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 ...

Sunday Afternoon Run

The weather has been cooperating lately in Ohio. It was yet another great day for a run. But, isn't every day a great day for a run, at least once you get started?

I decided I needed a run by myself so I didn't call my running partner. I need to get started on a training plan again. In the past I have had success with a heart rate training plan, so I wore my heart monitor just to get started again with this type of training. The BullFrog 5k is in June (just 8 weeks away, I discovered), and I'd like to be somewhat trained for that race. I mainly run that one because it benefits Sunshine, Inc., and my oldest daughter has been part of the Sunshine family since she was 5 years old. I ran it last year for the first time. It was the first race I participated in after my Father died, and I wasn't trained (I almost gave up running last year due to the family issues), so I didn't do very well. I plan to do better this year!

I had good music on my Ipod Shuffle, and off I went. I decided to head off into the countryside a bit. Unfortunately, the only real wildlife I saw was roadkill. I did see a lot of the human kind, however :) It's funny how friendly people are when they see runners. I still feel a little self-conscious when I run, especially when I am by myself, but I do find I wave at people I see along the way, and that helps. Towards the end of my run I saw a woman who I usually see running (she was working in her garden) -- she's a very good runner, wins all the races in her age group, and I think she is a running coach at the college. I did feel very self-conscious when I ran by her; I could imagine her saying "what an awkward runner, and look how slowly she is running ...". But, I continued on. I stopped at 7.30 miles. I really wanted to run more, but I don't want to get hurt again.

I'll probably be too busy this week for outside runs, so it's back to the treadmill. Maybe there will be an afternoon or evening when I can at least go for a short run ...

Late Night Run - 4/25/2008

I was out of town all week, in an unfamiliar area, so I did all of my running inside on a hotel treadmill. Ugh -- it was beautiful outside, but I just didn't feel safe running outside by myself.

I got back home too late last night to run. Besides, I had laundry and housework to catch up on. I slept in this morning (sleeping in for me means I didn't get up until almost 5:30 a.m.) and didn't have time for a run before work. I had to play catch up at work, so it was a busy day. Then, we had several teenagers over this evening (nothing unusual at our house). By the time everyone left and things settled down, it was after 10:30. I knew I needed a run and wouldn't have time in the morning, but it was so late. Then I took a step out the door. It was warm, breezy, springlike -- a perfect night for a run. I don't like to go alone, so I called my running partner. She was definitely ready for a run, too. She had been thinking about it, but didn't think I'd still be up (she was glad I called). We both needed one! So, off we went at close to 11:00 p.m.

It was a great run (really -- are there any runs that aren't great?). The weather was just right. For the first time this year I was comfortable, even warm, in shorts. The breeze kept me cool as I ran. We ran in town to be safe, and also I wear a hat that has lights on it. It was one of the best night-time runs I've had. We ran about 5.5 miles. When I got home I felt refreshed and ready to settle down for the night. But I remembered that I didn't post anything after my last run, so here I am catching up. And now it's almost 1:00 a.m. here, so ...

Good night!

Saturday Run - 4/19/2008

I didn't have time to post a blog after last Saturday's run. So, here's a quick post.

It was a beautiful, clear morning. I had a lot of things to do, but I decided to get up and go for a run. It was a great run. I watched the sun come up while I was running, and it put everything in perspective. It was a great way to begin what I knew was going to be a busy, stressful weekend. By the time I got home (I ran about 5 miles), my head was clear and my body felt ready for the days ahead.

Now if I only could find the time every morning ...

Cold, Wet Run

Ohio has certainly been having wacky weather lately. When it is nice outside (meaning relatively dry, no ice on the ground to cause me to fall, and just at or above freezing), it seems I always have necessary obligations that keep me from running outside. When I have time to run, it's cold, snowy, rainy -- usually all three.

Today my friend called and said she wanted to go for a run. It is cold (about 40 degrees) with off and on rain/snow/sleet. I was tempted to say no. But, my teenage daughter had a birthday party yesterday. There were 21 teenagers (boys and girls) present, and then 5 girls spent the night. Needless to say, I definitely needed the stress release, so I agreed to go.

On the way to her house, the wind picked up and the rain/sleet started to hit my face. I wondered what I was getting into. She was waiting on her porch, so off we went. As we ran, just when I would start to get too cold/pelted with rain and want to turn back, the sun would come out for just long enough to make me feel warm again. After a few miles, we were warm enough from running that the cold wind/sleet/rain actually felt good! Besides the running, we talk about our kids (our teenage boys are good friends), work, emotions, and life in general. We ended up running about 5.75 miles. By the time I got back home, I felt great! I'm relaxed and ready to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

I need to try to remember this -- running in even nasty weather can be fun and is definitely invigorating!

Finally a Run Outside

I went on a hurried run with a friend a few weeks ago, but today was my first solitary run outside in a long time. Every time we have a little break in the weather, it seems I have work or family obligations. Of course, with three teenagers, I'm always busy! I have been running on the treadmill several times a week, trying to get back in running condition, but there is nothing like a run outside.

I was doing some work today (yes, on a Saturday), and as I looked out the window I noticed how sunny it was. Given that we have had rain, snow, sleet, or else it's been very cold, and it is supposed to rain sometime today, I figured I'd better take my chance. I started some automatic loads for work, and then I had to dig around to find all my gadgets! By the time I found the case for my telephone, some of my cold weather gear, ipod shuffle and the strap for it -- it was about 45 minutes later! Luckily I already knew where my Garmin was. I dressed moderately warmly and was finally off.

It was great. At first I was a little self-conscience. I like to be anonymous when I run, but anymore too many people know me and my hats do not disguise me. That's another thing that happens when you have teenagers -- their friends and parents all know I run so they notice me when I'm out. And, Defiance is not a big town.

After a few minutes, though, I forgot about that. I was enjoying the good music, the sunshine, and the feeling one gets when running. I tried to apply the principles I had been reading about in the Chi Running book. I felt the winter blues lifting as I ran. I even started smiling while I was running. It was a little chilly on the way back because the wind picked up, but I enjoyed every minute. I was able to get 5.25 miles in. What a great way to take a break and get rejuvenated!

Now, let's hope Spring arrives soon so I can run more outside. It really helps lift the wintertime blues and get rid of some of the mental cobwebs.

Will Spring Ever Arrive

Ugh. I've finally gotten sick and tired of the treadmill. I want to run outside! I've been taking it pretty easy since December, just gradually trying to build up some on the treadmill. This is the first winter I didn't get an outside run at least once a week. I was afraid I would slip and fall with the ice, snow, etc. I don't think I've ever gotten this anxious to get outside and run.

I think tomorrow after work I will plan to run outside. Let's home the ice is gone from the sidewalks!