What is all this outside?

Wow!  I went out just after 9:00 am and I am definitely NOT used to running at that time of day. First of all, it's bright out!  Pretty overcast, but still kind of a stark bright, that I'm just not accustomed to.  It was windy, too!  Also, our neighborhood is having a community-wide yard sale this weekend.  We aren't participating, so I forgot about it completely.  There were cars everywhere. I never have maneuver around that much traffic!  Not to mention that everyone could SEE me!  In my bright yellow shirt!  Ugh!  Actually, one guy drove by - probably around 18 years old - and smiled and waved at me as if he approved of my efforts, so that made me feel a little better.  Why?  Still trying to figure out why I feel so uncomfortable when people see me run.  I'm doing something good for me and it has nothing to do with the other people out there.  I persevered and finished my run, and was proud of myself.  This afternoon I'm going to reward myself with a bike ride at the Metro Park.

I did have a bit of pain in the arch of my foot, so I slowed down a little for the last mile.  I finished up with a sprint and that was fine - or at least not any worse.  I'm thinking that it may have had something to do with the ankle sleeve or the way I had my shoe tied over it because it went away when I removed the shoe and sleeve.  I'll have to pay closer attention to how I put that on, tomorrow.

Running again tomorrow morning, before I go watch a bunch of other people run at the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run.  That will be inspiring for me.  I love seeing people finish their races, and hope to inspire others in the same way.  I think I'll do my blog from there tomorrow and post a few race pics. Til then...

Seis de Mayo Run in Detroit

Yes, it was the Cinco de Mayo run, but the parade is always on a Sunday and the run is always right before the parade.  The run went very well.  There weren't a huge number of participants, but, as far as I know, I didn't come in last.  Actually, I have no idea where I finished in the line-up because the results don't seem to be available anywhere.  They probably are... I just can't find them.

I ran a little better than my 5K three weeks ago for Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer.  Just a few seconds, but I'm pleased with any improvement.  I was especially happy with the improvement since the race started at 11:30 and it was fairly warm out.  Most of the run was in the direct sunlight (you can see that in this picture of me at the start of the race) and since it was along the parade route there were a lot of people lining the street.  The runners were accompanied by police cars and motorcycles, so that was different, too.  All things that I'm not really accustomed to, and that doesn't even take into consideration the fact that I was out late last night seeing "Weird" Al Yankovic at the Fox Theater in Detroit!

It was a fun run and I'd love to do it again next year.  Apparently, last year was more rainy at this time, because the people running the race were talking about how the ground was too soggy in the park where the run started and finished.  Actually, the weather was perfect, if a little too warm for me - I'd always prefer that it be a little chilly as opposed to any too warm!

Later this afternoon I also went for a 10 mile bike ride at the Metropark, which was great.  Add a little swimming in there and I would have done a mini-tri!  This week I'll be running Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday I also have a bike ride that we are doing in Detroit, before going to a family function.  Since next Sunday is also Mother's Day, it's going to be a busy weekend. I'm already looking forward to it!  My next 5K is in three weeks (May 26) and is also in Detroit.  Lots of training between now and then, so I am looking forward to greater improvement with that race.

Oops - didn't post yesterday - but I DID run!

I simply had a really busy day and just didn't get a chance to write here.  I went out bright and early yesterday morning and did more of a walk/run (more walking than running this time, unfortunately).  For some reason it was kind of tough.  I felt great.  The wind was 9mph, but the temperature was mild.  My legs felt kind of tight, and there were times that it felt like I was attached to bungee cords that were attached to something behind me trying to pull me back.  Forward motion was difficult.

I had a couple of thoughts about why my run was so slow after I checked to make sure there were no bungees attached to me.  Possibly something off about my form?  Maybe I need to learn more about Chi Running...  That's supposed to be more natural for your body's forward movement than some other forms.  Also, since my runs are short I haven't been fueling at all before hand, but it is first thing in the morning, so maybe that's a problem.  I drink 16 oz. of water before I go out, but have had nothing else for at least 9 hours.  Now that I see that in print, and examine how long it is since I've taken in any energy, that looks like the most likely issue...  

Since I had a little extra time I got a slightly later start.  Funny how that works!  I was getting dangerously into the time when school buses roll through the neighborhood and the LAST thing that I want to do is run past a bus stop piled with kids (especially teenagers -ugh).  I really try to avoid that time of day.  There was lots of activity out there, too.  Several cars on the move, dogs outside, a few empty school buses driving through...  That was good incentive to get up early and avoid all that.

