Saturday, December 31, 2011

Last Day of 2011

I ran 3 miles. It wasn't super easy. I had to stop a few times, but I made it. Good feeling finishing up the year with a run.

More tomorrow.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Simple Mile

Distance: 1.9/Run 1.0 - 5.0 mph

Not much to report. I waited until the very end of the day to do my run. I knew I wanted to keep it simple because I plan to do three tomorrow. I like Saturdays to be my "long" run day.

I realized while kicking out my one mile for the night that I am starting to prefer getting my run done earlier in the day. I used to always run at night because I was not willing to get up super early to do something as hard as run. Night time on the treadmill was the only time I had to get it done.

I am now figuring out that I don't particularly like running at night. Maybe if it was with someone and we were outside. But that isn't happening.

My preferred time to run is late afternoon between 3 and 5. It's not awful early like morning, it's a great way to get an afternoon lift, and I have time to enjoy the after glow of exercise. When I run at night, that glow has nowhere to go. Once I finally stop sweating, I go to bed. That's not fun.

The last few days when I've gotten my run done in the afternoon, that glow/lift/high/perk keeps me happy well into the evening.

This is all fine and good while I am on vacation, but it is a bit harder to fit in an afternoon run when I'm working. Funny little thing called school/staff meetings/parent meetings/tutoring/grading papers/etc. gets in the way. Plus, I don't really care for running outside in the neighborhood around my school. It's not a bad neighborhood, but I like the longer 1/2 mile stretches of the blocks near my house.

I guess that leaves me with early morning treadmill runs. I don't like being up that early, but I do like starting the day with something super positive and empowering.

Anyhow, today was a simple mile. Tomorrow will be an outdoor three. At least, that's what I'm shooting for.


In other news, we had an appointment to get this little man's picture taken in this super old cowboy suit. It is a Hopalong Cassidy suit that belonged to my mom. We (mom, me, sis, two nephews, and two sons) have all had our picture in this suit. It's a neat tradition. Little Man did very well. I hope my mom likes the photo.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

There is no test to run - but there is a test in algebra



Distance: 3.14 miles total/2.6 running - 11:15 avg. pace

I sent the kids to daycare today, got my nails done, and then spent most of the day at work.

My partner teacher is not coming back due to pregnancy, so I'll be adding a few classes to my schedule: algebra and pre-algebra. I like math. I also like teaching math. I'm looking forward to the changes.

Still, that means changes. I spent quite a bit of time today going over lesson plans to be ready for next Tuesday. I also teach science and social studies. And I am the vice principal. Let's just say, I'm never bored at school!

After hanging out in my classroom all day, I grabbed some chili for lunch, and then set out on a run. I didn't have any plan in mind. I vaguely figured I should be out for at least 30 minutes. I vaguely figured I'd try to do at least 2 miles. I'm pleased to report I succeeded at both vague goals!

It's kind of nice not really worrying about hitting certain numbers. I felt pretty good. It was nice to be alone. I know that contradicts what I said yesterday enjoying having the kids with me, but it was nice to run and only have to worry about myself at intersections!

I also played my music nice and loud. I didn't have to have a conversation or argument with anyone, and I didn't have to scream, "Stop at the corner!!!" I stopped myself at the corners very nicely!

The lesson here is balance. Runs with the kids are nice. Runs without the kids are nice.

I was rather coordinated today as well. Purple shoes, purple shirt, and purple bondi band. Quite the stylish runner I am!

I am also loving the inspirational pictures/quotes that I've been posting. They are perfect for some end of year/new year motivation.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Love These











Times Have Changed

Distance: 1.85 miles/11:28 avg. pace

In keeping with my fantastic 3-day streak, I gathered the kids together and had them ride their bikes with me again while I ran. We stayed within our neighborhood this morning. I ran one of my old routes before stopping at the local park just a few blocks down from us.

I think I ran 1.1 miles by the time we ended up at the park.

Then Hudson had to poop. So we ran/rode home. Then we ran/rode back to the park. The kids played. Then we ran/rode home. Luckily the park is close!

I was just sitting here thinking about how different things are now. When I first started running, neither of the kids were at the point where they could ride their bikes with me. We set out like this:


Two boys in a bike trailer, bribed with candy, headphones, warm clothes, and anything else that would keep them quiet and entertained for 30 minutes or more.

Now the kids look like this:



They both ride their bikes with ease. They are much faster than me. They don't need to be bribed with candy. Going on a bike ride is incentive enough. They do like stopping at parks to play.

Now if I can just get the little one to be a bit more careful at intersections and to ride near the curb at all times. Luckily the big kid is very helpful with his little brother.

It was nice to do a short run today. Tomorrow I should be able to fit in a solo run. I'm going to aim for at least three miles.

Even though it is slightly stressful to run while worrying about two kids on bikes, I have to admit that I like having them with me. I feel less lonely. They also keep me distracted, just not always in a good way.

It does make me shake my head at how much we've all changed.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Two Parts

Distance: 3.5 miles total/3 miles running-11:58 average pace

The kids needed to get out of the house with some activity, so I took them with me on a run. They rode their bikes...slowly...while I panted and chugged along behind them.

We traveled about a mile and a half to a neighborhood one over from ours. A few years ago I found a playground tucked into this neighborhood. I promised Evan that "someday" we'd come back. Well, someday turned out to be today. It only took me two years to keep my promise.

This kids played on the park while I rested on a bench. After a while we went back home.

I am pretty sure I was faster on the trip home. I guess we'll call that a negative split? Maybe? Does it count if you take a 30 minute break on a bench?!


Resting on a bench mid-way through a run. Feeling my pink today! I love pink.

Did three miles. Felt pretty good. Legs are sore tonight. The good kind of sore.

Streak Day #2. I'm on a roll!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Day After Christmas

I got a new running journal for Christmas. Yay! The designers were smart...they started the first entry for Monday, Dec. 26! I guess they figured a lot of people would get one for Christmas and want to get started on keeping a running log right away.

Worked for this girl.

Sometime mid morning we got a phone call from Evan's soccer coach asking about an impromptu practice. Sure, why not? We all headed out at 3. We relaxed all day, so it was nice to get out of the house for a bit.

I purposely dressed in my running gear and planned to jog around the large soccer field. I almost didn't do it, but finally I sucked it up and ran. Well, "ran" would be a bit of an exaggeration. I jogged...slowly. But that's okay. I moved my body. And I felt better when I was done. Plus, it helped keep me warm.

