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 ...

Torrential Downpour

I love to run in the rain, as do many runners. This afternoon I started out on a run and there was a gentle rain -- perfect for a run. As I continued with the run, the rain came down harder and harder. I still didn't mind. I was about 1 mile from home when the air cooled drastically, the wind picked up and blew my hat off my head, and there was a loud clap of thunder. Just about then, the skies opened up and a torrential downpour started. I may be crazy sometimes, but I knew I had to cut my run short. It wasn't the rain, it was the thunder. I've been close to lightening too many times. I ran back home, and got just over 2 miles in. At least it was something! I am going to try to get up in the morning and run before going to Dayton.

Fantastic Run

First of all, yes I missed a day's run. But I have a good excuse -- I went golfing. It was the first time EVER that I played golf. Luckily it was a scramble, so it didn't matter. It was fun (and I was the only one who was NOT drinking beer; I stuck to water).

Tonight when it finally cooled off a little bit, I went for a run. It felt great. I finally got a little better pace going again. At 50 minutes into the run, I decided to set a goal for how many miles I could finish in an hour (a little late in the run, I know). I had to push it, but I made my goal. Then I pretty much walked the remaining short distance home.

I went out past the high school, turned around at Ginter road, did the usual Riverside thing, then decided to run by the library. I expected to see more wildlife as it was turning dark, but I guess it was still too hot for the deer, etc. I did see (and run into) many insects, however!

I ended up with just over 6.5 miles, a good run for me right now. I'm going to try to get two runs in this weekend, but I may not make Sunday's run due to a trip to Dayton.

Why I run (not about a run)

Some people question why I have embraced running as I have. Sometimes I wonder myself! So, I decided to write a blog to explain to myself and others why I like running so much.

With three teenagers, a handicapped adult child, an elderly mother-in-law, issues with my siblings, and just life in general, I currently have the potential for a lot of stress in my life. At times in the past it has become almost overwhelming.

The main reason I like to run is that it helps my mood. When I feel anxious, worried, stressed, or depressed, there is nothing like a good run to make me feel better. I may still have the same feelings after a good run, but they are much less intense and I am usually able to logically figure out why I am experiencing these feelings and even come up with solutions. When I run in the morning, it helps me to remain calm when I have too many "fires to put out" on my job, and I am more productive. I know some members of my family have noticed how running improves my mood, and I have been asked, or told rather strongly, to go for a run at times!

But, I like to run when I am happy, too!

There are other reasons I run. I have a family history of heart disease. I eat right, am not overweight, and I still have high blood pressure. So, I am running from heredity. I've finally started to get somewhat of a runner's build (as much as I can with my family genes), and I like the way I look when I stick to a good running plan. I also feel more energetic when I run regularly -- except for those days when I get up early to run after having stayed up too late the night before! I also sleep better when I am running regularly.

When I run, I am able to think about all sorts of things or even meditate in some ways. I'll listen to some good music and watch the world around me. I pay attention to the nature around me. On runs I have seen deer, rabbits, birds, groundhogs, and many other animals. I almost was run over by a deer once! I have discovered the joys of running in the rain and of running at night. Everything is so different at night! Only true runners understand how satisfying it is to run in the rain -- one of my favorite runs is when it is moderately warm and there is a gentle (or even not so gentle) rain falling. It is as if any problems in my life are washed away.

In the winter, when I am relegated to the treadmill for most runs, I get a chance to catch up on movies or television shows (mainly from the Sci-Fi channel) that I have missed because I was otherwise occupied, or because I fell asleep while watching them.

Running is one of the few things I do just for myself. As a wife and mother with a full time job, most of my time is spent doing things for other people. I will run by myself or with friends. I like to encourage others to run. I believe it is better to have a nice conversation while running than over a beer (I don't drink anyway) and fatty food.

I also gain a sense of accomplishment through running. This can be by reaching a goal of running a specific number of days/miles in a week, finishing a race, or bettering my time from race to race. I never set a goal to place in my age group or finish first, but it certainly is great when I do accomplish this.

And last, but not least, I run so I can eat more chocolate!

Morning Run

I guess it is a good thing last night's run was more of a walk. Late last evening one of my running buddies called me up and suggested an early morning run for today. She and I haven't been running together for a while, so of course I said "yes."

We left at 5:30 a.m. this morning as I have to be home by 6:30 or so in order to get my shower in and start work by 7:00 a.m. The sun was just coming up and it was not too hot (but it wasn't really cool, either). It was fun to run in the morning for a change. We had some nice conversation along the way, and the run was over much too quickly. There was not much wildlife out and about; I expected to see a lot this early in the morning. It was a fun run and we decided to do more of these morning runs. I'm sure I'll be tired this afternoon, though. I used to run almost exclusively in the mornings, so I'll get used to this again quickly (I hope).

We ended up with 5.55 miles.

Hot outside

It is very hot outside today. I went for a run with a friend -- it actually was more of a brisk walk than a run. We would start to run, but after a few minutes we needed to walk. We alternated this way, with more walking than running.

We saw a little bit of wildlife, but most of the creatures were staying out of the heat. We saw a rabbit (there are always rabbits hopping about), a cardinal, a red-winged blackbird, and a heron of some sort.