Today I am going to pick up my run packet for tomorrow's Feet and Friends Fighting Colon Cancer 5K at Hudson Mills Metro Park, and I guess I won't be avoiding anything by running with 375 other people, including my DetermiNation team!  Then it will be off to a team breakfast and I'll head home to tell you how it went.  My only goal is to not come in last for my age group!  I can do that... right?

One week + NO running = Naughty Runner!

Yes, it's been a week - just over, actually - since I have run.  I allowed the onset of chilly weather, some rain and a holiday to interfere with my running schedule and I shouldn't have.  I decided back on November 17 (the last day that I ran) to doing some running every day from Thanksgiving until the end of the year.  Here's my tweet making that commitment:

mishlnaz mishlnaz 

@ 

I'm in! @runnersworld We're pledging to run every day from Thanksgiving through New Year's. ow.ly/7wTE1 Who's with us? #RWRunStreak

I can't believe that I skipped out on running yesterday and already messed that up.  Maybe I can start it today...


During my little hiatus I did go to a 5K to cheer on some of my fellow DetermiNation team members.  That was fun, and it was great to get to know them after the run!  It was a cool, sunny day in Wyandotte and they all did well.  I did see a couple of scary things while I was there, though.  One poor little girl (about 9) was at mile 3 and she ended up along side the trail, on her hands and knees, throwing up in the grass.  I felt so bad for her.  Hopefully, that experience won't be the thing that she takes away from this race so early in her life.  She did get up and run to the finish when she was done getting sick.  I also saw an older man running along (also at mile 3) and he could see the finish line when he veered off the track.  Medics ran to help him but he kept telling them "no" as he got further and further off the track, when he collapsed.  They got him up and to the medical tent, but I don't know what happened to him.  I hope that turned out well.


Today was a gorgeous day to run!  Blue sky, 51 degrees.  Beautiful!  It was pretty windy - 19 mph - but I only really noticed it a few times.  I actually improved my pace a bit - probably all that rest from not running for a week!  I went just over 4 miles and then did some stretching back at the car.  It felt SO good! I can't believe I have neglected this for a week!  Something for me to remember, and think about, next time I want to ditch my run!


As I look ahead at things that I want to accomplish, like next year's half-marathon and running over the Mackinaw Bridge, I don't see the appeal of doing a triathalon.  Well, I SEE the appeal, but it doesn't appeal to me!  I've never been sure why, maybe because I'm not much of a swimmer.  Okay, okay... I haven't been swimming in years!  When I was doing my cool-down walk, and headed back to the car, I walked by the pond and saw this sign, which cleared it all up for me!


Well, that's it for me, today.  I'll be back for a quick post tomorrow, after a short run, then will do a longer one on Sunday.  

Sunny November Run... Beautiful!

Well, last Sunday I was wondering how many more chances I was going to have to run on a beautiful, sunny, fall day.  I'm not sure what the answer is, but I had at least ONE more.  Today!


I did a combo of walking and running (Week 3 Day 3 of Couch to 10K) and covered nearly 4 miles.  Not great speed, but an improvement over last time.  It was 55 degrees with wind hitting me at 17MPH.  The last two running segments that I did were facing the wind and the last one was up a hill, so I was okay with my pace.


Something that I suddenly realized was that I am the girl that I talk about when I see someone running, and turn to my husband and say "Woa!  She needs a better sports bra!"  I definitely need to get a new one.  I guess the ones that I was wearing at the beginning of the year - weighing almost 50 pounds more - just don't do the job any more.  


I felt really good about today's run.  I wore my brand new go-fasters!  Got them yesterday and they feel like there were made just for my feet.  They are Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10s and they feel great!  Much better than the shoes I've been wearing since I started running in the spring, that have now lost the grippy nubs on the soles and loosened up so that they were rubbing the balls of my feet.  I am sure that the new shoes did, indeed, help me to go faster, although I made every effort to keep it under 10 MPH, since that's the speed limit on the trails in the Metro Park.


I am doing a 5K tomorrow in Kalamazoo.  well, Portage, actually.  It's a Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation and I'll be hanging with my pals Karrie and Rachel.  Also my old friend, Mary, will be there, so I hope to catch up with her, too.


I'll report in tomorrow to tell you about my race.  If you happen to be at the Jingle Bell Run tomorrow, I'll be the one with the reindeer antlers!

Still plagued, but better...

I haven't done much of anything since my last good walk because I've still been sick and just not feeling well, and really tired with no energy.  After an ear infection (both ears), a 10-day round of antibiotics and a bit of rest, I think I'm ready to go again.  Yesterday was World Run Day and I was supposed to be doing an individual run for that in the Metro Park.  I did a walk, instead, that was just shy of 4 miles.  It felt good and I enjoyed it.  More about that in a minute.