I would like to be able to write something down for each day of my new running log. I hate to even admit that I want to start a running streak, because then it becomes all about the obsessive need to keep going. Keep streaking.

However, for me, a streak is not such a bad idea. I am such a creature of habit, that a run everyday, even just a mile, is a good way for my brain to register that this is normal. It is something I need to do every day. If nothing else, it would make me happy to see all the running journal boxes filled in!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

I Won!

I feel like the dad in "A Christmas Story" when he won his major prize. I won a prize today! Check THIS out!

I entered the contest a few days ago to win one of these:



As I was reading the winner announcement on Tall Mom's blog, it took me a second to realize that it was me she was talking about! I even thought to myself, "Hey, that's my blog name! Hey, that's me!"

I won! I won a major award! Thank you Tall Mom and Gone For a Run!

I can't wait to get my prize. I'll be sure to hang all TWO of my medals on it...with the promise of more to come!

I did another three mile run tonight at a slightly faster pace than Tuesday night. I ran each mile 14 seconds faster than the miles on Tuesday. In other words, I went from a 5.0 speed to a 5.1 speed. Baby steps, people!

I didn't feel like posting more pictures the other night, so here are a few more of my view from the treadmill.


Our "gym" is in what would be considered the formal living room. I like it that I can peek around the side of the fireplace to see the Christmas Tree in the family room.


Those are the little itty bitty Santa and elf clothes hanging on a clothes line. They are some of my favorite decorations.


The formal dining room. My table looks so pretty when the clutter is all cleared off of it. Go figure.


All in all, a very pretty room to work out in. I'm liking it a lot right now.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I Feel Better

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 46 minutes

I had to have a little heart to heart with myself tonight. If I don't get serious, like NOW, I am not going to be able to do a half marathon on Feb. 5. I've got to say, there are few things I have ever done that have given me the satisfaction of completing two half marathons.

I don't want to give up that feeling. I feel better physically and mentally after kicking out three miles.

After I had that little chat with myself, I got on the treadmill, even though all I wanted to do was take a bubble bath. It's cold, and hot bubbles are wonderful. Obviously, I warmed up once I started running.

I ran three miles while listening to Pandora. I'll have to explain how dumb I am another day when it comes to Pandora. I didn't realize there were so many choices. How could I miss that?

I also ran for the first time on the treadmill in its new home in the corner of the living room. Since all the Christmas decorations are up, it was a pretty run!


Sweaty me. I forgot to wear my bondi band, and I was wiping sweat off my head the whole time.

I'll post more pictures tomorrow showing my new view from the treadmill. Right now I need to get to that bubble bath.

Monday, November 28, 2011

I Should Play Soccer


Hanging out in the freezing cold while this kid practices is not my idea of fun. However, playing soccer is this kid's idea of fun, so off to soccer practice we go.

Luckily, I only have to drive Evan to practice. Eric meets us there and is the one to hang out in the freezing cold. I did offer to throw my running clothes on and spend the practice jogging around the field. Exercise and warmth! Eric told me that he'd stay for the practice instead. I have a great husband.

I considered coming home and running on the treadmill, but I'm just so tired. I need to change the name of my blog from Pokey Slow Runner to Not Running Runner.

It'll come back...my motivation that is.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Least Favorite

My absolute least favorite time of the entire week is Sunday night from about 5 p.m. on. I hate it.

I am either stressing out about all the stuff I didn't get done before the new week starts, or I am sad that the relaxing weekend is about to end.

Don't get me wrong. I love my job, and I am fine once Monday morning rolls around. It's just the anticipation of having to get to the real world messes with my head each and every Sunday (or Monday if it's a three day weekend).

Tonight seems to be more tragic than usual. I just had a full week off for Thanksgiving. Our house is relatively clean, and all our Christmas decorations are out. I like being at home this time of year when everything is cozy and sparkly.

I'm just not ready to go back to the real world. That includes resisting going to bed. Even though I really need to go to bed.

Okay, rant over. I'll be happy to see my coworkers and the kids once I'm at school.


Still, I can't help wanting to stay home and snuggle with this yahoo.


And this one.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

No Run, Just Decorate

I thought about getting up to run 3 miles. I guess I didn't think hard enough. I had a bit much to drink last night and slept like crap.

The kids woke us up early. I moved from my bed to the family room and watched a bunch of shows on DVR.

Kid #2 kept bugging me to put up Christmas. It's not what I really wanted to do today, but I knew there isn't going to be much spare time over the next three weeks to get it done.


I tried to unpack the Christmas boxes in pieces. I'm not sure if it's better to go box by box or to just haul everything in at once and unload it all.

In any case, I left several boxes unpacked in the shed, and my house still looks like Christmas threw up everywhere. I guess that means I have too many decorations! Maybe I'll rotate them in next Christmas.


One of my favorite decorations. I think my sister gave this one to me a long time ago.

It's neat to get old enough to have had your ornaments for a bit of time. I have some that I bought before I met Eric. It's also fun to see the decorations we bought together. I think our house is pretty special at Christmas time.


Decorating the tree was pretty easy this year. The kids did most of it.


Kid #1 did a good job. Kid #2 was hanging ornaments from the light strands. I'll go back over the tree after the kids go to bed, but they did a pretty good job!

Tomorrow I plan to do a bit of cleaning. Now that most of the house has been dusted, it should be easy to do a bit of organizing.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Meant to

I meant to get up and and run today before heading down to Bakersfield to enjoy Turkey Day #2 with my husband's family. Fail.

The alarm went off at 7:15, and I couldn't for the LIFE of me figure out why it was blaring in my ear so stinkin' early! Needless to say, I shut that puppy off and went back to sleep.

I was only going to do a loop around the block, but my bed just felt too good.

Anyhow, we were up, showered, and headed south by 9:15. We had a good day with family. I graded some papers and enjoyed champagne mixed with chambord. There might be an official name for the drink. I just call it yummy.

Now we are home. I'm waiting for the oven to heat up so I can have cheese sticks and hot wings. I'm in a "snacky" kind of mood. Healthy living resumes tomorrow.


We dressed up Harry. He has been shivering for weeks now. Imagine if we lived some place that was actually cold. I think he pulls off pink quite well for a boy dog.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Trotting

Distance: 3.11 miles
Time: 38:22/12:21 avg. pace

Sucky time. We're going to blame it on the huge crowd getting in my way. Yeah, that's it. It would have been rude to knock over little kids just to get a better time. Heh. Or maybe, just maybe, it had to do with the fact that I'm sort of out of shape, there were hills that I walked, and I'm just slow. Eh, I can only get better. I hope.

