knee tweaked at 9 miles so I stopped for a second then tried again and it tweaked again so I decided to stop and call it a day.  I iced it on the way home and have no other problems all day.  I'm hoping I stopped fast enough so I won't have an issue when I run again on Monday.  I have a 10K next Saturday so I think I'll take it a little easier this week coming.  

My niece ran for about 1/4 mile this morning.  she wants to start building up her running distance.  She has asthma so we are taking it slow.  She plays soccer every year without having an attach so her mom is confident she can run.  

I got a nice bike rack for my car,  now I just need a bike.  Have been shopping around but have not found what I want yet.  I am going to look at a local pawn shop today (you never know what you might find).  

My knee felt good this morning.  I have a 10K on Saturday so I will be taking it easy this week.

Back to work tomorrow.  Mornings are going to get earlier. 

4 in the hood then off to work:)

Spinning  o^o    Fun!

Didn't run my 10k in Chaptico, MD today because we left last night for New Jersey so we didn't have to drive in the hurricane.  We were originally going to leave after my 10k but plans changed.  

I had to improvise so I ran my 10k on the treadmill in the hotel this morning :)  I did most of the run at my race pace of 9:05 (except for warm up and cool down).   Hope everyone is being safe.  I am about 28 miles from the Jersey Shore.  The eye is expected to go over us around 2am tomorrow morning.

School cancelled because of hurricane damage (this would have been the first day of school).  Mostly power outages and down trees.  Flooding not really an issue for our area. 

Ran 5 miles on Rosewick which contains good hills.  Temperature was in the low 70's and not humid.  Beautiful morning for our 1st "snow day" used. 

AP: 10:00

Met my niece this morning. Ran around the neighborhood.  We are both excited about the 1st day of school today and had trouble sleeping last night.  The run seemed easy as thoughts of the day to come flooded my brain.  I am excited about teaching 1st grade. 

Another 4 miles in the neighborhood.  It's dark when I first head out but I know where the holes are in my street.  I guess I will have to get the headlamp out pretty soon.  My laptop took a poo so I couldn't download my Garmin info.  Boo hoo!

I was busy being a hostess for my in-laws Fri and Sat so I didn't get a chance to run.  They left today at 7am and I couldn't wait to head out.  

AP:  9:48  Ran Rosewick Rd which has pretty serious hills.  Slowest mile 10:15 (hill), fastest mile 9:16. 

Didn't get out for my run until noon.  A little more humid than I expected but at least it was cloudy.   Lots of rain heading our way so I figured I'd better get out while it was still dry otherwise I might need QP to come rescue me with her pirates ship.

Got new shoes last night :)  Went to the gym this morning and did 3 miles on the treadmill and some ab work.  Spinning tomorrow.  Feeling great!

Rain Rain Go Away...Come Again another Day.

It has not stopped raining...schools closed today because roads washed away.  I tried to go see my grandson and 3 major highways closed; Route 301, Route 4, and Ritchie Hwy.  My daughter had to lead me by phone through back roads without streams or rivers nearby.  

Went spinning this morning  o^o  

Was supposed to run 13 today but everything that could go wrong, did.  

1.  Phone did not charge,  therefore died and I overslept.

2.  Went to get niece and realized I forgot my watch so went back home to get it.

3.  Niece got on bike and back tire was flat.

4.  Tried small compressor but had wrong attachment.

5.  Tried my husbands compressor and it wouldn't come on  (until I beat it with a hammer). 

6.  Got tires filled and my watch then 1/2 mile into drive, realized I forgot my water.

7.  Went back for water then 1/2 mile into drive, car started sputtering and light came on.

8.  Made it back home and decided perhaps I will go for a bike ride instead.

9.  About 1/4 mile into bike ride my watch died.

Good news is we survived the bike ride.  We had one scare when we were crossing the road and my nieces handlebar cover came off and she fell forward, almost crashing in the road.