I downloaded an app for the Couch to 10K program, which I am going to start using tomorrow.  Although I'm not really down at the "couch" level, I thought that would be a good program to work with, since I haven't been as active for some time, and I want to work some strength training into the program.  That should put me at the 10K level by the end of January and I'll maintain that, while improving my speed, until I start the Half-Marathon program in the Spring/Summer.  My goal is to do my Half in 2:30 or less.  I have no idea whether that is realistic or not.  I chose it because it was smack-dab in the middle of my age group for the 2011 Half.  I may adjust it later if I learn that it's not an appropriate goal to aim for.

While I was walking yesterday it was beautiful out!  Almost 65 degrees and sunny.  Quite breezy and late in the day, so I watched the sun (nearly) set as I was finishing up.  As the sun began to sink to the horizon, the temperature certainly did begin to dip.  Daylight Savings Time has caused it to get dark by 5:45, so I knew my time was limited when I got to the park, but really wanted to walk for an hour.  I took a new route and looped back to the car a little early, so I ended up starting the loop again, but only going for about 10 minutes before I turned back to the parking area, so I could finish just before it got dark out.  While I was winding through the trails, in the woods, I didn't really see any wildlife, other than geese gathering to leave on their winter break.  I suppose it's just as well that I didn't, given that there are coyotes and other gnarly critters out there.


There were a handful of other people on the trails.  I crossed paths with another woman twice and was relieved to see her the 2nd time, since it help me to verify that I wasn't lost on this new trail.  Only saw a couple of cyclers and 2 other runners.  There was a couple walking in front of me but they were clearly there for leisure purposes... I could tell by their slow, meandering, gate, and because they kept stopping to make out.  Not to mention that they were wearing jeans and coats!  I had on running capris and a t-shirt.


I will report in tomorrow after my first day of Couch to 10K.  I'm doing a Jingle Bell Run 5K this weekend, and will likely walk most of it... we'll see how things go.

Plagued by the plague - or a really, REALLY bad cold.

Yes, I've been sick for the last 7 days now.  Late in the afternoon, after my 5K last Sunday I detected a sore throat.  The next morning I felt pretty lousy, and had a doctor's appointment, where they said my temperature was close to 100.  By Monday evening, it was closer to 103, where it stayed for a couple of days.  I missed a lot of work - and I missed a lot of workouts!  Today I finally felt enough energy to, at least, take a walk.  It was nice to get out in the cool sunshine of fall in Michigan.  I used a new app to record my (very leisurely) walk called iRunner and it was pretty cool.  I think you can glean a lot of information from it, especially if you upgrade to the paid app, and it seems quite easy to use.  It also partners with the program that ACS uses for their training, which will come in handy later.

Since my walk way a leisurely one (3.4 miles in 1:04) I had time to enjoy the scenery a bit more than usual.  Peak color is nearly gone now, but the MetroPark was still really pretty.  Lots of leaves crunching underfoot - at least I'm assuming so... My head and ears are still so blocked that my hearing is really bad right now (for example I can't hear the microwave or the car beeper telling me when I un/lock it).  I saw lots of people out walking, riding and running.  It really was a beautiful day and I was glad to see so many people out taking advantage of it.  I've included a couple of pictures from my walk here.


In addition to the nice scenery, I saw some very interesting bugs along the way.  One may have been a Katydid of some kind.  It didn't look quite right.  I saw a couple of magnificent beetles.  I don't have a clue what they were.  Several abandoned wasp nest were along the path, on the ground.  A few wooly looking worms were crossing the path rather pokily.  Also, I saw what looked like a smooth, curvy stick, but upon closer inspection, it was a little striped snake - only about a foot long.   He seemed to be enjoying the sunshine next to the path, but my leering must have made him uncomfortable because he suddenly slipped through the grass and into the brush.  Here I was, looking at this snake, thinking to myself "Oh, look, a little snake sunning himself" and I have no idea why it startled me so much when he moved.  I literally jumped back from him, like I thought he wasn't real or something.  Funny how our brains work.


So that was today's walk.  No running for a week now, and I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing this week.  I slept in today, and right now it's not even 7:00 pm yet and I'm already looking forward to bed time, so my energy level is really low.  

To Do: Run first 5K... Check!

Well, I finished my 5K today and it was awesome!  It was in the low 50s, which is perfect for me, and it was spitting rain, off-and-on, which isn't so perfect, but wasn't that bad.  I wasn't fast - I knew I wouldn't be.  I ran some and walked some, but running with 1993 other people is vastly different than running by myself in my neighborhood or in the MetroPark!


