Tuesday Morning Run

I went running with one of my friends this morning. Our kids were in a contest together on Sunday night, and we decided to make a running date for this morning. Both of us probably would have slept in if we didn't have plans - it's one of those types of mornings. She said she almost called to cancel, but didn't.

We started off around 5:30. It was already muggy outside. Since it was still dark, we ran through town, and up to and through the Lowe's parking lot. We then ran home. We did not do any of the "almost country" running today. I probably should have continued on after we finished, but I needed to get ready for work. We ended up with 4.5 miles. I try to get in at least 5, but it's better than no run at all.

I will be out of town tomorrow so there will be no run. Maybe Thursday, if I can get up after the late night Wednesday.

Sunday Morning Run

Today was another perfect morning for running. I felt good this morning -- I've had two nights of uninterrupted sleep.

I used to train using a Heart Rate Monitor program. I haven't been training lately since I have no long races planned, but I decided that I would go back on the training program starting in August. Under the training program I use, there are some times when the heart rate has to stay below a certain point, within a certain range. When I first start up the training again, it is usually difficult on these days -- I have to walk sometimes just to keep it down to that point. After a week or two I am able to keep the rate low while running. I attribute this to the days when I have to push the rate up -- and after a few days of these I think the body is more efficient.

I decided to strap on the heart rate monitor this morning just to see what kind of shape I was in. I wanted to emulate one of the slower days on the training programming since I had somewhat of a long run yesterday. Well, I surprised myself. I was able to keep my heart rate within the range for the "slow" days of the training program while running. It wasn't an extremely fast pace, but it was a pretty good pace. So, all of my running this summer, even though I haven't been following any program, has been getting/keeping me in shape.

It was a good run; I ended up with 5.75 miles (I had planned on about 4). I did the usual Ginter Road/Riverside Loop (not the back way). I saw a doe and her fawn frolicking in the woods, a flock of yellow finches, and the usual rabbits. I didn't pass too many other runners/walkers this morning -- so many people missed a beautiful morning to be out!

Saturday Morning Run

It was slightly overcast and cool (well, at least not too hot) when I woke up this morning. I needed a run, of course, so off I went. I felt a little sluggish when I started. It could have been due to eating too much junk food yesterday, or the fact I fell asleep on the couch and slept there all night, or some other reason. After a mile or so the sluggishness started to wear off.

I tried to keep a steady pace -- not too slow, but not too fast, either. My goal was to get a slightly longer run in than I have been lately. I needed to make sure I had enough energy to go an extra mile or two. And just now I realized I bought some Sports Beans yesterday so I could bring them along on a run today. Oh well, I will bring them the next time I plan a longer run. For those not familiar with Sports Beans, they are jelly beans from the makers of Jelly Belly jelly beans (the best jelly beans in my opinion), and they contain nutrients for runners, etc. It is easier to carry these than Gatorade or some other sports drink. Often I have route where I can stop and drink water from drinking fountains, so the Sports Beans give me the electrolytes I need.

I had to edit this -- I forgot to mention what little bit of wildlife there was. I saw the usual rabbits, yellow finches, etc., but the most interest thing happened as I crossed the Hopkins Street bridge. I looked down in time to see a heron catch a fish.

I ended up going the back way and the extended Ginter Road route -- meaning I ran all the way to Watson road and then back to do the Ginter loop. I ended with the Riverside loop. I did meet my goal -- I finished with exactly 8 miles.

I've got to run!

Morning Run

I decided to get up early this morning and run. Well, actually I turned off my alarm and was going to sleep a bit more, but my husband started snoring, I couldn't sleep, so I figured that I might as well get up.

It was still a little dark when I started off. Instead of the usual route, I ran through town to the end of the sidewalk near Lowe's. By the time I ran back through town, it was light enough to do a little bit in the country. I didn't go all the way to the high school, just to the Baptist Church. But, I did finish the Riverside loop. I ended up with 6.18 miles. The only issue was that, because I ran on sidewalks through town, my knees hurt a little bit. The concrete just doesn't give as much as the roadways. At least my hip isn't sore (so far) this morning.

It was a beautiful morning to run. It was interesting watching the town "wake up" on a Thursday morning. The traffic was very light when I started, and it got heavier as my run progressed. I saw more runners and walkers out than I have seen lately in my afternoon/evening runs. I didn't see wildlife like I expected, but I didn't go that far out of the city. Riverside Park was beautiful with the mist rising from the soccer fields.

I'm glad I ran this morning. Now if I can just stay away tonight when we go to see The Dark Knight!

Yet again in the hot sun

I managed yet another run in the hot sun. It was the usual -- back way/Ginter Road/Riverside loop, ending up with just over 5.5 miles. I completely re-did the songs on my Ipod Shuffle, so there was something new about the run. Since my daughter and I (and her friend) are going to the Vans Warped Tour next Wednesday, probably half the songs were from the Warped Tour CD.

For the few people who actually read this blog, I probably won't be posting another run for a few days. About a mile from home my leg started to go numb, and my hip is now extremely sore. I'm going to try to rest it for a day or two. I'm busy tomorrow and didn't plan a run anyway. If I do anything, it will be a walk or slow run.

I'll have to find another way to keep my sanity the next few days. I feel so much better after a run, even when it seems too short, too hot, or too stormy.

Finally

I finally was able to finish a run today without having to retreat from storms. But, it was hot and extremely humid. I went the back way/Ginter Road/Riverside loop, and I kept hoping for a little breeze. I would have welcomed a rain shower today, but I was glad for the lack of lightening and thunder.

It wasn't my best run because it was so hot and humid, but I still managed to get in just over 5.5 miles. I will probably not get runs in every day this week as it is a very busy week. My goal this week is for at least 4 runs -- if the weather cooperates.

Another run thwarted by the weather

After yesterday's run that was cut short, I got up early today to go for a run. As I started out, I thought I heard thunder, but just then a train went by, so I thought it was just that.

Well, I was about the same spot I was yesterday when the rain hit -- and I hear thunder and see lightening. I turned around and sprinted as fast as I could home. As I mentioned in another post, I don't like lightening! I was in our backyard a few years back when lightening struck our house (that was pretty scary), and when we lived in Florida I actually felt a tingle when I was outside (running to my car) during a storm and then a big bolt of lightening lit up the sky just as I got into the car. I read later that when you feel a tingle like that, you are in danger of being hit.

Anyway, I didn't get too wet because I made it home before the downpour. I ended up with 2.85 miles. I guess if I combine yesterday's afternoon run and today's morning run, I can say I ran once this weekend! Maybe tomorrow it will be better ...