School was cancelled again yesterday because of the flooding (10" of rain).  Several local roads are completely washed away or damaged.  Whole neighborhoods are cut off and need water brought in.  My husband is in the National Guard and he was activated to assist.  I also heard the rail trail was washed out too.  Maybe all these glitches this morning was "carma" saying...Don't get on the rail trail !!!! 

Just catching up

My internet has been down so I haven't been able to blog.

Did 4 miles today.  10:23, 9:48, 9:41, 9:46.  Thinking about QP as I use my headlamp. 

Beautiful morning for a run.  Temps in the 50's, overcast and no humidity.  It was so cool this morning,  the tadpoles were huddled together in a puddle and looked like a giant black wiggly mass.  I was wishing I had a net and a bucket to scoop up a few for my classroom.  

My AP: 10:14.  I felt really good through the whole run.  It was nice to go slow and steady and pass that 13 mile mark.  I feel like I'm ready for my 1/2 on October 2nd.  Now I need to start getting mentally ready for my full in November. 

Feeling like a snail this morning.  10:33 pace.  Still felt good to get up and out.  

I think someone threw something at me from a car this morning.  Didn't hit me but I heard something hit the road behind me when a car passed.  Can't believe how stupid and hateful some people are. 

Foggy morning.  I scared a dog when my headlamp shined on him.  Never seen a dog run that fast.

AP: 10:17 

Rail Trail :)

Humid morning.  Felt very slow and sluggish, guess it could have been the heat.  

3 miles on jello legs.  Every step takes tons of effort.  Think I'm going to rest tomorrow.

What a morning.  Woke up on time with plenty of time to get there.  Arrived at the National Harbor at 6:10, didn't need to be there until 6:30, but...roads were closed and we were diverted onto a ramp that took us toward DC.  My husband made an illegal U-turn and got us back in the right direction.  Then we hit the back-up.  We had to park in an upper level lot and the buses would drive us 13 miles to the starting line.  The last bus was supposed to pull out at 6:30am.  After much worry and a few choice words by my husband, we made it to the parking lot only to be guided into a lot full of washed out gravel with 3 foot ditches.  We were in our 4 x 4 truck so weren't too concerned.  I jumped out of the truck and barely made it on the bus.  The nice thing is the fact that the bus wasn't crowded and it had a bathroom.  

I found out later that my husband (with my niece) ended up getting stuck in one of those ditches in the parking lot.  As I was running they were using a window squeegee to dig themselves out of the hole.  Turns out the 4 wheel drive wouldn't engage and was worthless.

The run was beautiful.  We run along the Potomac river with gently rolling hills (until you get to the end).  Weather cooperated and the rain held off.  I met a nice lady at the porta johns and we decided we would claim our run as a training run if we did crappy and a race if we did okay.  I decided to claim mine as a race.  

I never turned on my ipod.  I kept my rhythm by repeating to myself "no excuses...no excuses".  There were a few runners who made me forget about my rhythm.  One was sock man...I met him at another race and he amazes me.  It's a little old man who looks like he can barely run, and he wears socks on his hands.  The funny thing is, he passed me.  I couldn't have that so I sought him out and put sock man behind me!  I also discovered bird lady.  She wore a golden beak mask and had sewn beautiful boa feathers on her arms and across her shoulders.  At the end of the race I was pleased when I came out of the porta john to find my niece holding bird lady's apparel (photo).

AP:  9:48      The 10:13 and 10:31 were my up hills

9:49, 9:48, 9:47, 9:59, 9:55, 9:23, 9:40, 9:49, 10:13, 9:44, 9:45, 10:31, 9:20, 8:54 (last .26 miles) 

I really did run this week.  

I ran 2 miles on Wednesday.  I was too sore Monday and Tuesday from the race.

I ran 4 miles on Friday.

Friday night a head cold hit me pretty hard.  I figured I'd try a Saturday morning run anyway.  Spent lots of time blowing my nose but ended up feeling better.  

Saturday run:  10:44, 10:33, 10:20, 9:49, 10:54, 9:06 

Can you run in ssssllllllooowwww motion?  I felt like thats what I did today.  