Out of 1994 people, I came in at 1507, so certainly not in the very back of the pack.  Out of 134 women in my division, I was 101st, so, again, not at the very back. I did the race in just under 49 minutes (the first-place woman was 22 years old and did it in 16:58!!!)

One thing I learned is that it's difficult to drink from a paper cup while you are running!  Now I know why I see runners squeeze the cup so it creates a spout.  When I do my next 5K, in 2 weeks, I hope to come in a little faster.  The weather is difficult to predict at the end of October, so I don't know what I'll be in for, there.  I'll pretty much be happy if it's not raining.  Or really windy.  Or sleeting.  Or... It's Michigan so I know that if there's anything I can count on, it's NOT the weather!


All in all, I was happy with my performance.  I got a hug (and a kiss) from Paws after the race, which was pretty cool.  I got a hug and a kiss from John, too, which always makes me happy.  In other sports news:  Paws is, unfortunately, now on winter break, since the Tigers lost last night's playoff game.  That's a bummer.   And our Lions lost their first game of the season this afternoon, just block away from where I finished my run.  Not the best weekend in professional Michigan sports.  Also, U of M lost to MSU in the big college football battle.  I'm happy to cheer for MSU when they're playing someone else, but when they're up agains UM...  Oh well.  Go Blue. Go Honolulu Blue and Silver - and go Me!

Wake me up when September ends...

Oh, wait!  It ended already. So much for that Green Day song, huh!  I'm not sure what happened, but I was sick a couple of times and my schedule was out of whack for a week, but I didn't run for THREE!  This does NOT bode well for the 5K that I'm doing in just 2 weeks, does it?

I went to the MetroPark today and went 3.33 miles. I was slow.  Very slow!  I ran the first mile and then walked for a while, ran another half mile and then walked some more.  All in all, I did run about half of it, which isn't too bad, given my lack of running in September.  I wasn't thrilled with my performance, but wasn't totally disgusted by it, either.  I'll really be cracking this week and next, planning to run 4 times each week.  

I was at the park much later than usual, since it's now much cooler out.  It was 60 degrees, which was wonderful.  It was pretty windy, which did add a bit of challenge to the running AND the walking portions.  There are a LOT of people at the park at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday!  Lots of people walking their dogs, walking their kids, riding their bikes... One guy had a radio attached to his bike so he didn't have to miss the Lions vs. Cowboys game, AND shared it with everyone he rode past.  The Lions won, by the way.  Pretty awesome game.  In fact it was a great weekend in Michigan sports.  Michigan, MIchigan State, the Lions and the Tigers all won their games this weekend.  Yay!

But, I digress...  Many people were out enjoying the park today and it was a beautiful day for it!  I was on a route with just a few hills, about the same amount of shade as not, and the weather and temperature were lovely.  I couldn't have asked for a better day to jump back into my running routine.  Now, I'm trying to decide what I'll do the rest of this week.  Follow some part of C25K?  Run 3 miles each day, alternating running and walking?  Run up to 3 miles each day, running as much as I can, but walking when I have to?  I just don't know!  I'll do a little research tonight to find out what is recommended, and I'll let you know what I settled on when I check in tomorrow or Tuesday.  Until then... stay hydrated, my friends!

Where have you been? It's been over a week!

Did you forget about me?  Oh wait!  It's me that hasn't been here, isn't it?  Well, it's not totally because I haven't been doing any running.  It MOSTLY is, but not totally!  Went for a quick run on September 2, which was a Friday and then we had a busy holiday weekend with a variety of family things  happening.  Friday's run was okay - not great, but I was happy enough to get at least some running in.  With our busy weekend I, sadly, neglected my blog.

Monday (Sept. 5) was Labor Day and I went to the MetroPark to run there, but had difficulty mustering up enough energy to run for more than about 5 minutes, so I ended up walking and totaled 50 minutes.  By Monday night, I was sick!  In retrospect I should have seen that coming, based on my lack of energy that morning, but it kind of took me by surprise and I spent that night and the next 24 hours with a fever of 102!  Needless to say, I was doing a lot of sleeping this week and didn't get out again until this morning - although I returned to work yesterday.

This morning I got up and around and hit the road for a walk/run combo.  I only did 2 miles, but over half of it was running with a couple of short walk breaks.  It felt great, and I wished that I had more time, but this weekend I'll head out for a longer run.  I wasn't sure how I was going to do today, given that I still have sinus issues from my cold and, despite the nice cool temperature of 63 degrees, it was extremely humid (96%) making the air heavy and difficult to breathe.  It did make a difference, but I was fine for the short distance that I ran. 

