I am going to Columbus today for the rest of the week, so I wanted to get a run in with Ares before I left.
It is a beautiful morning. We left around 4:25 a.m. The stars were shining brightly since it was such a clear, dark morning. I forgot that Ares doesn't like the dark. It made for an interesting run. We kept it short. We did the Riverside loop, then ran in downtown Defiance for a bit (since there are street lights), back to Riverside, and ended up with the sprint up the hill - times two! Ares got better as we went along. He stayed right by my side. Usually he tries to run ahead.
All in all it was a good run. It was short (3.1 miles) but at least we were able to get a run in.
Gotta run ...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A new record for Ares
Today is a beautiful morning. As I will be out of town most of next week, I knew Ares and I needed a good run.
We started off with the Riverisde loop, intending to go to Ranchland and turn around. We did a mixture of walking and running (more running) because Ares was a bit under the weather on Thursday and Friday.
It was such a beautiful morning that we decided to continue on a bit further. Before I knew it, we were almost to Carter/Ginter road! So, I decided we might as well run the Ginter Road loop.
It proved to be an interesting, fun run. First, we watched the wild turkeys out in the field. When they heard us coming, they would duck and hide. Then, as we continued on, and near the dip we passed a house where it appeared the dog was loose. So we started running faster to get away from there. Well, we weren't really paying attention to where we were going, and we almost ran right into a deer! It was crossing the road in front of us. Once it got off the road, we stopped and talked to her for a bit. She just stood there, barely in the wood.
So, we continued on. We ran into another dog walker, and told them about our encounter. Then, suddenly, Ares started to tug at the leash. Up ahead, on the right, were two fawns! They ran in front of us, and Ares chased them a bit (on his leash of course). We got a nice sprint out of that one. I'm glad his leash is pretty secure.
That was about it for the wildlife excitement. We did see a few rabbits on the way home. As the run continued, we got our second wind and were able to run most of the time. Ares was thirsty, so when we got by Riverside Park he ran to the water fountain -- he's learning how to drink from the faucet at the bottom of the water fountain.
All and all it was a good run. We had some interest wildlife encounters and Ares set a new record. We went 5.55 miles. I'll get him to 6 miles before the end of the summer, hopefully!
Gotta run ...
We started off with the Riverisde loop, intending to go to Ranchland and turn around. We did a mixture of walking and running (more running) because Ares was a bit under the weather on Thursday and Friday.
It was such a beautiful morning that we decided to continue on a bit further. Before I knew it, we were almost to Carter/Ginter road! So, I decided we might as well run the Ginter Road loop.
It proved to be an interesting, fun run. First, we watched the wild turkeys out in the field. When they heard us coming, they would duck and hide. Then, as we continued on, and near the dip we passed a house where it appeared the dog was loose. So we started running faster to get away from there. Well, we weren't really paying attention to where we were going, and we almost ran right into a deer! It was crossing the road in front of us. Once it got off the road, we stopped and talked to her for a bit. She just stood there, barely in the wood.
So, we continued on. We ran into another dog walker, and told them about our encounter. Then, suddenly, Ares started to tug at the leash. Up ahead, on the right, were two fawns! They ran in front of us, and Ares chased them a bit (on his leash of course). We got a nice sprint out of that one. I'm glad his leash is pretty secure.
That was about it for the wildlife excitement. We did see a few rabbits on the way home. As the run continued, we got our second wind and were able to run most of the time. Ares was thirsty, so when we got by Riverside Park he ran to the water fountain -- he's learning how to drink from the faucet at the bottom of the water fountain.
All and all it was a good run. We had some interest wildlife encounters and Ares set a new record. We went 5.55 miles. I'll get him to 6 miles before the end of the summer, hopefully!
Gotta run ...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Somewhat Wet Wednesday Morning Run
I was a bit upset about some things from work yesterday, so I NEEDED to run today. I got up and off Ares and I went. It felt very humid when we started out. We got about two blocks down the street and it started raining -- hard. But it was just rain, no thunder or lightening. I was hoping it would keep raining and just slow down a bit. After about 1/2 mile, it stopped -- it didn't even look like it had rained some places where we ran! So of course the humidity felt even higher.