I didn't sleep well last night. I should have taken Benadryl, but I didn't think about it. I felt like I woke up 18 times, and then it was hard to get up at 6:15. I think I finally rolled out of bed at 6:45. Looking lovely, I might add.


In the car heading to the park. I've got the best husband who has never missed a race, regardless of how cold and tired he is. I love having a chauffeur.

It was CROWDED getting into the park. It's not usually quite so crazy. I guess everyone wanted to get their sweat on before eating all day. We had to park a ways from the start, but got there in plenty of time. It was chilly, but I remember it being WAY colder two years ago when I ran this race.


One last shot before taking off on a three mile jaunt around the park.


I stand corrected. This is the last shot before taking off. It's my favorite shot. Just my little feet.

I've had these shoes for a few months now. I don't really like them. They fit fine. They feel fine. I just don't like the dark grey and purple color. I'm a white shoe sort of gal. White shoes with pink trim is best.

Anyhow, the run was fine. Except when I got to mile two and realized there was NO WATER. Apparently, slow losers don't get water. Nothing left but empty tables and scattered cups. Rude.

Luckily I wasn't that thirsty.

I was, however, babying a nasty side stitch. I've had problems with this stitch for quite a while. I need to do research to see what can be done about it. I get a pain in that same spot when I'm not even running. Very annoying.

After what felt like me hobbling to the finish line, we took off in search of hot chocolate for the boys and hot cider for me. The girl at Starbucks was super perky. The line in the drive thru was crazy long.

Now we are home watching the Macy's parade. We need to cook a few pies before heading to Chowchilla for festivities at my sister's house.

My throat hurts, but I'm ignoring that. I was already sick at the beginning of this vacation. I don't have the patience to be sick at the end of the vacation.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Turkey Trot Tomorrow

Not much running has been going on the past few days. Five days to be exact. It's okay, though. It took a few days to get over the fever and chills.

Tomorrow I am signed up for the Turkey Trot in Fresno. I didn't run this last year, but I did run it the year before. I'm not quite up to 5K speed, but I ran 2.5 miles last week. I should be fine. Slow, but fine.

Today is Eric's birthday. He's 43. For a few months he is seven years older than me instead of six.


Birthday lunch at Japanese Kitchen. The cook was a talker. I wanted to tell him, "less talking, more cooking." Usually the food is amazing. Today it was just good.

He (the cook, not Eric) also had a very thick Japanese accent. I am horrible with accents. Horrible. People get mad at me because I can't understand them very well if they have an accent. But I don't do it on purpose. I have to stare at their lips while they talk. It's tricky.

The waiter insisted on talking to me...a lot. I understood very little of what he said. Plus, it was loud in the restaurant. I just smiled and nodded. It was just like when I took Spanish in college. Smile and nod.

Other than birthday lunch, it was a pretty low key day. I figured I should do at least one productive thing.


I tried to be the best wife ever by making homemade birthday cinnamon rolls. I got as far as making the dough. Then the dough didn't rise.

Hmmmm.


So I started a cake. In a small bowl.

I have a knack for using the wrong cooking tool for the job. Eric is forever shaking his head as I use a giant spoon in a tiny bowl, or a tiny bowl for way too much mix, or a steak knife to cut a huge onion. And the list goes on.


Eric dancing to his happy birthday song.

In any case, the cake turned out, even if the cinnamon rolls didn't. Eric wanted chocolate frosting. I wanted white. You'd think it was his birthday or something and he should get a choice! Or at the very least a cake to himself. Yeah, no.

Oh, I also cleaned my closet. Sort of. I straightened it up because I needed to get to the memory boxes. So I did two productive things today.


The memory boxes are covered with clothes, shoes, and all my stuff that I am too lazy to put away. However, in order to clean off the kitchen counter, I need access to the memory boxes. Stuff from the kitchen counter goes in the memory boxes. It's a vicious cycle as to why I can't clean my house!


Now I have access to the memory boxes. Now I can clean the kitchen counter.

Now I feel the need to eat frosting. Vanilla. Yum.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sad and Sick

I am very sad. I had a little baby running streak going on. I ran for eight days straight. I felt great. I was proud.

Then I got sick. I'm run down. I'm sad. And I didn't run yesterday. I was running a fever and had violent chills at 1 a.m. I guess I'm not cut out to do a streak. I love the idea, but I guess running through sickness is not for me.

I didn't run today, and I doubt that I will. I'm signed up for a Turkey Trot on Thursday. That will help keep me motivated.

The nice thing about a streak is the motivation to not break the streak. I guess I can start over and see how long I can go.

Stupid fever.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Week Is Over

Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 22 minutes

I made it through parent/teacher conferences. We only had one parent not show up for the entire junior high! Pretty good! However, it made for some really long and tiring days.

I had to talk myself out of bed yesterday morning. I told myself I'd get my run done "later." Then I chastised myself and thought, "No way will you do your run after 10 hours of parent conferences. Get your butt up now because you'll feel better about yourself if you get this done."

Mind you, this conversation was in my head, and it was 4:32 a.m. I gotta say, I am pretty proud of my short self. I got up. I ran. I felt good.

I ended up staying up really late last night finishing awards for the awards ceremony today at school. However, I still got up and did my one mile this morning. It might seem pointless to only run one mile, but for me, it just helps me stay in the groove of exercise.

I am such an all or nothing personality. I wish I could figure out balance. I'm just not good with balance.

Anyhow, Fridays are normally my rest day. Eric even noticed when I got my running gear on this morning. It's hard being up early, especially after a late night, but once again, I felt pretty good about myself this morning. And I am still in the groove.

Off topic: kid #1 got several awards at the awards ceremony at school. Way to go Evan!


Gold Honor Roll, 3rd place Accelerated Reader, and Cross Country medal. Pretty proud mom right here! Crappy picture, but pretty great kid.

More off topic: Eric surprised us all by showing up at the awards! Love that!

We had an early dinner, were home before 6, and I feel like it's 11 p.m, but it's only 7:25. Is it bedtime yet? Please?

I am so happy I have a week off.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Headache

Ugh. I am working on a headache this morning. It is 4:59 a.m. I am about to go get on the treadmill to run 2.5 miles.