Now that it's September, it's really dark out at 6:00 am!  A corner in my neighborhood seems to have one less streetlight than normal and it's really, really dark!  I went around there this morning (twice) and I noticed for the first time, just how different it is at 6 am now, than when I started running in June.  Of course the temperature is my biggest complaint in the summer, so I'm grateful for the cool mornings we are having these days.

I will be back in a few days with tales from the MetroPark.  Not sure which day, as we are supposed to have rain on and off all weekend, but it will happen! Just 37 days until the 5K in Detroit, so I better get crackin'!

Oh! The distractions!

 
Wow! Talk about a difficult run... I knew I was in trouble when we pulled into the Metropark and I saw the sign indicating that there was a Classic Car show in the park today. I joked with my husband about the pancake breakfast that they were also having, but it was the steady flow of awesome cars cruising into the park that was going to get me! 


It was a fantastic morning! The temperature was a cool 64 degrees (17 C) and breezy. It was sunny, but I ran on a path that had a lot of trees so I was in and out of the sunshine. It felt wonderful and I think my speed improved a little. Still don't have my Nike+ sensor but I figured out what happened to it. It died right after I did my 5K and I think it had a heart attack! I mean, here we are consistently running a couple miles 3 or 4 times a week and then I up and run over 3 miles and also tack walking on to the front and back of the run. The sensor blew up!


I set off running and shortly after my warm up walk ran by the many classic cars displayed off to one side. But I ran BY them, not through them. So I planned the rest of my out-and-back run so that I would turn around and my cool down walk would start close to the car show and could walk through for my cool down. That worked great and I've included a few pictures of the distractions that I had to overcome. Ok... The corn dogs weren't really a distrction. Good thing I ate a hard boiled egg before I left the house!


Seriously, though, I did have an interesting realization when I ran by the car how the first time, and then again at the end of my run (I didn't plan quite as well as I thought and had to run into the area where they were displayed).  I was running with many people around. People who could obviously see me, because many of them said hello or waved at me. In the past, having that many people around would have made me terribly self-conscious - probably enough so that I would have slowed to a walk AND gone a different direction to be sure that no one saw me trying to run.  This was a huge breakthrough for me!  Whenever I have run - or done much of anything active like that - I been a closet exerciser.  I don't want people to see me exercise because I'm afraid that they are judging me and thinking that I'll never be able to finish.  That was different today.  Actually for a while now, but I just realized it today.  And it felt really great!  And maybe - just maybe - there was someone who saw me who thought "Hey, look at her.  She's a middle-aged woman and she's a new runner.  Maybe I could do that!"  Perhaps, by my having confidence in myself, I can inspire someone else!  I'll be out running again tomorrow morning. 

Fab Friday running

Another beautiful morning for a run.  Actually, I've jut learned that, based on my pace, I'm not quite running - I'm jogging!  But, despite my usual preference to be more precise when dealing with such details, it's taken me a long time to call it running, and myself a runner (as opposed to airquote running and airquote runner), so I'm just going to stick with running!

This morning I did a 35 minute run.  It felt great!  Well, at one point I did feel like slowing to a walk, but knew that it wasn't really necessary and kept going.  The feeling passed and the run was uneventful.  It was a wonderful 63 degrees (17 C).  I only saw a couple of cars while I was out - one with a dog named Max riding happily in the back seat with his head out the window.  He gave me a look like "You're running to get somewhere?  How primitive!"   From a distance I also saw my husband leaving to go to the Metropark for his morning bike ride.  We'll both be headed to the Metropark on Sunday to run and ride, then meet back up when we're done.  Still don't have my Nike+ sensor replaced, so none of my miles this week are recorded on my log. =(

I heard some great music on today's run.  Whenever I sync my iPod the playlist resets and everything shuffles into a different order while some songs are replaced.  Today I was accompanied by Queen V, Adam Ant, Nickleback, The Detroit Cobras and others.  Lady Ga Ga sang a techno version of Just Dance throughout my warm up, and it was a good start. 

I will be back on Sunday to report in on my next run, but will hopefully have my post up about meeting The Penguin and Coach Jenny tomorrow.  I didn't want to post about it until I have a chance to get the pictures off  my phone to include with it. Til Sunday...

Wow! That really sucked!

I mean really! I had decided to not do my longer run, since I was going to the MetroPark, and was unsure of the distances from where I was starting. When we arrived John asked if I wanted mosquito spray but I declined the offer. I hate using that when I work out cuz I always feel like my skin absorbs more if the toxic stuff when I sweat. Besides I breathe harder and don't like inhaling it. Ironically, before I got done with my warm up walk I was headed back to the car. I wanted DEET and lots of it! The 100% kind.