It wasn't a bad run. We did the extended Riverside loop out to Ranchland and back, with the usual sprint up the hill. It was dark when we started out, so if there was any wildlife at the beginning of the run we didn't see it. We saw a few stray cats lingering under some trees.
When we got back, Ares was quite muddy from the run (since on the way back we passed through the area where it had rained so heavily earlier). He enjoyed being rubbed down with a towel, and now he is sleeping. He's been very rambunctious lately, so I hope this wears him out for most of the day. We ended up with 4.6 miles. It wasn't the 5 miles I was hoping for, but we ran out of time as I needed to take a quick shower before starting work at 7:00 a.m. At least it was something. And, my knee feels pretty good right now.
Gotta run ...
It wasn't a bad run. We did the extended Riverside loop out to Ranchland and back, with the usual sprint up the hill. It was dark when we started out, so if there was any wildlife at the beginning of the run we didn't see it. We saw a few stray cats lingering under some trees.
When we got back, Ares was quite muddy from the run (since on the way back we passed through the area where it had rained so heavily earlier). He enjoyed being rubbed down with a towel, and now he is sleeping. He's been very rambunctious lately, so I hope this wears him out for most of the day. We ended up with 4.6 miles. It wasn't the 5 miles I was hoping for, but we ran out of time as I needed to take a quick shower before starting work at 7:00 a.m. At least it was something. And, my knee feels pretty good right now.
Gotta run ...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday Noon Run
I had a lot of things going on this morning, so I wasn't able to get out until around noon. It is a fairly cool day, especially for mid-July, so it wasn't too bad. It was not quite 70 degrees out!
We did the Riverside "extended" loop. We went a little further today. Once we got by the Ranchland area, we took one road left and went to the entrance of the new elementary building. Then we headed home. After the sprint up the hill (with me PULLING Ares), we crossed 5th and went just a bit further as I was aiming for a specific mileage amount.
I took the water bottle for Ares, so he did better this time. He finished 1/2 of it after one mile! We refilled it at Riverside Park. He also got a sprinkle of water when we ran by Kircher's Florest, as they were watering their plants.
My knee pain didn't start until around three miles, so I think it's better. Either that, or I'm just getting more tolerant of the pain. It felt harder to run today. I'm not sure if that was because I ran yesterday and it's been a while since I've done two days in a row, the fact that it was an afternoon run when I'm more tired anyway, or a combination. But, we finished, we did a combination of walking and running, so that's OK. We ended up with 5.10 miles. I used to be able to run 6 in the time I finish 5 now, but at least I'm trying. I want to sign up for a 1/2 marathon in mid-September,so I've got almost 2 months to get back into some sort of shape. I have a plan, and we'll see if it works!
Gotta run ...
We did the Riverside "extended" loop. We went a little further today. Once we got by the Ranchland area, we took one road left and went to the entrance of the new elementary building. Then we headed home. After the sprint up the hill (with me PULLING Ares), we crossed 5th and went just a bit further as I was aiming for a specific mileage amount.
I took the water bottle for Ares, so he did better this time. He finished 1/2 of it after one mile! We refilled it at Riverside Park. He also got a sprinkle of water when we ran by Kircher's Florest, as they were watering their plants.
My knee pain didn't start until around three miles, so I think it's better. Either that, or I'm just getting more tolerant of the pain. It felt harder to run today. I'm not sure if that was because I ran yesterday and it's been a while since I've done two days in a row, the fact that it was an afternoon run when I'm more tired anyway, or a combination. But, we finished, we did a combination of walking and running, so that's OK. We ended up with 5.10 miles. I used to be able to run 6 in the time I finish 5 now, but at least I'm trying. I want to sign up for a 1/2 marathon in mid-September,so I've got almost 2 months to get back into some sort of shape. I have a plan, and we'll see if it works!
Gotta run ...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday Morning
My knee has been hurting all week, but I decided I need to start doing something. I've not been able to lose the weight I gained over the winter, and it's really starting to bother me. So, I'm going to try to run or run/walk every day -- the walks alone aren't doing enough.
