Monday, September 17, 2007

20 Mile Week

Finally, I got in a 20 mile week. It wasn't long ago that falling short of 20 miles in a week was inconceivable. Lately, that's been the norm.

Yesterday's 9 mile run was fantastic. I took off around 9:30am.
The weather was cool and overcast.
It was one of those days, all of the stars were in perfect alignment... I felt great throughout the entire run. My Garmin's battery died at mile 5.5, but I checked the time, and checked it again when I got home. Throughout the run, I averaged a 10:18 mile. Not bad, considering how sporadic my running has been the past couple of weeks.
The dogs even left me alone yesterday! It was amazing!

So, I was thinking after my run... Tunnel Hill is just under 7 weeks away, now. I'm thinking of setting a time goal for myself for that race. I need something to focus on! Right now, I'm thinking of 1:25. That would be a 8:30 pace. It wouldn't be a PR, but it would be a PR for my 30's!
I'll give it a couple of weeks and set my "real" goal after the Centralia 5k.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Random Thoughts

Last night during my run, I was full of them.

Some were running related. When I started running at 6pm, I was miserable. THIS is why I'm a morning runner... get it out of the way before my body wakes up and realizes what's going on. Plus, the sun was out at 6pm and it was pretty warm.

I planned a 4.5 - 5 mile run, but then decided to just go for the 7 mile loop. There were so many people out and about- the weather was perfect for yard work or just plain sitting around outside. I will NOT take a walk break if someone can see me, so no walk breaks for me. Ugh.

I wore a new running skirt that I got over the weekend. I bought a large- I needed a medium. The shorts underneath kept riding up, and I wound up with chub rub- something my trusty running shorts never allows.

Then, I ran past the house that has had the "Free Kittens" sign out for a few weeks. There were 4 kittens playing in the front yard. They were SO cute. I wanted to scoop them up and take them home with me. Oh yeah, we already have 3 cats. I can so see myself becoming the crazy cat lady with a dozen cats in the house!
I love dogs, too- but cats don't have to be potty trained!

My thoughts during the last mile drifted to my running, or lack thereof, lately. Specifically, to Tunnel Hill. It's only a month and a half away. I know that the girl that was 5 seconds behind me on Labor Day will be there. I know that she will be hoping to beat me. I can NOT let that happen! So, I have GOT to get my lazy ass in gear with my training!

On tap for the weekend- a 9 or 10 mile run.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Why do I let myself get out of the habit of getting up to run in the mornings? I've been waking up before the 5am alarm, but I haven't been getting up! Tracy has been getting up instead- taking a shower and watching Sportscenter while I snooze for an extra hour...

This morning, I did drag myself out of bed, partially because I felt guilty that the alarm actually went off. I hate it when it's still dark even when I get home from the run... But, the weather couldn't have been better this morning. 50 degrees, nice and cool...

It was an uneventful run. I ran the 4.5 miles in 46 minutes flat. Get home, and Tracy is outside watering the flowers. He asked me if I went farther, or if I was just slower. EXCUSE ME!!??
OK, so I was a little slower than usual, but jeez- cut me some slack here!

I'm sure he doesn't mean anything by it, but these little comments drive me crazy!
Or, I'm extra touchy today because I'm sleepy...

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Sabotage!!

Yes, I am sabotaging myself...
I have not ran a step since Labor Day. And, my eating is out of control! It's not like I have a good excuse, either. I'm just lazy.

And, my work schedule is about to get even more hectic in the next couple of months- so it's only going to get worse!

OK, I'm going to get serious starting with the rest of this week.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Kinmundy 5K- Labor Day

The last thing I wanted to do yesterday morning was go out and race a 5K. I have been such a slacker lately, for the past several weeks...

But, it was Barbie's race, and the 10th anniversary of the race, so I couldn't miss it! SO, so, so glad that I went!

OK, so the running part wasn't a lot of fun... but, I'm stronger for having done it.

Before the race, a manager from work and his wife (who is in my age group) were joking about how their goal would be to try and keep up with me. The last time I saw them at a race, I finished a good 5-7 minutes ahead of them!


They were right at my back, up until the water stop, where I walked a couple of steps and they passed me up!

UGH! So, I got past Stacey just after the 2 mile mark, but I only beat her by 5 seconds!! My official finish time was 27:03, and you can see her right behind me!


Ah, but it was worth it, as I won 1st place in our age group!


Thanks for sending me the pictures so quick, Barbie!!


While at the race yesterday, I picked up another form for the half marathon I was planning in 2 weeks... the form I already have says September 15. The new form says September 16- for the same race... Maybe I won't do that one... Undecided, now.