Once again I spent more time walking than running. I had my protein shake this morning, but my diet has been totally crappy for the past three days. That must be the reason that I felt so sluggish. I probably could have actually run more than I did, but I wussed out and walked a lot. At one point I heard someone jogging up behind me and I was thinking "showoff!" when he passed me. It was an old man! Like twice my age!!! Okay, not twice, but I'll bet he was around 70! He got a ways ahead of me and I noticed that he slowed to a walk, but only for about 30 seconds. Showoff! Actually, I don't begrudge the fact that this man past me and was doing great. I aspire to be in that shape at his age, being that active. Hell, I hope I can be in that shape when I'm 50!


Oh... To top things off, my Nike+ sensor died. When my iPod couldn't detect it I checked to be sure I was wearing the correct shoes. Yep, they were definitely my running shoes. I kept waiting for it to pick up the sensor, but it never did. I have to say that I've gotten a much longer life from the sensor than I expected. I imagine that's mostly because, until 2 1/2 months ago it didn't really get the amount of use that it was designed for. I'll get a new one next week. Seems silly since I won't need it when I get my iPhone, but that's a few months off, and I really like using the Nike+ so I'll go ahead and get it.


Planning ahead:  I have decided that I will do a 5K run once weekly, on Wednesday. That way it's the same day each week, and it's during a run in my neighborhood where I have the course measured out. I won't do that the Wednesday before my races, but will inrease the distance a bit the week before that. Based on that I will be following C25K tomorrow, do 5K Wednesday, the C25K the rest of the week.  


Catch ya tomorrow!

Testing... Testing...

Is this thing working?  Oh wait!  It was ME that was having a bit of difficulty!  I got up this morning, ready to run.  I didn't plan to do 5K again today,  because I didn't feel that I would be able to do that so soon after Wednesday's 3.125 miles, and I was correct.  I also decided to test my strategy of having a protein shake before I run, and was right about that, as well!  I did my warm up walk and then started running and it wasn't long before I ran out of steam.  I walked for a while longer, then sped up to a jog, but again, I ran out of steam before very long.  My total route was 2 miles today, but I ran less than half of it.  I've come to the conclusion that, now that I am going a little farther and a little faster, I definitely need to get some protein before I run.  That may not be the case so much, if I were to go out after I have been up and had a meal or two anyway, but for running first thing in the morning, start-up fuel appears to be necessary.

It was a glorious 64 degrees (17 C) at 5:50 this morning.  Wonderful temperature!  As the sun rose, there was a thin layer of mist just above the ground, giving the field near our house a quietly mysterious appearance.  You could see it and see that it was a plowed field, but you couldn't quite see what was in the field.  I happen to know that lots of critters make themselves quite comfortable there, and many of them are the kind that I'd just as soon not run across in the dark of pre-dawn.  The raccoons and opossums are are not so bad, although I wouldn't really want to startle either of them - they do have sharp teeth.  It's the skunks and the coyotes that I really don't want to see up close. 

The only interesting thing that happened while I was out today was that a guy in an SUV stopped and asked if he could have the money out of my purse.  I told my husband that it was fine, so he went back home to get it, and then waived at me as he drove out of the neighborhood with his bike in the back.  He probably used it to buy breakfast after he "worked out" while sitting down on his bicycle.  Seriously... 21 miles while you're sitting on a bike?  The only way to really  work out is on your feet!  No... not really!  But I'd totally rather run that have my butt hurt from sitting on a bike for 21 miles!

Next run: Sunday at the park (which is 8 weeks until the Detroit Marathon/Half/5K).  Looking forward to a good run to finish out my week.  I think I'll plan to do another 5K, then next week I'll be fully back to M-W-F + a weekend day!  Goal is to do 5K at least once a week and possibly a slightly longer one (4 miles?) before my official first race!

Today is a good day to run!

A really good day!  It was beautiful weather, and I started at a point at the MetroPark that would keep me, intermittently, in sun and shade.  It was about 68 degrees (20 C) with about 75% humidity, which was a bit moist, but not too bad.  It was my third time, in a row, running 25 minutes, straight - and It felt great!  I was initially concerned because the paths in the park go over small hills that I'm not used to - none of those in my neighborhood.  I was very pleased to have finished today with my farthest distance and my best time for a mile!  Hooray!