It was a nice, cool morning. Ares and I started off at a slow run. We did an extended Riverside loop -- we went out Jefferson as far as Ranchland Hotel. Of course, we ended up with the sprint up the hill. Half-way up the hill a dog came out, so we were interrupted, but at least we made it. Ares was pulling quite a bit, so it was a tough sprint!
We did see some wildlife this morning -- a doe and her TWO fawns. I took a picture with my cell phone -- if you squint really hard and use your imagination, you might be able to pick out the doe.
All is all it was a nice run. My knee started to really hurt at around the 2-mile point. The problem was that at that point we were 2 miles from home, so we had to run back. I think we actually did more running than walking. I'm going to take some Advil and see if that helps the knee today. We ended up with 4.3 miles.
Gotta run ...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Evening Run
I hurt my knee on Sunday. Yes, it is the same knee I hurt before. I was walking the dogs and I slipped in the driveway. So, I decided to go for a test run this evening. I figured a short evening run/walk was the best way for a test -- there are people awake in my household that will answer the telephone if I need a ride home.
We did a combination of walking/running. Ares seemed a little tired, and I didn't want to overdo it. We did the back way almost to the high school, the Riverside loop, and the run up the hill. I saw some wildlife this time -- there were several deer in the fields. Ares didn't seem them, luckily, or he would have pulled me into the field!
My knee held up OK. It still hurts, though. I did make it over 3 miles (3.7), so I know I can still participate in 5k's. I am going to really try to build up again, and I'll be more careful when I'm walking the dogs, etc. I tend to wear sandals when I'm not running, but that's not a good thing as they are too slippery, so I will start to wear running shoes even for walks. If my knee starts to feel better again, I will invest in some new running shoes.
So, even though I'm a tad discouraged, as long as I can make it 3.1 miles, I can still be a runner. And I'm probably just having a string of bad luck and things will get better. Last year was such a good year; maybe this is just an off year for me and running. Curt and I have figured that even years are usually better for us, anyway :)
Gotta run ...
We did a combination of walking/running. Ares seemed a little tired, and I didn't want to overdo it. We did the back way almost to the high school, the Riverside loop, and the run up the hill. I saw some wildlife this time -- there were several deer in the fields. Ares didn't seem them, luckily, or he would have pulled me into the field!
My knee held up OK. It still hurts, though. I did make it over 3 miles (3.7), so I know I can still participate in 5k's. I am going to really try to build up again, and I'll be more careful when I'm walking the dogs, etc. I tend to wear sandals when I'm not running, but that's not a good thing as they are too slippery, so I will start to wear running shoes even for walks. If my knee starts to feel better again, I will invest in some new running shoes.
So, even though I'm a tad discouraged, as long as I can make it 3.1 miles, I can still be a runner. And I'm probably just having a string of bad luck and things will get better. Last year was such a good year; maybe this is just an off year for me and running. Curt and I have figured that even years are usually better for us, anyway :)
Gotta run ...
Friday, July 10, 2009
OK Run
After yesterday's trip to Cleveland and Warped Tour, I really just wanted to sleep in today. But the dogs thought otherwise. So, once I was up, I figured I might as well go for a run. Ares didn't get a walk or run in yesterday, so I knew he needed to get out and about.
It was a beautiful, cool morning. We started out the back way to the high school. Ares decided partway through that he didn't want to cooperate -- he didn't want to run, didn't want to walk, he just wanted to meander along and sniff. He was pulling too much, also, and my arm started to hurt. I decided to shorten the run (not go all the way to the high school) and see if we could even make it home without calling someone to pick him up.
Well, we got just past where we would turn to go by the high school, and along comes one of the girls cross-country team members. Ares decided to pick up the pace and follow her. I had no choice but to go along with it. There was one bad point where, at the last minute, he decided to go on the OTHER side of the pole (and I have the scrapes to show for it), but for the most part it was a good sprint. We probably followed Lena for 3/4 of a mile or so, until she went straight and we went the Riverside loop. By then Ares was pretty tired (he's never run that fast) so we finished up with the hill by the house.
All in all it was better than I thought it would be. We only went 3.7 miles, but considering the fact neither one of us felt like running, it was a good run. Maybe I'll go for another run this evening (after the zoo trip), maybe not. I think some time this weekend I will take a short run with Ares, drop him off at home, and go off by myself. It depends on how I feel and the weather!