I hope the headache eases with Diet Pepsi caffeine and exercise.

I don't need pain. Really, who does? But today especially would be a good non-pain day, because I have 18 parent conferences to get through. Yes, 18. Tomorrow I think there are 15. We cram them into two days.

I don't mind meeting with parents. I just want to be at my best.

Off to run. Gotta figure out what to watch from DVR. Glee or Against the Wall. Probably Glee. It's easier to comprehend when I'm sweaty and running and out of breath than a crime show where you need to pay attention to the details.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Prime



This is what we had for dinner last night. Eric also made homemade garlic mashed potatoes. It is such a treat to walk in the house after a trip to the library to be hit in the face with the scent of roasted garlic!

The prime rib and potatoes were sensational, and we have leftovers for tonight! Yay! Which is perfect because tonight is a late day with Kid #1's soccer practice. Eric can hang at the soccer field. I'll be at home licking a prime rib bone...or two.

Anyhow, I got up and ran this morning. It felt hard. Thirty minutes of straight running is just plain hard, no matter how you look at it. Someday maybe I'll say it's no big deal.

I want to run the San Luis Obispo half marathon on Earth Day. How fun would that be?

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 40 minutes

P.S. I had a terrible stomach ache this morning. I am hoping the prime rib was not the culprit. No one else in the family is in pain, so maybe it's just me. Luckily the pain is subsiding.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

On A Roll

Distance: 1.5 miles treadmill, 18 minutes on elliptical
Time: 40 minutes total

Eric and Evan went to the grocery store to buy some prime rib to have for dinner. Yum! While they were gone, Hudson and I exercised.

I got on the treadmill to kick out one mile and then finish up on the elliptical. It was a nice feeling to know I only had to run for 12 minutes, and then I'd be done! Tomorrow's run will be two and change. I have to look at my plan to see what mileage is on the schedule.

While I ran, Hudson was on the elliptical. Then while I was on the elliptical, I let him walk on the treadmill. I love it that my boys want to be so active. Healthy food eating kids? Eh. But they are definitely active. I also like being a mostly consistent example of exercising.

I still need to finish up with 10 minutes of abs.

Football is on. Cowboys vs. Bills. My husband loves Cowboys. My BIL loves Bills. Cowboys are ahead 7-0 in the first two minutes!

This isn't a very exciting post. Just me rambling about running.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Running Partner

Distance: 3 miles
Time 38:22

Evan rode his bike with me while I ran 2.5 miles this morning. It was a pretty good run. Not great. Not fast. But it is encouraging to know that I can run 2.5 miles without stopping at an average of 11:45/mile pace, even though I have been fairly inactive for several weeks.

Evan is a good little partner. Even though I tell him he can ride ahead of me and wait at the corners, he rides very slow and stays with me the entire time. He also held my vest when I got too hot. I should have known upper 50's temps weren't very cold. I was decked out for a snow storm complete with gloves! Not necessary.

Now I'm ready for the rest of my day. Soccer and basketball, laundry and lesson plans. I adore three day weekends.

This is random, but I also need to eat some fruit. Trying to up my fruit and veggie intake.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day

Got a great run done. I watched Covert Affairs and zoned out while clicking off the miles.

Day 1 - 2.75 miles

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Moving

Distance: 2.75 miles
Time: 39 minutes

Running never seems to be any easier for me. That's okay. When I finish a run, I sure feel like I accomplished something.

My dear sweet husband signed me up for the local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. He and the boys will undoubtedly be out with me in the freezing cold to cheer me on as I slowly make my way through the 5K. I'm excited to have a race to look forward to. That seems to be one of my huge motivators.

Must go. Must work. Must grade papers. Must get report cards ready so I can actually REST on this three-day weekend.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Jealous

Distance: 2.75 miles

I am jealous tonight. The Two Cities Marathon is taking place in Fresno/Clovis tomorrow morning, and I won't be a part of it.

It's my own fault. I made the decision to not train. I decided not to register. And now I'm feeling wistful at the thought of not being there.

I might drive downtown tomorrow morning to watch some of the runners run by. That would be neat.

I also fit my own short little 2.25 mile run in today during the hour that we have to be at Evan's travel soccer game before the game even starts. I got back right in time to see all of the game.

Building up my stamina takes time and patience.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Two Miles...nice to see you

Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 34 minutes

I did not go to sleep early last night. I know that 4:30 comes awfully fast, but I still chose to stay awake.

Sure enough, 4:30 rolled around much sooner than I would have liked. However, I did not hit snooze 18 times or turn off the alarm. I got up, ate my granola bar, checked Facebook, and got my butt on the treadmill.

After my 5 minute warm up, I cranked out two miles. Without stopping. Win!

It's a bit of a push going from one minute intervals to running for 24 minutes without stopping. It gave me a pretty big boost of confidence, though! I can do this!

I am exhausted, but getting the run done early is worth feeling good the rest of the day.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Still Got It

Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 36:15

I must have been pretty tired this morning, because I hit snooze two times without realizing it. I opened my eyes at 4:55 and shot out of bed like a flash. I try to be on the treadmill by 5. Didn't quite make it this morning.

I ate my granola bar, checked Facebook, updated Day 2 of what I am thankful for (today it's the treadmill), and got to running. For some reason, I didn't feel like watching tv this morning. Instead I listened to my tunes. Weird. But a nice change.

I did two 9 minute-3/4 mile stretches with a 1/2 mile walk in between. It's rather hard going from nothing to running for 9 minutes, but I did it. I had to back up the pace to 5.0. I just couldn't hang at 6.0. No problem.

I am looking at the Half in February as my "getting back to running" half. I'd like to focus on speed for the Half in May. And speed is a relative term! Speed for me could be improving from a 12 minute mile to an 11 minute mile! But hey, it would be an improvement!

Must go get ready for the day. My principal is evaluating my teaching today. How is it that I've been teaching for 12 years, but this still makes me nervous?!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Plan

I dragged myself out of bed at 4:50 this morning to be on the elliptical by 5:10ish. Ugh, that is early.

However, I am finding exercise to be a really great way to start the day, regardless of how tired I am.

I did 30 minutes of elliptical and 10 minutes of arms, which I am feeling the results of this evening.

Last night I mapped out my training plan to get back in shape to begin the training for the 1/2 marathon on Feb. 5. Ha! I have to train so I can train!

It feels good to have a plan. It made me content to think about it today. I like that feeling.