I needed an easy day, so it was a good day for this. My hip was hurting quite a bit last night, and I don't need problems with that again. Oh, the pain (literally) of running when we are a little bit past our prime! Even with the heat, though, we managed 5.25 miles -- not bad.

short post

This is the usual -- hot (well, not so humid) run. It was 5.56 miles. I was pretty close on my estimate for yesterday's run -- I ran the same route today. Nothing unusual, but I feel oh so much better after a run!

Another hot run

I went for another hot, humid run. It seems like the weather in Ohio has been that way lately!

And, since my 50-year old brain sometimes misfires, I turned on my Garmin, but apparently turned it off after about 1 block. I estimate I ran 5.5 miles, but since I was trying to shake up my route a bit, I'm not exactly sure. But, I've done well with my running almost every day routine -- let's see if I can keep it up! I'd like to get to the point where I am back to steadily doing at least 30 miles a week (that's 5 days at 6 miles, or 6 at 5 miles, or somewhere in between), and then start increasing again. At one time I was running 40-50 miles a week, and I felt really good.

I want to take advantage of the fact I can get a lot of outside runs in right now.

Blah Blah

Another boring post. These are mainly for me, anyway. It's been too hot for any interesting wildlife, although this morning I did see a pair of yellow finches.

It's hot, humid, and I needed to get home before the predicted storms (yet again) hit us this morning. I ran 4.55 miles. At least I'm sticking to the "almost every day" run. In a week or so, I'll start trying to step up the mileage, if the humidity lessens a bit!

This will get boring

My runs have been pretty non-eventful lately. But, I have been able to go for a run three days in a row -- so I think I'm finally getting back on track. Today was the usual high school/Ginter Road/Riverside loop. My time was a little slow -- that happens when you try to talk on the phone while running! I ended up with just over 5.6 miles. It was hot, but it felt good. I always sleep so well after an early evening run.

I'll keep posting in the blog just to keep my incentive going, and maybe one of these days something exciting or different will happen again! I don't think anyone really reads these, anyway.

Great Hot Run

It was a hot day today. But, I wanted, no I NEEDED a run. So, off I went about an hour after work.

I went the usual route (I need to start changing things up a bit) - the back way to the high school, Ginter Road, and back to the Riverside loop, with one extra SHORT loop around my block.

I ended up with about 5.82 miles. I wanted to get 6 miles in, but the heat and the s'more I ate before the run (the worst idea I've ever had) said STOP when I ran by the house the second time, intending to go another loop or two.

Well, that's two days in a row. Maybe I can make it three!

Another short run

We've had a series of thunderstorms today, but I tried to get in a short run tonight between the storms. It would have been longer, but I stopped to talk to some friends I hadn't seen in a while.

I did the usual run out to the high school (well, not quite there because the sky started getting dark), then back and finished the Riverside loop. I only did 4 miles, but at least it was something.

I'm going to try to step up my runs a bit -- first by running more often, then increasing the mileage again on some runs. I miss those 10+ mile runs -- I really do!

Storms are coming. Time to get off the computer.

Great morning to run

Today was a great morning to run. The air was slightly cool, not too humid, and the sun was just coming up. It was the perfect morning to go for one of those long runs I enjoy. Unfortunately, my ankle is still a little stiff so I had to take it easy.

I just ran out to the high school and back, finishing up via Riverside. On the way to the high school, I saw a deer and two fawns. I tried to get a picture with my cell phone, but just as I was snapping the picture, a car drove by and they ran off into the woods.

My ankle managed to hold up OK (I did have to walk some of the time), and I ended up with 4.4 miles. It is a little stiff and sore now, so I'm going to not push the runs for a few days to give it some more time to hear. Darn bouncy balls!

Defiance River Run

Well, I wasn't sure how well this run was going to turn out. Last night, while carrying a laundry basket, I stepped on one of those little "bouncy balls" and twisted my ankle. I took some ibuprofen and kept it elevated.

Today was the race. The first part of the race took us through some muddy, pothole-filled section, but after that it was city roads. And, for once, I didn't have to wait at any streets for cars to pass.

My ankle hurt a little bit, but by the end of the first mile it was just numb. I ended up coming in second in my age group. I was just a little slower than my race 2 weeks ago -- 27:25 (two weeks ago it was 27:11). I feel good about the run -- I was able to run relatively well in spite of my ankle. I don't have any races scheduled for later this summer, but I think I'll need to find one or two just to keep myself motivated.

Also running in the race were some of my husband's cousins, his niece and nephew, their cousins, wives, boyfriends, etc. Four of us ended up placing. One placed 3rd in her age group, another placed 3rd in his age group, Ryan placed second in his age group, and I placed second in mine. It was a good showing for the family, but most of all we had fun!

Now it's time for a great brunch with the family.

Hot, hot run

I just got back from a hot, afternoon run. There was very little wind, either. I know it's crazy to run in the afternoon, but I have no other time today. I'm trying another 5K on Friday, so I don't really want to run tomorrow. I usually try to take a day off before a run.

Anyway, I did my usual Jefferson Ave/Ginter Road/Riverside loop. I tried to run some faster short sprints to get my heart rate up, and then walk to bring it back down. It seemed to work pretty well. I needed a slightly different workout today.

I ended up with 5.55 miles. Not too bad in this heat, I don't believe. I didn't see much of any wildlife, though. The animals know enough to stay out of the heat!