The path went along some really pretty stretches of road that I enjoyed while I was running.  Since it was 8:20 am there weren't a huge number of people in the park, and I had some of the most scenic sections of the trail all to myself, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

My biggest complaint would have to be the mosquitoes, but as long as I kept running they didn't bother me.  It kept me moving right along!  Maybe I should thank them for my improved pace today.  As soon as I got back to the car and stopped to get my water and everything, they swarmed toward me with a thirst for blood and murder in their eyes.  They were huge - nearly as big as hummingbirds!  Okay, maybe not quite THAT big, but they really were some big-ass mosquitoes!


As nice as the weather was when I was out running (I can say running now without the quotes and feel quite comfortable with it) - anyway, as nice as it was, it's supposed to rain this afternoon and evening, which is kind of disappointing because I'm going to an outdoor concert.  My playlist today included both Sammy Hagar and Kid Rock, and I will be seeing both of them live and in person tonight, from the nose-bleed section at Comerica Park.  Doesn't matter... rain or not, I'm going to enjoy the concert and am looking forward to a great evening.  I hear that Kid Rock goes all out for his Detroit shows and I've seen Sammy before and know that he's awesome.   I'll include a brief concert report in my next run entry on Tuesday!  Til then, toodle loo!

Woo hoo! I did it again!

Yes, indeed!  I went out for this morning's run and today's C25K run (week 7, day 1) was another 25 minute run!  The next one is the same (in fact all of week 7 is a five minute warm-up walk, then 25 minutes of running) and I am not dreading it at all!  I didn't drink my protein shake this morning, and I definitely noticed that my performance wasn't quite where it was yesterday, so that apparently  really does make a difference, now that I am running a little longer than before.  When I do my run on Saturday, I'll definitely have some protein before hand and assess how I feel then.

It was an absolutely gorgeous morning.  It was 59 degrees (15 C) when I was out and the sun wasn't quite up yet at 6:10 am.  I loved it!  I felt so good being out there, albeit a bit drained toward the end.  I initially thought that I could have worn a long sleeved shirt - I have LS a tech shirt that I haven't had a chance to wear yet - but soon realized that I was better off with short sleeves.  I can't believe that I am enjoying running as much as I am.  It still sounds like a very strange thing for me to say!

Didn't see anyone else out this morning.  No guy running the opposite direction.  I'm not sure I even saw any cars that went directly by me.  Other than my husband leaving to go for a bike ride and my neighbor taking her dog out when I got back home, it was  just me out there.  Looking forward to another good run on Saturday!  See you then!

Well, bummer!

Got up early(ish) to head out to the MetroPark and started my run but I just didn't have it in me.  I ran a little, but ended up walking for 40 minutes, instead.  I got plenty of sleep this weekend and have been getting proper nourishment, but I've only taken one day off, in the last 7, between running and bootcamp class.  I have camp tomorrow and will run on Tuesday.  I think I may repeat my last routine (2 runs with a walk break in between) and then go into one longer run on Thursday.


At one point, I was walking along at a good clip and it started raining lightly.  It felt pretty good, but then I noticed that it was only raining when I was under this cluster of trees and the pavement was dry, otherwise.  I hoped that there wasn't a troop of monkeys in the tree causing something that wasn't really rain.  Ick!  Yes, I'm in Michigan, and I know that it's not likely, but I've been to the jungle in South America and know what a unruly troop of monkeys can do!


Things to add to my away-from-home pre-run checklist:  A hat!  A hat is pretty important when you're running in the park and I need to endeavor to remember mine.  When I was walking in the sunshine, it would have been nice to have the visor.  A hat helps keep the mosquitos out of my hair. And, it keeps people from seeing my hair, which looked pretty messy by the time I finished, between sleeping on it and then sweating while I was out.  To clarify, I slept on it over night, not during my walk.  I saw a bench that would have been pretty comfy for a nap, but I kept walking.  I did get some new running clothes though and was wearing one of my pair of capri pants made from fancy wicking fabric. Mine are Danskins Dri-More and they are really nice.  Super soft and that Dri-More technology is awesome!  I'd like to wear  clothes made from that fabric all summer long.


There weren't a lot of people out yet when I got to the park at 8:00 am.  Usually Sunday mornings are pretty busy, there.  Maybe word got out about the monkeys!  Next run, on Tuesday, will be right here in my home neighborhood, so I won't have to worry about that, but I'll check in with you then, just to keep you updated! 

Running without music is like...

It's like watching television without my glasses.  Not especially entertaining!  I went to the park to run and got all set to start before I realized that I had forgotten my headphones.  I had my iPod but no way to listen to it.  I figured that I'd use it anyway because I have my C25K app on it and I could just keep an eye on the screen for the cues to run and walk (luckily they are available in addition to the audio cues) when I remembered that my iPod Touch has a speaker.  Since I have a rather odd playlist, and I don't really like to share, I decided not to use music and just use it for the audio cues.  It seemed to work out fine, but I have to admit that I think I move along a little more easily when I have something to listen to - and less other stuff to contemplate.


