Sunburn hurts

Yesterday we spent the entire day at a soccer field. I had sunscreen on, but the torrential morning rains must have washed it off. The afternoon was bright and sunny. I didn't realize until last night how sunburned the tops of my legs were.

I decided to go for a run this evening. I forgot about the sunburn, and wore capri-length running pants. Ouch! I usually warm up with a walk, so it didn't hurt at first. As soon as I started running I could feel it. The smart thing would have been to turn around and not run, or change into shorts. But, once I've gotten started, I don't like to stop. So, off I went.

Other than the pain from the pants rubbing my sunburn, it was a relatively good run. It was a little warm, but the evening air cooled as the run continued. I saw some deer feeding in the fields; that is always a peaceful sight. I ended up with just over 5.5 miles. I hope the sunburn is better before my next run.

The rain failed again

Today started out as a perfect run. It was lightly raining as I left. But, about 5 minutes into my run the rain stopped. It is a hot and humid morning, so it was not the best run. I was way off my normal pace. Short run, short blog. I ended up with 5.6 miles in the time I usually run at least 6. But, at least I did get a run in before the all day soccer tournament!

Crazy

Tonight was a crazy night for run. I decided to take a chance, even though the radar showed rain coming. Earlier my daughter and I went for a walk and got caught in a heavy downpour.

I took off and it almost started to rain. But, alas, no. It was so humid that barely a mile into my run I was soaking wet. I had to run at a slower pace. I was looking forward to some good rain, but it never came.

But, there were good things about the run. I saw several deer along the way. One was so close that I could almost reach out and touch it. When I went past Riverside Park, I could see the steam rising from the grass. It was a beautiful night. Despite the humidity, I got in just over 6 miles.

I had to edit this. As I was doing today's run (6/28) I realized I had forgotten something. On this nighttime run, something really strange happened -- I was hit with a hula hoop! Some children were playing with one and it got away from them. I just laughed -- it didn't hurt and it was funny.

Afternoon Run

Since I didn't feel prepared for the last race, I'm trying to run at least a little bit almost every day before the next race.

Today I took off shortly after 4:00. It started out as a wonderful run -- it was raining, and I love to run in the rain. Alas, the rain only lasted about a mile into the run, and then it was just humid again.

I started out my usual "back road" route to the high school. There was some road construction, so I had to take the detour and ended up running on 15 a little bit. Then I was able to deviate back to my normal route, and then the Ginter Road loop.

It did turn out to be a nice run, despite the humidity. There were hardly any insects out (unlike my nighttime runs), and I saw quite a bit of wildlife. I saw a few herd of deer, and the usual rabbits, birds, etc.

I ended up with about 6.18 mile -- not bad for what started out as a short run.

I am out of town tomorrow, so I probably won't get a run in. You never know, though!

Short day after race run

I went on a short "day after race" run today. I ended up with about 4.5 miles. I just ran to the high school and back home. There was some wildlife -- I got pretty close to a deer.

But, now my legs are sore so it's time to rest!

Short run, short blog entry.

2008 Bullfrog 5K

I just got back from the 2008 Bullfrog 5K. What a great run! The day started out cloudy with a few storms. It rained on the drive to the race, and it felt cold and damp when we arrived at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. I brought a warmer shirt with me, so I changed into that one. There were a few ominous looking clouds overhead.

Just before the race started, the clouds cleared and the sun came out. We lined up to start and I placed myself in the middle of the pack (between the fast teenagers and the walkers). Finally the race started. I kept a good pace, and I realized I was passing many runners before we even got off the track. I guess I should have lined up a little closer to the starting line!

I kept a pretty good pace throughout the entire race. As the race progressed, I passed more runners -- and I did not get passed by any. I managed to run the entire race without taking any walking breaks. The race starts and ends on the track. Just before I got back to the track, I started getting stomach cramps (rare for me), but I just slowed my pace a bit and kept on going. It was a great feeling running through the finisher's gates!

The end result -- I ran this race 6 minutes faster than last year's race. I ran my fastest 5K ever. I'm not a fast runner, but I'll take 27:14. Hey -- it was good enough to take first place in my age group!

I'm a little behind -- 2 runs

I've been so busy that I am behind on these postings.

On Sunday morning (June 15) I went for a nice 7.35 mile run. I was in the midst of a stressful, extremely busy weekend, so I really needed the run. I don't remember a lot about it, but it was a beautiful morning, and perfect weather for running. Oh, I do remember getting at the furthest point away from home, and my legs started going numb (something new for me). As it was Father's Day, I didn't want to call and wake up my husband, so I walked for a while until I felt better. I had spent the better part of the weekend sitting in an auditorium, so that was probably what caused the issues. I was able to finish the run without any more problems.