Monday, October 31, 2011

I Beat September


New look. New goal. I dyed my hair dark brown yesterday. Um, it's dark. I like it, though.

I figured when I logged on to record this morning's "run," I'd be logging my smallest monthly mileage yet. Imagine my surprise when I saw that I outran September!

Made me chuckle.

At 8 miles for October, it was better than September! Pathetic. But it's okay. It happens. Slumps happen.

I'm feeling a sense of excitement, however, because I want to run a 1/2 marathon in February. February 5th to be exact. It gives me a goal. I seem to work much better with goals. I also seem to run better in cooler weather. Go figure.

The half that I am looking into is the Huntington Beach 1/2. I seriously want to run along the beach and take a mini vacation with my husband. Sounds perfect.

Goal? Check.
Excitement back? Check.
Mini vacation? Check.
Signed up for 1/2? Not yet.

The only small problem with a half marathon on Feb. 5 (even though it seems super far away) is that I don't have much time to build back up to a three-mile base before officially starting the 1/2 training at the beginning of November. I figure I'll just push myself. There are worse things than pushing myself physically.

Anyhow, I'm excited at the prospect of a new half to run. I also plan to do the California Classic half in May. I want to run that one every year. I would love to turn 80 and be able to say I have run the CC Half since its inception in 2011! Wouldn't that be cool?!

I should be posting much higher numbers in the near future than my piddly 7 and 8 for the last two months. Here's to getting out of slumps!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

I ran

I moved my body for 2 miles. I am going to attempt to do it again soon. My spirits have taken a nose dive. Exercise has consistently worked for me to stabilize my emotions. Time for some extreme measures.

Life has become busier than I ever imagined it would be. I figured I had a few more years before this insanity hit. How naive I was.

I read an article that said that we really only need between 5-6 hours of sleep a night. Is that true? I don't know, but it helps justify to myself getting to bed at 10:30 and getting up at 4:30. I convince myself I'm fine.

Must go get on the elliptical. Now the big decision is...do I watch Glee or Castle? I think I'm gonna go with Castle.

Monday, October 3, 2011

No promises, just a run

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 31 min.

I can't claim that I'm back on track or anything grand like that, but I did get up at 4:30 this morning, and I did get on the treadmill and move my body for 2 miles, and I did do ten minutes of weights on my legs.

I've been a slug for 3-4 weeks. I lost track of the last time I exercised. We got sick, we got busy, we got lazy. Excuses, excuses.

However, I know I feel better when I exercise. I also know that I HATE HATE HATE getting up at 4:30, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting my workout done for the day. It is the best feeling knowing it is not hanging over my head to run on the treadmill at 9:30 at night.

I am starting over with the Couch to 5K program, but I am doing all the running portions at a 6.0 speed. I am trying to condition myself to get used to speed. Or least what passes as speed for me! Ten minute miles is zippy fast for my stubby legs!

Today is Evan's seventh birthday. He got a new bike. He'll get a few more things tonight. This smile says it all.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Busy Weekend

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 1:10:30/11:45 avg pace

Did six miles yesterday. It was okay. I haven't run a long distance since the half marathon. Heck, I haven't even run outside since the half marathon. Amazing how quickly I can lose endurance when I take two weeks off from all activity!

I'd like to think I'm back in my healthy routines. I got up at 4:30 last Monday through Thursday. Friday is my rest day. I lost five pounds at our Weight Watcher weigh in. I did my long run yesterday. I'm tracking my food and trying to make good choices.

Yesterday Eric and I rearranged our bedroom/office. It meant taking apart the bed and moving all the heavy office furniture around. Quite the endeavor.

Right now I am waking up so we can go on a long bike ride. Still a bit tired. I need caffeine.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Tempo Run

Distance: 3.083 miles
Time: 40 minutes

This morning called for a tempo run. I've never done a tempo run before...at least not on purpose!

I'm still on the fence about whether or not I'm actually training for a half in November or if I'm just running to stay sane without worrying about a schedule. Truth be told, I'll probably stick with the schedule, but I haven't signed up for the half as of yet.

Anyhow, I interpreted a tempo run to mean run faster than normal for a certain amount of time. I did 10 minutes at 5.0. Then I increased by .1 miles every three minutes. My last minute was done at 6.0. I didn't fall off the treadmill, so that was good.

As much as I hate waking up at 4:30 to exercise, I love getting the workout finished early. It feels so good not having it hanging over my head at 9 p.m.

Tomorrow is my last workout for the week. Then rest day on Friday. Yay!

Monday, August 22, 2011

First Day of School

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 46 minutes

Eric and I both woke up at 4:30 so we could be exercising by 5. I ran three miles. He got on the elliptical.

Now it's 9 at night, and I'm exhausted!

My first day of school was great.



Would love to write more, but I'm just too tired.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Running to stay sane

Distance: 2.7 miles
Time: 36 min.

It's that time of year. I am getting ready to start back to school on Monday. I've been officially back to work since Monday. I've been at school all summer.

Summer was pretty low key with summer school and various summer activities. Going to back to school is a whole different ball of wax.

Even though this is my 12th year teaching, it is always new, fun, exciting, and crazy. Throw in my responsibilities as vice principal, my youngest starting preschool for the first time, my oldest starting 2nd grade, and my general anxiousness about the world, and it makes for one crazy Heather.

I'll be signing up for the Two Cities Half Marathon in November, but really...my running during the fall season is more about sanity than training.

I haven't even posted about my Salinas Half Marathon. It was wonderful. It was blessedly cool. I despise running in the heat. Hate. Can't stand or tolerate. Running in Salinas was like skipping through tulips and sliding down rainbows with cool refreshing weather.

I need to do a 1/2 marathon post. Hopefully I'll get to that soon. No matter how hard I try to avoid it, this time of year makes me a crazy mess. I want to be able to accomplish everything, and I never can do it all. Then I feel like I failed.

Didn't mean for this to be a rambling post, but I'm already starting to feel the pressure of work, home, kids, and running. Yes, running is also a stress for me. As much good as it does me, it also can make me feel bad when I feel like I'm not improving.

For now, I need to be happy that I got on the treadmill (after taking nearly two weeks off and gaining over 6 pounds). Am I on plan for 1/2 training? Um, no. But I ran. And running for 26 minutes makes me feel better than it did 26 minutes ago.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Don't Regret It

Distance: 8.0 miles/11:48 pace

Today was a classic case of living out my motto...I never regret the runs I do, but I do regret the ones runs I skip. Or something to that effect.