Gotta run ...
It was a beautiful, cool morning. We started out the back way to the high school. Ares decided partway through that he didn't want to cooperate -- he didn't want to run, didn't want to walk, he just wanted to meander along and sniff. He was pulling too much, also, and my arm started to hurt. I decided to shorten the run (not go all the way to the high school) and see if we could even make it home without calling someone to pick him up.
Well, we got just past where we would turn to go by the high school, and along comes one of the girls cross-country team members. Ares decided to pick up the pace and follow her. I had no choice but to go along with it. There was one bad point where, at the last minute, he decided to go on the OTHER side of the pole (and I have the scrapes to show for it), but for the most part it was a good sprint. We probably followed Lena for 3/4 of a mile or so, until she went straight and we went the Riverside loop. By then Ares was pretty tired (he's never run that fast) so we finished up with the hill by the house.
All in all it was better than I thought it would be. We only went 3.7 miles, but considering the fact neither one of us felt like running, it was a good run. Maybe I'll go for another run this evening (after the zoo trip), maybe not. I think some time this weekend I will take a short run with Ares, drop him off at home, and go off by myself. It depends on how I feel and the weather!
Gotta run ...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Morning Run
This morning Ares was very energetic -- it could be those chocolates he stole last night. Anyway, he definitely wanted to run with me this morning.
It was a perfect morning for a run. The temperature was barely 60 degrees (maybe not even 60), the sun was out, and there was a gentle breeze. After I dragged Ares away from the chewy treat the neighbor gave him, off we went.
We ran the back way to the high school and back to Riverside. About the time we got to the park, I thought Ares' feet were a little sore. And, we needed to figure out a good route to get to our mileage goal. We decided to run in Riverside Park. It is a different running experience. I'm not used to soft ground, so I really had to watch myself. Ares loved it. I think we ran about 1/2 mile in and around the soccer fields. But, Ares ate his daily fill of clover, though (he loves to eat anything that slightly resembles a flower).
We then went back towards home and up the hill by the house, as usual. Ares was getting a little warm, and there happened to be someone watering their lawn with a sprinkler. They graciously let Ares play in the water a bit. We then finished off by running to the video store and then back home.
All and all it was a good run. I don't run as quickly when I have Ares with me, but he is slowly getting better. I only have to say no about 5 times when he starts to chew on the leash (it used to be much more difficult to get him to stop) or when he tries to grab some recycling to bring home. I don't want him running with a plastic bottle in his mouth, so I won't let him pick them up on runs.
I need to figure out some way to run some days/times with him, and some without. At least we are trying to gradually build up our mileage. Today we ended up with 5.30 miles.
Gotta run ...
Oh, and for those women runners who may read this (men can stop reading now) -- I bought a new running bra at Victoria's Secret yesterday (yeah, I know -- who knew I'd find one there) and it is GREAT. I'm going to get another one or two the next time I'm there.
It was a perfect morning for a run. The temperature was barely 60 degrees (maybe not even 60), the sun was out, and there was a gentle breeze. After I dragged Ares away from the chewy treat the neighbor gave him, off we went.
We ran the back way to the high school and back to Riverside. About the time we got to the park, I thought Ares' feet were a little sore. And, we needed to figure out a good route to get to our mileage goal. We decided to run in Riverside Park. It is a different running experience. I'm not used to soft ground, so I really had to watch myself. Ares loved it. I think we ran about 1/2 mile in and around the soccer fields. But, Ares ate his daily fill of clover, though (he loves to eat anything that slightly resembles a flower).
We then went back towards home and up the hill by the house, as usual. Ares was getting a little warm, and there happened to be someone watering their lawn with a sprinkler. They graciously let Ares play in the water a bit. We then finished off by running to the video store and then back home.
All and all it was a good run. I don't run as quickly when I have Ares with me, but he is slowly getting better. I only have to say no about 5 times when he starts to chew on the leash (it used to be much more difficult to get him to stop) or when he tries to grab some recycling to bring home. I don't want him running with a plastic bottle in his mouth, so I won't let him pick them up on runs.
