on my own

My running buddy has been traveling so I have been on my own for 4 days and my runs has some ups and some downs.
My first solo run felt awful!  I was hot and felt like I was really slogging along.  By the time I finished that 8 mile run, I was pretty much convinced that I would not be able to finish that half marathon just 5 weeks away. 
The next day I pushed myself to get back on the trail.  My sensor numbers from the previous day showed that I had kept the pace I am hoping to hit for that half marathon - not nearly as awful as it felt.  I had tried running while listening to a favorite podcast, just trying something new.  On this run, I went back to my favorite play list and had a good 5 mile run.  Okay, maybe I can do this.
Yesterday I gave myself a break and went for a bike ride instead of running.  It was a bit overcast so I switched to a tough gear and pushed some different muscles. 
My buddy is back in town and we will have our long (10-11 miles) tomorrow.  This morning I headed out for a short run on the trail.  It was lovely.  When I looked up I saw the sun breaking through the clouds and a hot air balloon.  When I looked down I saw that flash of green on my shoes, carrying me steadily along. 
It was good to run alone, to see how I need to push myself, to see where I need to give myself a little grace and kindness.  But I am happy to know that when I head out on that long run tomorrow, I won't be on my own.

National running day

Today is National Running day

How will you celebrate? 

My gear is packed.
I prepped dinner so it will be a quick fix when I get home.
I ate a good breakfast and have an excellent lunch.
My running buddy will be expecting me at the trail after work.
Today - no matter what -
I will run.

mid- march running

I thought this was pretty cool.  My two running buddies and I are right next to each other on the March challenge.  The St. Patrick's Day run was great - had my best finish time - 28:17.  It stopped raining just as we began and started up as we walked to the car.  Couldn't ask for much more.

Last run of the year

It was cold but the sun was out and the sky was blue so I headed to the trail for one last run before the year ended.
I am very happy with my running, with my other fitness routines, and pretty much with my eating.  I only want to keep it up this year - to get even stronger, to increase my endurance, and to challenge myself a bit. 
Happy New Year to everyone who has given me encouragement and support and to my two running buddies - my daughter and Lori.  Can't wait to see what 2012 brings to our lives.

I run like my daughter

almost 36 miles in just 18 days!

For over a year, my daughter has been my running buddy.  We started out pretty even, then she (being quite a bit younger and more fit) picked up the pace but I didn't give up.  Last year we ran a 5K together - her first, my first in a long time.  Motivated by our Nike sensors and an online challenge, we continued to rack up the miles.  Then she had to pull back for a bit - not a huge health issue but one that needed some attention - and I ran on alone.  But it wasn't the same, seeing my miles on the monthly challenge board but missing her name and status.  But I am very happy to say that she is BACK!  Her miles are adding up, she runs with that bounce in her step, and she is once again pushing me to keep up.  And one week from today, we will run that same race again, and hopefully knock a minute or two off our time from last year!