I realize that running with, or without, headphones is a controversial topic, and I can see the benefits of foregoing the headphones.  There were a lot of people (A LOT) who indicated that they were "passing on (my) left" that I could easily hear without music applied directly to my eardrum, but I do try to keep the volume to a minimum so I can hear what's going on around me. Having no music just left my brain free to think "OMG! I don't think I can wait to get to that patch of shaded path up there! I think may collapse right here and turn into a big puddle of goo on the sunny trail" and "Hmmm... wonder what I should eat for lunch!" 


Once again, I found people in the MetroPark to be very friendly.  Well, there was one guy who did not say "good morning" to me and looked like he was having about as much fun that I was at that particular moment.  He probably was at the end of a 20 mile run, though, where I was just beginning.  Lots of people walking, running and biking, alone, with friends and with dogs.  I have to say that I really do enjoy seeing people out enjoying the not-quite-as-cool-as-I-would-like mornings and getting some fresh air and exercise.  


I re-ran my run from yesterday with 2 shorter running segments and will do the next one, with a single, longer, run on Tuesday.  Tomorrow morning, my boot camp class starts at 5:30 am so I'll be running on days other than boot camp days (MWF). Going to the orientation today, with my preliminary evaluation, and I'm looking forward to seeing what I will accomplish in the next 4 weeks!

Downhill doesn't really feel any easier than up hill!

Woo hoo!  Went to the MetroPark today to start my next level of C25K and it nearly doubled the "running" time in my routine.  As you can tell, I didn't die!  I thought I might a couple of times - and wished I would at one point, just to get it over with, but I actually came away unscathed and feeling pretty good.  Plus I earned DOUBLE the Weight Watcher's Points that I usually do!


The extra"running" trimmed 1:05 off my pace, giving me a new PR.  At this rate, I'll have Paula Radcliffe chatting at me weekly!  I'm hoping to hear from her again later this week.  There were lots of people out running, riding, walking and blading this morning.  When we headed out of the house it was 68 degrees, but the sun was up and knew it would be warming up quickly - and it did!  I was heading down a small hill, during one of my faster moments, and there were 3 runners coming toward me up the hill.  They were running faster up than I was down and still head the breath to say "good morning" to me.  Show offs!  By the time I got back to the car, they had run to the end of the park and were on their way back, but I saw that they lost one of their team-mates.  With friends like that...


I find that the most difficult thing for me is breathing.  Sometimes I forget to and then try to take deep breaths but it can be really hard to do.  I need to work on some deep breathing exercises a couple if times a day, I think.  My understanding is that when they call cadence, while running in the military, it helps keep them breathing properly.  It occurs to me that I could just sing out loud, along with my iPod, while I'm out, but that may disturb the neighbors at 5:30 in the morning.  


All in all, I felt good about this morning's routine!  I'll be out again before work on Monday to see how I do in my own neighborhood, where it's just me and the road.  I wonder what the next week holds.

What do runners do when they forget something?

Jog their memory!  Okay... quit groaning!  I didn't actually forget anything this morning, but thought I'd start out with a bad joke to pull you in - and now you're reading, aren't you?

Started a little later again this morning - 6am - but there were gorgeous pink streaks of cirrus clouds in the east!  Once again, I couldn't have asked for a better morning to head outside.  I stayed pretty close to the same pace as past few days and have now fully repeated this week of my training, so I'm going to move on tomorrow.  Next week will mark a pretty significant increase in the "running" portion of my program, which will be interesting.  Well, at least "interesting" is one word for it!  I can think of a couple others, as well.

Tomorrow's plan is to go to the MetroPark and I'll go one direction, on foot, while my hubby heads the other direction on his bike, and we'll meet up later.  Then we'll go to breakfast!   I will consider tomorrow's outing a sort of preview of the week to come, then will hopefully be able to move on to the next level a week from Monday.  Since I'll be moving faster for longer periods of time, I would imagine that a couple of PRs will be in there, too.  Currently I have my warm-up and cool-down walks as part of my routine on my Nike+, so I can just imagine the improvement I'll show when I stop doing that!  Adding 10 minutes of walking to the total doesn't help my pace at all!

Well, obviously, my time out was uneventful and I don't really have anything fascinating to tell you about, so I'll sign off here.  Stay tuned, though... Next week should bring some interesting tidbits.