I need to figure out some way to run some days/times with him, and some without. At least we are trying to gradually build up our mileage. Today we ended up with 5.30 miles.
Gotta run ...
Oh, and for those women runners who may read this (men can stop reading now) -- I bought a new running bra at Victoria's Secret yesterday (yeah, I know -- who knew I'd find one there) and it is GREAT. I'm going to get another one or two the next time I'm there.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday Morning Vacation Run
We are technically on vacation this week. For me, most of the week will be spent at home, doing the normal things, except I won't be working. Since I am home all week, I am going to try to get some more runs in. I didn't run yesterday due to family activities, so it begins today!
By the time I got some bills, laundry, dishes done, it was mid-morning. I got ready to run, and Ares was sleeping on the couch. I tried and tried, but he did not want to leave his comfortable spot. So, off I went by myself.
It was a fairly uneventful run. I went the back way to the high school, Riverside, up the hill by my house, and another short loop and run up the hill. I didn't see any wildlife to speak of, and no other runners/walkers/bicyclists. I think everyone must be on vacation this week, too.
I ended up with 5.2 miles. My goal for this week is to run at least 5 miles each run (I realize I may have to drop Ares off at home part-way through the run). Then next week, depending on how it goes, I'd like to increase to 5.5 miles or so. I may have to do two weeks at 5 miles before I do that. By the end of July I want to be back to my 6-mile runs, if my body holds up! I really want to run the Cleveland River Run 1/2 Marathon in September and actually be prepared this time.
Gotta run ...
By the time I got some bills, laundry, dishes done, it was mid-morning. I got ready to run, and Ares was sleeping on the couch. I tried and tried, but he did not want to leave his comfortable spot. So, off I went by myself.
It was a fairly uneventful run. I went the back way to the high school, Riverside, up the hill by my house, and another short loop and run up the hill. I didn't see any wildlife to speak of, and no other runners/walkers/bicyclists. I think everyone must be on vacation this week, too.
I ended up with 5.2 miles. My goal for this week is to run at least 5 miles each run (I realize I may have to drop Ares off at home part-way through the run). Then next week, depending on how it goes, I'd like to increase to 5.5 miles or so. I may have to do two weeks at 5 miles before I do that. By the end of July I want to be back to my 6-mile runs, if my body holds up! I really want to run the Cleveland River Run 1/2 Marathon in September and actually be prepared this time.
Gotta run ...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4th Defiance River Run 5K
Well, today was the annual Defiance River Run 5K. I don't remember how many of these races I have taken part in, but it's been several years in a row.
I started out expecting my worst time ever. I'm not in nearly as good as shape as I was last year, I have been plagued by so many injuries, and so forth. To top it off, we had a great Aldrich gathering last night, but this morning I had a stomach ache. This is the first time EVER I've run when I had stomach cramps before I even started!
It is a fairly cool morning. I wore my jacket to the race. Usually we walk there, but today Curt and I drove (he always cheers me on at this race). I had walked Ares earlier, so at least I was a little warmed up.
There was a medium size crowd. I tried to start off at a decent pace,not too fast and not to slowly (I tend to start these things too fast and run out of breath). I even slowed down a few times and talked to some friends during the first 1/4 mile or so. But I didn't stop running.
I ended up with not my worst time, and better than the 5K I ran a few weeks back. If I'd been in an age group one or two down (yes a younger age group), I may have taken home a prize. My age group (45-59) has a LOT of fast women runners. I figured out that I came in 4th. My main goal was to finish without having to catch a ride, my second goal was to run the entire way, and my third goal was to make sure I was under 30 minutes and have a better time than the Bullfrog 5K a few weeks ago. I didn't run fast enough for a prize, but I did meet my goals in this race. So I'm happy with my results!
And now I am resolved to work harder on getting back in shape and losing those few pounds to get to what I feel is my prime running weight. Well, I'll start after this weekend -- we have more family events planned! I am on vacation this coming week, so it's a perfect time to get a few more runs in.
There was only one problem. When I got home, Ares took one sniff and he knew I'd been for a run. He gave me such a look -- he was so disappointed that I went without him. I tried to tell him that dogs weren't allowed at this race. A few treats later he was OK.
Gotta run ...
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