I went for another run last evening (June 19). It was nice and cool, and still light enough to run. I don't like to run alone in the evening/nighttime, so one of my daughter's friends ran with me. There was a lot of wildlife around. We scared a rabbit or two on the run. And, as we were crossing the bridge on Jefferson (crossing the river) we saw some deer. One was a mother and a fairly young fawn. It was another good run, and I ended up with 7 miles.

I keep track of my pace with my Garmin, and I am getting faster, or so it seems. I am running a 5K tomorrow, and I'm curious how I do compared to last year. I don't feel as prepared, however, so we'll see how it goes. The real reason I am running it is for charity. This is the Bullfrog 5K run/walk in Fulton County, and the proceeds benefit Mennonite Central Committee and Sunshine Inc. of Northwest Ohio. My oldest daughter has been part of the Sunshine family for almost 30 years, so this is a good charity.

I'll try to post tomorrow as soon as I get home from the race -- good or not so good results!

Early Morning Run

I haven't been on an early morning run in a while. I've forgotten how much I like them.

Today I took off around 5:30 a.m. The sun was just starting to come up. As I ran on the bridge across the river, I saw the sunrise reflecting in the water. What a peaceful sight!

I ran to Lowe's (actually to the store - through the parking lot), then back through town, and the "extended" Riverside loop. When I started it was quiet with few cars. By the time I was running back through downtown, the traffic had picked up quite a bit. Once I got on the Riverside loop, though, their was no traffic and I was able to enjoy the sites and sounds of nature (well, I still had my ipod, but it was turned down).

I think I am getting faster. I have not been doing my usual training plan. I have just been running -- to have fun, relax, and keep in shape. I am participating in a race in about 1-1/2 weeks, so I'm curious to see how my time is.

Time to work! What a great way to start the day -- with a 6.67 mile run.

Peaceful Nighttime Run

Tonight was a very peaceful nighttime run. Of course, runs that end close to midnight tend to be quieter.

We've had several stormy days here in Northwest Ohio. There was another storm late this evening. Once the storm passed, the weather turned a little cooler. I decided to go for a run because I know I won't have time tomorrow.

I ran through the back streets to the library and then to the mall. I ran through town on the way back, and decided to finish with the Riverside loop, even though it was very dark! I tripped over fallen branches twice, but managed to keep from falling to the ground.

It was so quiet tonight. I was able to gather my thoughts together and get rid of some of the stress I'm feeling today. There were very few insects, because the city mosquito sprayer was out earlier in the evening. The main roads did not have much traffic. I was hoping to see some wildlife, but I wasn't that lucky tonight. All in all, it was a great run and I wish I could have gone longer. Sometime I'd like to get one of my running partners to go for a late night, long run.

I ended up with 5.36 miles. Not bad for running in the darkness.

Time to sleep.

Tiptoe through the ..... fallen trees?

Today was one of my most interesting runs. A storm went through town last night, causing many trees and branches to fall. A tree fell on our neighbors cars -- all three of them. We lost a tree limb, but luckily Earl's car was not parked out front like it usually is. A few trees across the street fell, too.

The storm damage seemed to be confined to the area between Hopkins Street and Riverside Park, and the streets of Jefferson, Washington, and of course Riverside. That is my usual running route. I went out past the high school, and there were no limbs down much past Williams Street.

I had to run in the street most of the time. Luckily most of the trees and branches had been moved off the streets (except for 3 trees on Jefferson), but the sidewalks were still covered. I had to be careful when I ran under trees, because I could see there were still several broken limbs hanging in the trees.

Aside from dodging the trees and tree limbs, it was a good run. It is still quite humid, but it is not as warm (yet). I needed the run as today is my son's graduation party. I ended up running past the high school, then back home and a short Riverside loop, stopping to take a few pictures. I ended up with just over 6 miles.

I guess instead of mowing the lawn in preparation for the party, we will be clearing branches ...

Whew!

I attempted a run tonight. Well, I actually finished, but it was tough. I called my normal running buddy and talked her into a short run. Even though we didn't start until 9:00 p.m., it is so hot and humid that it was difficult. We made it just under three miles (the Riverside loop plus another half of the loop) before she had to stop - she still had to mow her lawn before leaving on vacation (with a push mower -- no motor). I wanted to get at least five miles in since it's been a while. I stopped at home to get my ipod, and almost didn't start again. But, I knew that once I started I would be OK. I finally took off and ran to the college and back. All in all I ran just over 5.25 miles. The bugs were not as bad as during the last run. I feel pretty good, but it is so humid outside that it took its toll on me. I am going to sleep well tonight! Short blog -- it's bedtime for me.