AP:  10:44 

10:18, 9:11, 10:13, 10:27. 

The 9:11 mile was my speed work for the morning.  Functioning off about 6 hrs sleep.  Muggy and rainy this morning.  Took a lot of effort again this morning but I feel really good now.  

 Tried again this morning but couldn't get the lead out.  Decided to enjoy a moonlit walk instead.   Beautiful morning.

I love autumn.  The sun was bright and the breeze was cool.  I left my house for a familiar route then came to a crossroad...should I take the safe and familiar route OR enjoy the benefits of a Garmin and take an old unfamiliar route?  I decided to take the old unfamiliar route since I had my mace, plenty of water, and was feeling good.  I went on a route that QP and I use to run called "the dump run".  We called it that because you pass the county landfill and there is usually interesting treasures along the road (none today though QP, sorry).  The shoulder of the road is filled with debris like rocks and sticks so you have to stay aware and it keeps your mind from getting board.  You run on a major highway for about a mile then to a country road with no shoulder.  It loops back around into my neighborhood and I ran among the streets until I reached my desired mileage.  

AP: 10:37 

Had a scare this morning.  I was running (it's dark and I have my headlamp) when all of a sudden two men were running full speed from up behind me.  I jumped to the other side of the road and faced them with my mace ready.  I was about to yell "I have mace!" when they kept on going by me.  Scared me to death!  I started running behind them (a good distance) and tried to figure out what they were doing.  Turns out they must have been late for a ride to work because they stopped about a block away where someone was waiting in a truck.  Got my adrenaline going!

Great spinning class. Always nice to chat with my spinning buddies.

A little sore from spinning and overslept. Managed to get in two miles between downpours.

My Garmin died around mile 10.  I'm guessing my AP was about 10:30.  Beautiful day for a run.  I ran on the Rail Trail (train tracks converted to a trail).  I saw two wild male turkeys with shining feathers and long beards.  I saw 4 different deer; 1 buck, 2 does, and 1 smaller doe.  The deer make me nervous because they don't run until you are right next to them.  They just stare at you like they are trying to figure out what you are.  I have even had times when I run past them (about 20 feet away from them) and they don't run at all.  Creeps me out.

Couldn't help but try to imagine running an additional 12 miles (that would make a full marathon).  Wasn't easy to imagine.  Only 3 weeks left.  Aaarrghhh! 

I have my husband to thank.  He wouldn't let me sleep through the alarm this morning.  He reminded my how good I will feel if I get up and get out there.  So I did.  and I'm glad I did.

Nice morning...not too cold.  It's funny how a dry leaf blowing across the road sounds like a dogs claws scurrying after you.   

Time to come clean.  I've been having this pain in my left foot and trying to ignore it.  It started after my 1/2 marathon on October 2nd and has been getting gradually worse.  It use to go away after the 1st mile or so but now is consistent.  I found myself dreading the pain I was going to feel on my last run.  Decided to go to the doctor.

He took x-rays and pushed and prodded.  Turns out I have sprained some tendons in my foot.  Of course he says "no running for 3 weeks", I say "I have a full marathon in 2 weeks". So he says, "no running, spinning, or any impact for 1 week, then come back in and I will give you steroid shot that will speed up healing".  He wrapped my foot and sent me on my way with anti-inflammatory meds for swelling.

Now I don't know what to do to keep my cardio and strength.  I specifically asked about spinning and he said no because of the pressure it puts on my foot.  I didn't ask him about the elliptical  so I'm thinking it might be fine but I don't see much difference between the pressure in spinning and the elliptical.  

What to do ?????!!!!!@@@@@ 

elliptical :)

spinning...love it!

Well it's been a week and my foot felt much better for the 1st mile or so.  Then it reminded me why I went to the doctor in the 1st place.  Guess I'll stay off it again until I get my shot on the 8th.  Felt good to get out and run.  Met a friend on the rail trail and enjoyed the sunny cool weather and the beauty of the changing leaves.  We took a slow pace around 10:30.