My alarm went off at 6, and every fiber of my being begged me to NOT go run 8 miles. I even killed over an hour eating, web surfing, and staring at the wall.

There were two things that got me out the door. One was the above motto. The second thing was knowing I'd feel unprepared next Saturday trying to run my half. I fell off the training wagon for two weeks, sort of got back on this past week, and knew I needed to get in one more decent long run before next weekend.

In any case, I maintained less than a 12 minute mile and made it back without collapsing in my driveway. I certainly didn't want to run five more miles, but I was okay after running today.

I am looking forward to next week's race and hope to improve my time.

I also wore my new shoe for the first time today. They felt fine, but I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the gray color. I just have a thing for white. Oh well. In another 400 miles I can get a new pair!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Sick Kid

Distance: 5.5 miles
Run: 5 miles/12 minute pace

Child #2 got sick and threw up at Vacation Bible School today. Needless to say, that sort of threw our day out of whack.

Luckily Hudson bounced back quickly and was just fine by this afternoon.

Eric and I had our Weight Watcher meeting (I lost 7.2 pounds!) this evening, and we also signed up for a bike flat tire clinic. I figured we would get home late, so I wanted to get my run done and out of the way.

I cranked it out on the treadmill this afternoon.

It is definitely cooler in the house with air conditioning, but it is still hotter at 78 in the house than I would prefer it for running. I get soooooooo hot. I didn't run non stop, but I didn't quit until I got five miles done. I'm doing four tomorrow, 8 on Saturday, and then I'll follow the last week of my training plan next week before the race.

It's been a weird week.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Hate thinking of titles

I was going to run four miles. I ran less than three, but with my warm up and cool down walk, it totaled 3.039 miles altogether.

I did run two miles straight, however.

Not good. Oh well. I guess I shouldn't wait until after 10 p.m. to start a run. Gotta get this schedule thing figured out.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

First ride with clip shoes

We went to church last night and saw one of our faithful babysitters. I had been meaning to get a sitter for this morning so Eric and I could do a ride. Luckily, the sitter agreed to arriving at our house at 7 a.m. I felt bad for her 16-year-old freshly licensed brother who had to be the one to wake up early to drive her over!

Today was a big day for me bike wise. I was wearing my new cycling shoes and using my new clipless pedals. (I don't understand the term "clipless pedals" because you "clip" into the pedals to get moving.)


I got my shoes last Friday, but I was too afraid to try them out in Monterey. I figured I'd better be on flat and familiar ground before attaching myself to my bike and possibly not being able to get out.

I didn't even try the pedals out first in the trainer. I just practiced out in front of the house. It took me a few times to be able to get my left foot clipped in to the pedal. Even though I wasn't exactly comfortable with the whole "clip" routine, I figured I might as well head off.


The shoes match my bike and my gloves. Very important! I even told the sales guy that they'd match. He seemed impressed!

Things were going pretty well. We got about seven miles out from our house and stopped at an intersection to decide which way were going to ride. I had successfully unclipped my left shoe, but instead of leaning to the left, I accidentally started toppling to the right!

I panicked and starting screaming, "Falling! Falling!" Luckily, I was falling towards Eric, and he caught me. Even though I didn't hit the ground, I banged my left ankle up so hard it made me cry. Then I cried because I was scared of the fall. Then I felt like I was hyperventilating. It wasn't pretty.

Eric was great. He soothed me and waited until I was composed and breathing again. I got back on and continued, but it took me a bit of time to feel as though my heart wasn't going to beat out of my chest.

We got to just over 12 miles before turning around.


Me in my new orange jersey. It is actually bright orange, but it is hard to tell from the photo.

It was pretty bright and 67 degrees heading out at 7 a.m. Luckily the ride back had the sun to our back.


Eric at our turn around point.

Our ride back was fairly uneventful until Eric got a flat tire about a mile from home. He sent me on ahead to get the car and come back for him. We are going to a flat repair clinic this Wednesday. Eric changed his tire while he waited for me, but decided not to ride home. He'll take the bike to the flat clinic to make sure he changed it the right way.

The rest of the day has been fairly relaxed. I made a run to CVS to play my coupon game. In short, I bought $60.07 worth of stuff and only had to pay $.05 before taxes! Taxes brought my total to $3.21! I love having a successful shopping trip like that.

I still need to decide how to proceed with my half marathon training. I should probably decide that before tomorrow!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Late Run

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 46 min./3 mile run at 12 minute pace on treadmill

I'm in a slump. This would normally not be too big of a deal except for the fact that I am running my second 1/2 marathon in two weeks. Yikes!

I was doing sooooooo well two weeks ago. I ran 11 miles on two Saturdays ago and then just lost ALL motivation. I didn't do any running the week after the 11. Then we were in Monterey last weekend. I ran 8 miles. It hurt. Once again, I skipped ALL running (and all physical activity for that matter) for the entire week. Ugh.

I also had a really BAD weigh in at Weight Watchers. I cried. I haven't done that in the nearly 8 months we've been going. Bad stuff.

I nearly skipped running today. But I didn't. I got my butt on the treadmill and ran three miles. I gave myself a break and kept it at a slow and steady 12 minute pace. I didn't stop for any walk breaks. Thank goodness.

I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the next two weeks leading up to the half, but I know I don't want to get there and feel awful about my training.

I'm not sure what is the cause of my slump. Too much running, heat, laziness? Not sure. Don't care right this minute because I just finished 3 miles and it's almost midnight. I need to get to bed because Eric and I are going on a long bike ride tomorrow. It will be my first time using my clip shoes. I sure hope I don't fall!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Eight Miles Hurts...

...after skipping every run this week. I skipped what was supposed to be 14 miles of running. I didn't have any energy all week. I was lethargic, grumpy, hot, and tired.

I felt guilty about not running, but not guilty enough to get off my butt and do it.

We just got back from Monterey less than an hour ago. The weather was amazing. Cool, foggy and overcast in the mornings, sunny and 65 in the afternoon, and cool and foggy at night. My kind of heaven.

I woke up on Saturday morning and ran 8 miles. It was supposed to be 12, but I figured 8 was decent.

I hurt sooooo badly today! I'm not sure if it was the 8 miles after a week of inactivity or the fact that the last half mile of the run was straight uphill to my SIL's house where we were staying. In any case, my thighs are screaming.

