First Outdoor Run of 2009

Wow, I knew I missed running outside, but I forgot just how much. Today I decided enough of the ice and snow had melted to make it relatively safe to run outside. It was a balmy 37 degrees, which is perfect for running with my winter gear.

I started out a little slowly, dodging the ice and mud patches. As I progressed through my route, I sped up a bit and felt a little more confident. I did have to slow to a walk several times when ice and snow covered my path. I ran to the college, back through town, and finished with the Riverside loop -- including the steep hill near my house. I ended up with 4.5 miles. I would have run further, but I am playing indoor soccer tonight -- for the first time ever (and it's a double header). I didn't want to wear myself out too much.

As soon as more of the ice is gone, I will resume my early morning outside runs. I think the next week or two there will probably still be too much ice early in the morning for me to take a chance -- it's too easy to miss a patch of ice in the dark.

Flying Pig Marathon is 12 weeks from today!

Gotta run ....

Turkey Trot

Today was the annual Turkey Trot at the Independence Dam State Park. I can't remember how many years I have participated in this run, but I know it's been quite a few.

Today was one of the coldest I remember. It was 20 when we left the house, so I'm not sure how much it warmed up, if any, before the start of the race. At least there was no snow/ice this year like there have been in past years. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the roadway was clear.

The field was quite crowded for this particular race. They had the most participants ever!

It was a fairly uneventful race. I ran with my friend for the first half (the first two miles). Curt was at the turnaround point. Then I felt warmed up, so I took off. I know I passed a few others in my age group on the way to the finish line. It felt good to run. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and I felt energized. I was amazed when I saw the end of the course.

When they read the names in my age group, the 3rd place finisher had a time slower than mine, and my name was never read for any of the other places. I went back to the table, and they had forgotten to record my time. They thought they lost my card, but they did find it ... But the person who they originally said was 3rd place was not there, so I did end up with a medal. I don't care if I don't place, but when I do, I want the hardware :) There were new people doing the statistics this year and there were many more people than in the past, so there were bound to be errors. I've done better than 3rd in this race before, but my time today was just as good. There are just a lot of fast women in this age group (50-59).

Now it's time to make bread and turkey.


Gotta run ...

First November Outdoor Run

I guess I didn't keep my resolution -- I have not been running very much the last few weeks. I did get on the treadmill a few times. It's just been so busy. I know that's not a very good excuse, because when I'm busy I'm usually more stressed, and that's when I really need to run! Plus, I've put on about 4 pounds, and I need to get that off.

Today was a chilly, windy, wet morning, but I decided I really wanted to run outside. The annual Turkey Trot is in less than three weeks, so I figure I need to get used to running outside in the colder weather, anyway. It was about 40 degrees outside when I started, with a light drizzle. At least it is not snow - yet! I ran the back way to the high school and back as many streets are still torn up. I ran up the hill by my house and then did a short Riverside loop, and ran up the hill a second time. On the way out to the high school I was running into the wind, and about two miles into the run I started getting diaphragm cramps again. I just backed off my pace a bit and was able to recover. Most of the way back, except for the loops, I had the wind either at my back or at a side angle, so it wasn't as bad.

I ended up with 6.05 miles, so I feel good about that. I was a little cold and damp, but my weather gear did keep me mostly warm. This run was a good way to start my weekend.

Gotta run ...

It's been a long time

I didn't run at all this week, even on the treadmill, so it's been one week since I ran. I knew I needed to get up this morning and run. It rained all day yesterday, and is supposed to rain today, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

I woke up to a nice, sunny autumn morning. It was a little cool -- about 40 degrees out. I put on some of my cooler weather gear and went out the door. I wanted to stop at 2.5 miles, and I wanted to stop at 4 miles. But, I kept going and managed to get my 6 miles in -- actually 6.1. I didn't see any other runners/walkers, or even any wildlife this morning.

It's amazing what a week without running has done -- I felt so out of shape! But, also, I have not been eating very well this week, so that's probably a big part of it. I am determined to start eating better again this week, and I will run more, even if it's on the treadmill. No more taking a week off unless it's absolutely necessary!

Gotta run ...

Finally!

I finally was able to go outside and run. I've been using the treadmill during the week. I did buy some pepper spray yesterday, so I hope to start my morning runs again.

Today started rather emotionally. My son and his girlfriend broke up, and she and I talked this morning. It's hard, because we really felt close to her. But, these things happen. We will continue to spend time with her, though, as a family friend. So, I really, really needed a run today!

It is a beautiful Autumn day. It is the perfect temperature for running, the sun is shining, the air is clear. I ran the back way past the high school, Ginter Road loop, and then the back way home because no pedestrians are currently allowed on the Jefferson Street bridge. I didn't do the Riverside loop, but I did finish with the sprint up the hill. I ended up with 6.3 miles.

Now it's off to a soccer game, and then Band Spectacular.

Gotta run

First Annual Fountain to Fountain 5K Race for Women's Health

Today was the Fountain to Fountain 5K race in Defiance. It was a chilly start to the race. I let fashion overrule common sense, and I wore shorts instead of more practical long pants. Never again! But, I was all pink! Since it was run for women's health, and this is "think pink" month, I had to do it.

I was fine until about mile two. Then I started getting diaphragm cramps and I felt like I couldn't breath. I had to walk for a while, but then I was able to start running again and finish the race. I am still coughing and wheezing a bit -- I've probably got a touch of the virus that's going around my household.

I ended up with a time of 25:26, but I think the course was a little short. I ended up second in my age group, yet again. There is one runner I just can't beat. But, this time I was keeping up with her until I had the problems at mile two. Maybe some other time! I received a nice water container as a prize.

Now it's time to continue on with my busy weekend. It's supposed to be a beautiful one, so maybe I'll get out for a run tomorrow. I've been on the treadmill a few times this week, and it's just not the same (but it's better than not running at all).

Gotta run!

Sunday Afternoon Run

Today is another beautiful Fall day. The sun was shining and it was the perfect temperature. I decided to go for a short, fast run in preparation for the 5K coming up.

I'm used to morning runs, with little traffic. Today it was so noisy! I didn't see any other runners. I saw quite a few teenagers riding bicycles, and the roads were very busy.

I ran to the college and back, and then did the Riverside loop. I ended up with 4.5 miles. It was shorter than usual, but I don't want to overdo it. It was really a good run, and I feel great!

Gotta run.