What a wonderful race!  I had a lot of things working against me;  foot tendons, not getting my long run in, and I came down with a cold two days before the race.  But nothing stopped me.  There was never any doubt in my mind I would finish, I just knew it wouldn't be in the time I imagined.  I packed my watch but didn't even wear it.  I didn't want to worry about the time.  I wanted to take the whole race at a comfortable pace and I did.  The town was beautiful and there were enthusiastic spectators the whole way.   LOVED the junk food stations.  It's amazing what a piece of lemon poppy seed cake, or jelly filled donut can do for your stamina!  Stayed away from the shots of Vodka and beer (although not all runners did).  They were probably the ones puking at the end.

RAD and QP were waiting for me at the end along with MR, my hubby, and niece.  When I hobbled over to the fence I told my husband I think I need a band-aid because my left foot has felt wet since mile 13.  He said "are you sure it's not sweat?".  I pulled off my shoe and my whole sock was soaked with blood.  Some first aid guys saw my foot, told me to sit, and called me a wheelchair.  I was loving the attention!  I even had them swing by the food tent so I could pick up some peaches to eat while they fixed my foot.  Turned out to be a little scratch from my toenail but it bled like crazy!  

The next day, I could barely walk.  My left foot had a quarter size blister right in the middle of the sole of my foot.  The little cut that bled like crazy is fine but the 2nd toe on my right foot hurts like crazy.  The tip of the toe and the whole nail is purple.  I guess I'll be loosing that nail.  A famous runner once told me "toenails are for sissies".  Thanks for the encouraging advice QP. 

It was great exchanging battle stories with QP and RAD.  Loved the race...can't wait to do it again next year.

Spinning this morning.  Looking forward to getting back into a routine.  

5 easy miles on a beautiful day.  Looking forward to relaxing through the holidays and getting back to more spinning.

4 miles in the hood.  Was about 60 degrees and sunny when I headed out then a cold front blew in (and practically blew me over) and it started raining.  Made it home just before the downpour.  Loved the smells and the blowing leaves.  Doing a run with a friend in the morning.  Make room for pie!!!

10 miles on the rail trail.  AP:  10:18.  

I've noticed my pace has gradually been getting slower.  My AP use to be 9:30.  I'm going to spend this winter trying to bring my AP back down in the 9's on my long runs.  

2 miles in the hood.

Spinning :)

Spinning again!  Found some new muscles in my quads!  Loved it!  Temps are cold again out here.  Mornings are in the high 30's.  I'm going to get up and brave the elements tomorrow morning.  I'm going to get up.  I'm going to get up.  I'm going to get up.  ....

If I say it enough i know I can talk myself into it. 

I ended up taking last week off from running.   I think I needed a break.  Ran 2 miles today on the treadmill and did some ab work.  Think I'm going to get back into the gym habit again since it is getting so cold and dark in the morning.  

Spinning!  0^0"   Love it!

4 miles on the treadmill.  2 miles at 10:00,  1/2 mile at 9:00, 1/2 mile at 9:30, 1 mile at 10:00.

Like Brent said, "You gotta run faster to run faster."   :) 

2 hour delay for school because of flooding.  Thought about sleeping in but glad I didn't. Went spinning!

I'm back!!! Seems I took an unplanned Christmas running break (I have been keeping up with spinning classes).  I feel refreshed and excited about a new year!  

Ran 5 miles on the rail trail today.  My foot felt great and so did I!  Saw two young does and they just stood on the side of the trail and watched me run by.  They were probably only 30 feet away from me...kinda creepy.    I used my brand new sweat blanket / seat cover on the way home (thanks to a special pirate that we all know).   Happy days!

Spinning :)

Speed work today.  10:43, 8:33, 11:02, 9:03.  Bet you can tell which 2 miles I was pushin' it on.  Felt great to be done.  One thing I love about running in the winter is it reminds me of when I was a kid and how I would feel after playing outside all day.