I indulged and acted like a complete sloth for a week. It's now time to get back in gear starting tomorrow.

As hard as it is to come back home to the heat, I know that Eric and I will be back to the cool weather in just three weeks for my half marathon in Salinas. I am pretty excited. I intend to train well for the next three weeks so I go into the race feeling prepared rather than scared.

I hope to have more time tomorrow to write about our trip. I think I have a few photos as well.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Better Than Last Week

Distance: 11.23 miles
Time: 2:12:08
Run: 11 miles/2:07:36/11:36 avg pace

I was really nervous about this morning's 11-mile run. I'm not sure why. I did 10 last week and 8 the week before. I've gone long distances before. I guess it's just that each long run brings doubt.

In any case, I was out of the house by 6. My hope is to always finish in under 12-minute miles. Then I add extra time to account for stoplights and walking/fuel breaks. I told Eric to not expect me back much before 9. If I'm not back by then, that is when he should worry!

He was pretty surprised when I got home by 8:20. I was pretty pleased, too.

I couldn't even begin to tell you what I think about for over two hours plodding along by myself. The time seems to go by the fastest when I do math in my head or plan things for the future. Weird.

One thing that has been helping me is I have a very specific plan before I leave for when to stop for water and chomps. I am a very "rule" oriented person, so I make rules for myself when running these long runs. When I follow the rules, I feel very successful!

I walk and take in water on the even miles. I walk, drink, and take four chomps at miles 3, 6, and 9. This gives me the mental boost I need knowing that I'll essentially be walking at miles 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10. I also allow myself sips of water whenever I have to wait at a stoplight.

I know I tend to over complicate things, but having this plan in mind really helps keep me moving. When I'm at mile 6.5, I can tell myself, "Just a mile and a half to go and you can stop for water." The hardest stretches are in the middle from miles four to eight.

I plan to use a similar plan for my half in Salinas but adjusting the fuel to miles 3, 6, 9 and 11. Two packs of Chomps will get me through the race. I definitely have the ability to do better than my first half.

The best part about this morning besides finishing? It was blessedly cool! It was 65 degrees when I started out. There were even moments when the wind hit my sweaty self and I shivered! I haven't shivered since February!

Next week is 12 miles and then I start two weeks of taper. Now if I could just keep up with the mid-week runs, I'd really be feeling strong!

Once again, I'm icing my knees. I think I do need to look into some Glucosamine.

***********************

Yesterday Eric and I went on a Beginner's Group Ride with the owner, John, from Sunnyside Bicycles. There was one other lady named Isabel who just moved here from Spain. She sounds just like the Sisters at my school/church who are all from Spain!

We rode over 18 miles out Belmont towards the mountains. At first we were riding at about 10-11 mph. Then John asked if we'd all be comfortable kicking it up to 15 mph. We all said yes.

It was a great ride with John teaching us etiquette in group riding such as pointing out road hazards, communicating, and handling dogs and traffic. There was a dog that charged out at us and scared me half to death. I'm surprised I didn't fall off my bike. Yikes! John yelled at the dog just as loud as the dog barked at us.

Since we were done with the ride by 9, I suggested we load up the kids with their bikes and head to the park to do an easy ride with them. We went about 5.5 miles at Woodward Park and then enjoyed Jamba Juice smoothies after that. Smoothies are the best treat after exercise! They are my family's guilty pleasure.

One of these days I'll take more pictures, but I feel like my pictures all look the same. And I just use my phone to take them because I'm not going to carry a camera while I run or ride. I carry enough stuff as it is. Phone in one hand and water bottle in the other. Luckily the phone doubles as the ipod.

I'm meeting my mom and sister in a few hours to see the play Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. I loved that movie growing up, so I'm looking forward to the play.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Half is Getting Closer

Wednesday
Distance: 2.59 miles
Thursday
Distance: 4 miles/11:21 avg pace

I was supposed to run five miles yesterday. I should have gone at 6 a.m. I set my alarm to go at 6 a.m. The alarm went off, and I continued to sleep. I figured I'd just go after I dropped Hudson off at daycare. The only problem was that Hudson slept late, I got him to daycare later than usual, and by the time I started running, it was already hot.

I just don't do well in heat. Give me 40 degree weather ANY day over this nasty 100+ crap we'll be dealing with for the next few months. I guess I should be happy I don't live in Texas or Florida. I'd die. Seriously.

Anyhow, I dropped Hudson at daycare and took Evan with me on his bike. It was 9:30 and 86 degrees. I made it a whole 1.3 miles out before I stopped and told Evan we had to go home. I stood there giving myself a pep talk while Evan patiently watched me while perched on his bike. He put up his little hand and said, "High five, Mom. You can do this!" What a little sweetheart! Just one of the thousands of reasons why I really like that kid!

After we made it home without dying of heat stroke, the child and I got ready to go to the water park for the day. He was big enough this year to ride the big water slides. We stayed there for about four hours, and man was I exhausted after walking up and down those hills all afternoon.

My four mile run this morning was just okay. Not fast. Not slow. It was 75 degrees. While that is certainly better than 86, it was still warm for me. Oh how I long for January and winter racing. Seeing your breath while you run is so much easier for me.

I have two more weekends of long runs (one 11 and one 12 mile) before I taper for two weeks. The half is less than a month away. My cousin was supposed to run with me, but she is getting over an injury and won't be able to join me. That is a bummer, but I am still excited about the race.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Athletic Fourth

We enjoyed a very hot and very athletic Fourth of July weekend.

I started Saturday with my 10-mile run. I already wrote about that.

On Sunday morning, I picked up our babysitter at 7 a.m, and Eric and I headed out for a two hour bike ride. We both felt great and made improvement over our last ride. Eric, especially, rode strong. I was impressed. He would zip ahead of me, but wait for me to catch up at intersections. It worked out well.


Taking a water/fuel break around mile 22. Even though we left the house at 7:15, it was HOT outside. We were both sweaty messes by the time we got home. We rode over 28 miles.


Eric had a fantastic ride. We really enjoy riding together.

Fourth of July was celebrated yesterday. Weird, I know, but it worked out best for family. My mom, sister, and nephews came to our house for the day. My mom, sis, and I took off to the grocery store for an hour of fun. My mom loves my grocery store. Again...strange!

After a fun day of eating and fireworks, the cousins ended up spending the night. They all camped out in the family room with the warning that we would be getting up very early so I could go to my race. They still wanted to stay.


