The run that almost wasn't

I really didn't want to go for a run tonight. I was tired and it's been a busy week. But, on Friday we are planning to go out, and I am busy Saturday and Sunday so I don't know if I'll have time for a run, so I knew I should. I finally talked myself into it. My daughter is at a friend's house helping her recover from surgery, my oldest son is in Washington DC, and my other son is sleeping early. My husband is driving bus to a track meet, so it was just me and the animals. I thought about just sitting around, eating, and watching TV -- and then I said "naaah" and put on my shoes and went out the door.

It is a nice evening, and I could smell the blossoms in the air (I don't know what kind of blossoms, but they certainly did smell nice). But, there are a lot of bugs -- and I mean a LOT of them out there. When I got home I had to take a shower right away (usually I write in the blog first) because I had them all over! I'm not sure how many I didn't spit out as I was running (ugh).

Even though it was not one of my best runs, it was decent. I had to walk a bit, but I believe I have picked up the pace and am running faster than I used to run. I ended up with 6.2 miles -- not bad for a run that almost wasn't! And it certainly was better than sitting around on my #%* eating junk food and watching television.

Tired Run

I went for another evening run on this Tuesday. First, I went for a walk with my daughter and her friend, then with just my daughter, then a run/walk with my son. So, before I even started MY run, I had gone over 4 miles.

Finally I was able to go for it. I put in my ipod and away I went. It didn't help that I was tired (see previous paragraph) and the wind started blowing, dropping the temperature. It was tough at first and I almost turned around at about 1/2 mile, but I knew I needed to run, so I kept going. As usual, after about 3 miles I finally got "into the groove" and enjoyed the run. I ended up with about 5.4 miles, which is not too bad considering the over 4 miles I walked in the afternoon.

I feel tired, but stress free. I think I'll sleep well tonight!

Great Morning Run

There is nothing like an early morning Sunday run in the springtime. I left around 6:30 this morning. It was a little cool, the sun was coming up, and the birds were starting to wake up and sing. There was very little traffic -- all in all it was a quiet, peaceful run. There was no sound except the quiet pounding of my feet as I ran (and at times I had my ipod on, but very softly).

I ran the back way out past the high school and a little bit past Watson Road, then I took the Ginter Road loop on the way back. Since I was running out in the country somewhat, I was hoping to see some wildlife. I didn't see any deer, but I did see wild turkeys, geese (as always), squirrels, rabbits. Since it was so quiet, I was able to get quite close to the creatures. In fact, I almost ran over a squirrel. I finally had to talk to it to get it to move out of the way.

I went over 8 miles, and it felt pretty good. I was a little stiff at first since it was somewhat chilly and I hadn't run much this week. But once I got going I worked most of it out. When I got home, I realized that even though I only ran less than 20 minutes longer than I did on Wednesday, I ran 2-1/2 miles more! I must have picked up the pace a bit today. I do feel much better physically and emotionally after this run. What a great way to start a busy day! And, it's barely 8:00 in the morning and my family is all still asleep, so I still have some quite time left to myself.

OK Run

I went for a run tonight with my normal running partner. It was OK, but we only got in about 5-1/2 miles. We went out in the country a bit and it got too dark. I was going to run a few miles by myself afterward we were finished, but I just didn't feel like it -- and that's rare for me. It was enough of a run to get some exercise, but not enough to really get the endorphins going and make myself feel better.

But, it's better than sitting around watching television ...

Breaking in another one

I was breaking in another running partner today. We have a fitness challenge going on at work, and this co-worker and I are on the same team. He used to run and is about 17 years younger than me, so he should catch up to me quickly in regards to running fitness. The more running partners there are, the more likely it is to have someone to run with.

But, today was an extremely windy day. We were running into the wind most of the time, or so it seemed. We ended up with 4 miles, about 1/2 at a slow/medium run and 1/2 walking. All and all it was good for a first run. It would have been better without the wind taking our breathe away.

After we finished, I took off on my own. It was a busy weekend, plus one year since my father passed away, and I really, REALLY needed the run to burn off some negative energy. I ended up with another 4 miles, for a total of 8. I didn't do much walking; I already had gotten in a good warm up. After I got back home, my husband cooked up some steak fajitas. So, I got my veggies, protein, and carbohydrates after the run.

Sometimes (most times) I think running is the only thing that keeps me sane.

Now I feel great!

OK Run

I started out on a walk/run with my son. After we got home, I really wasn't in the mood for a run. But, I dreaded the idea of waking up and getting on the treadmill in the morning, and I knew I needed the exercise. I have lost some weight and I need to keep from gaining. I have noticed my runs are much better now with the extra weight gone. So, off I went. I started kind of slowly because I was not in the best mood. But, as I went, I started feeling better and the real run began. The more I ran the better I felt. It is a nice, slightly cool night, but quite humid. I ran to Lowe's and then through downtown Defiance again -- my usual night run. I don't feel comfortable running by myself out in the country in the evening. I ended up with just over 6 miles. The only things I did not enjoy about this run were the bugs -- I'm sure I ended up with a few of them. I'm going to finish this now because I think I need a shower!