The oldest and youngest slept on the floor, while the two middle kids slept on the couch. They were four very tired boys after playing all day yesterday. I sort of felt bad for having to wake them up at 5:45!

We were out the door by 6 a.m. this morning to head to my race. Child #2 was a little cranky at being woken up so early. He refused to face the camera, and he refused to be put down.


Even though the race started at 7 a.m, it was already 80ish degrees. That is NOT my happy temperature for running. I prefer 50 degrees.


Running UPHILL to the finish line!

The race was held in the park where a lot of my races are held, but the course was different than I have ever run. I enjoyed the difference, but the bad part were the hills. The entire last 1/3 of a mile was up a pretty steep hill. UGH!

I started the race running with my friend Elaine, but I was running faster than her, so she told me to go ahead. So I did. I was clicking along pretty nicely for the first three miles. I was really pleased. Then we ran down a pretty steep hill, and I knew we'd eventually have to go up said hill.

I also got REALLY hot at about mile 3. Super hot. Like not sure if I was okay kind of hot. I walked on and off for the last mile. I still maintained a 10:51 pace for the race, so I am pleased with my time. I sure hope I see improvements in my time when the weather gets cold again.

After I finished, my body just couldn't cool down. I was dripping sweat from every pore. (Every person there was dripping. Pretty gross.) Normally after a few minutes I'll cool off, but the air was muggy today, and I started to panic. I get really anxious when I get too hot.

Eric grabbed me some watermelon while I sucked down water. We headed to the car pretty shortly after I was done.

We made a quick stop at the store to grab breakfast supplies, and then Eric made us delicious omelettes, bacon and country potatoes.

We took the cousins home, and now we are back home relaxing. It's been a nice weekend. I don't have to work this week other than preparing lessons for summer school and working at home on our preschool binder. Looking forward to more relaxing before needing to kick it into higher gear for school.

Oh, I almost forgot! I bought new running shoes.


Asics Gel Nimbus 13s. I always get white, so this grey color is a switch for me. I'm not going to wear them until I log another 50 miles. This shoe is the upgrade from the Nimbus 12s. That shoe worked out great for me, so now I can find them online for pretty cheap. I might have to buy another pair of the 12s if I find a great sale.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Ten Mile Alone Time

Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1:59:45/11:59 avg pace

I'm all for having some quality alone time, but two hours of huffing, puffing and sweating from 6-8 a.m. is downright hard. It took a lot of motivation, discipline, and pep talks to get me through my 10 miles by myself today.

The good parts: it's done, I finished in less than (barely) 12-minute miles, and now I have my feeling of accomplishment to carry me through the day.

The bad parts: my knees hurt (icing them as I type).

I was REALLY tired yesterday. I taught summer school until noon, met the family for lunch and a movie, got my nails done and then came home and figured I'd snooze for an hour or so before dinner. Well, my "snooze" turned into a three-hour miss dinner dead to the world sleep.

I woke up at 10, confused and disoriented. I got up, ate some crackers, and went back to bed. I slept soundly until my alarm went off at 5:21 this morning. Over 10 hours of deep sleep. Yikes! I think my body was trying to tell me something!

In any case, I doubt I'd have been able to handle a 10-mile run this morning had I not gotten some good sleep. Sometimes my body decides what it needs without any input from me!

Today's plan is to clean the house. From top to bottom. Scrubbing, dusting, CLEAN. I'm tired of the clutter and mess.

My family is coming over tomorrow for fireworks and bbq. I have a race on Monday morning.

And now I need to go eat something before I pass out.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Motivation?

I ran 3 painful miles yesterday because I skipped the run on Monday.

Now I am trying to force myself on the couch to do five miles. I'm just so tired.

However, the weather is beautiful today. Grey skies, cool temps, cloudy and rainy. I love it! In June no less!

Will check back later if I managed to quit being a couch potato.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Wedding Day



Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1:31ish/11:18 avg pace

We had a lot going on today with my sister's wedding, so I needed to get my long run out of the way early. I intended to go to bed at a decent hour last night, but I ended up staying up way too late reading The Help. (So good it was hard to put down.)

My alarm went off at 5:21, I got up slowly, and after eating a Fiber Plus bar, I was out the door by 6:15. I was a little anxious to be running 8 miles alone and wondering if I'd be able to convince myself to keep going strong. Thankfully, a good attitude helped me have a good run.

Some things to note about this run:

1. I wore my tight spandex pants that hit right below the knee. I usually wear these for biking. I wanted to avoid inner thigh chafing. I didn't wear underwear. I should have. Let's just say seams were bothering me for the first part of the run. Luckily I got involved in focusing on breathing, so I wasn't paying as much attention to seams later in the run.

2. People honked at me. Twice. Weird. But I'll take it as a compliment. At least no one yelled at me rudely out of a car like a few weeks ago.

3. A certain song can really move you along. How sad is it that I can't even remember the song right now, and I am too lazy to look it up?! But I repeated the song at least four times.

4. I used my new Camelback water bottle and loved it. I had plenty of water, and it stayed cold all the way home, even with my hot hand holding the bottle.

5. I decided on a plan before the run started (when to eat chomps and stop for walk/water breaks), and I am really proud that I followed my plan! It makes me feel empowered to run strong and have my plan work out. I ran three, walked for water and fuel, ran one and turned around with a quick water walk, ran two, walked for water and fuel, ran one, walked for water, and then finished with the last mile.

6. I tried Honey Stingers for the first time. Liked them. Will buy them again. I don't like jelly beans or Energy Blast things with gel inside. Yuck. Chomps and Stingers are yummy like a giant gummy candy.

7. I felt great all day. I can remember a few months ago when running 8 miles would have given me reason to stay in bed all day sleeping...because I ran eight miles!

Once I got home, I rested for a bit and then got ready for my sister's wedding. It was a very casual and small wedding in the park. The same park where we often go for rides and runs! When I told the boys where we were going, they both said, "We are going to OUR park?" Too funny!


I was the matron of honor.


Me, my sister, and my mom.


Tiffany and Thomas with their kids. Boys belong to my sister, the girl belongs to Thomas, and the baby bump belongs to them both!


Hudson. This face just kills me.


Me and my boys.


The men in my life.

We celebrated the new couple with a fun lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Yum. Then we came home, and I holed up in my room finishing my book. BBQ chicken dinner rounded out a great day.