Saturday Morning

Today was yet another Saturday morning run. It was a little cool when I started -- about 39 degrees. I dressed a little too warmly, however, as it warmed up quickly once the sun came up (and once I got into the run more).

This time I took the country route. There was morning dew on the grass, and I could smell all the flowering plants, especially the lilacs. I ran past the high school and all the way to Watson Road before turning back towards home. I ended up running just over 7.5 miles. About 1/2 way through I started getting too warm. I had even worn my running gloves, so I ended up carrying those the last 3 miles.

It was not my best run physically. I woke up feeling pretty stiff (that's what I get for being 50, I suppose). I did try to stretch a little before the run, but it didn't really help. Finally, after about 3 miles, my muscles felt warm and the stiffness went away. I stopped and did some more stretches, then finished the run. I have noticed that, especially in morning runs, it really takes 3 miles or so for me to "warm up". That's probably one reason I prefer the long runs (marathons and 1/2 marathons) as opposed to the 5K races. But, it's easier to plan for and get to the 5K races as there are more within driving distance.

The next year or so I probably won't get to a marathon or 1/2. When there is one within driving distance, it seems the children have some important activity we need to/want to attend. I enjoyed running the Cincinnati Flying Pig 2 years ago, but now the annual High School Sousa Concert (band) is the same day as the Flying Pig. As I have one son still in band after this year, it will be another 3 years before I am free that weekend. I would like to do the Disney world Marathon and 1/2 some year -- perhaps in 2010 (it's in January).

I like to have plans for a race, because it helps keep me motivated during those times when I seem to "forget" how much I love to run and how it makes me feel. Maybe if I keep up with these blog postings, I can read them when I feel unmotivated and they'll give me the push to keep on running.

That's it for now ...

Rainy, nighttime run

I went for another nighttime run. There is a gentle rain, and the temperature is around 60.

First I went for a short warm up with two of my teenage children. They are just starting to get the running bug, so we decided on a "Riverside loop" combination of slow running/walking. They did great.

Then I needed to run more. My usual running partner had just eaten, so it was only me. Off I went. The rain picked up a bit, making it even better. I ran through town past the college to the Lowe's store, back through downtown, the junior high, Latty's Grove, Riverside Park, and then home. I was listening to some good music and even caught myself singing at times. What a sight I must have been -- a 50-year old soaking wet woman running through downtown singing! I ended up with just over 6.5 miles.

I hesitate to think what I would be like now if I did not run. I almost gave it up last year when my father was ill and then later passed away. Then when I found out I was in the NY City Marathon, I figured I should not stop.

Running is a time I use to sort through my thoughts, figure things out, or even just sing (a new thing for me lately). I also have been working through some issues from decades ago. There was a time when I was in an abusive relationship (ex-husband) and I have blocked much of that time out. I remember what happened, but only mentally. The emotions were blocked, but always there in the subconscious. Tonight I found myself remembering some of the feelings from that time, and I was able to handle them and work through them. I feel much better!

Another perfect run ...

Sunday Morning

I was awake at 2:00 this morning, and I couldn't get back to sleep. I was waiting for the sun to start coming up so I could run. I seriously thought about going for a run at 3:00, but I figured that wouldn't be too safe.

It was a cool, crisp, Spring morning -- around 40 degrees when I left my house around 7:00 a.m. The sun was up, the birds were singing -- another great day for a run. I headed out into the country and ended up running about 7.5 miles. I'd have liked to run more, but my body was not cooperating this morning and I was getting tired. I saw many birds around, but no other wildlife. I came home to a nice cup of tea and a shower.

I am enjoying my outdoor runs. I hope to find a way to do more of them during the week. But, since I start work so early and have too many activities in the afternoon/evenings, it's hard to fit them in. I'm OK with the treadmill runs -- at least it's a way to keep up.

Saturday Morning Run

I've come to the conclusion that no one reads these, but I'll keep writing them for myself -- it's a good way to keep track of my ourdoor runs, at least.

It was another perfect day for a run. It was not too cold, not too hot, and overcast. It had rained overnight, so there was a bit of humidity in the air. I strapped on my Garmin and away I went.

I decided to run through town first. There is a Lilac Festival going on later today. As I ran through town, the vendors were starting to set up their booths and I could feel the festive like atmosphere beginning. I hope the rain holds of so it's a great day for this. I want to hear some of the live bands that will be around later in the afternoon.

Back to the run -- After I went through town, I went out in the country just a bit. I saw a young cardinal that could not fly very well. I hope it survives, but there is really nothing I could do for it. It hopped/flew a little bit as I ran by. Once I was out in the country, I picked up the pace a bit. I've lost a couple of pounds recently, and I can really tell when I run. It seems I can run faster with less effort.

On the way home I passed by Riverside Park, hoping to see some more wildlife. Alas, there was not much to see. In the evenings I sometimes see deer and geese about.

All in all it was a good run. I ended up with about 6.5 miles. I could have used a few more miles to work off some more of this stress, but I didn't have time. Maybe tomorrow ...