sex and six

Do I have your attention?

Steph ended up going to the doctor yesterday to be checked out - she had a concern and they decided to do another ultrasound to make sure everything looked alright. This time "Squishy" cooperated and we found out that we will be having a baby girl :)

On the running front, I got out for my 6 mile run - no rain, and not terribly humid, though I did sweat quite a bit... an easy recovery run tonight (hopefully) and then try to squeeze in 12 miles this weekend... busy, busy...

strides and recovery

After my race/long run Sunday, I took Monday off as a rest day. And, quite honestly, much needed. My knee was "complaining" a little - most noticeably on stairs. Then yesterday, it was fine. When I set out for my run I tried to take it somewhat easy, knowing that I needed to do my 100m strides. I was able to do my strides relatively easy, though the last one I definitely felt. Today was an easy 3 mile recovery run and I had a hard time keeping an easy slow pace. Felt good during the run, muscles still a little sore, but otherwise felt good. Tomorrow's run is another general aerobic run. Looks like it might even be in the rain... can't wait.

42k relay race report and week 5 recap

The weather was more cooperative this year than last. It was a beautiful day - starting out in the low 60's and reaching low 80's late in the afternoon.

The team name for the relay was "2 Fast, 2 Furious" - a bit cheesy, but appropriate. Our team members were myself, my friend Jason, our co-worker Andrea and her husband John.

I was first to go again this year and also ran the last lap, so my total mileage during the relay was 8.2 miles. We all did a great job, though I started out a little slower than last year, my overall pace was faster - 7:42/mile. I was very happy with my results. Our overall team time for the relay was 3:24:31. About 6 minutes faster than last year.

I did have one mess up during the relay - John, who was last in the rotation ran much faster than he thought and caught me sitting down - I thought I had another minute or two before I had to be at the exchange zone. I was about ready to get up and go over there when I hear my name being screamed... oops. I think we lost about 15 second on that transfer... oh well, we still had lots of fun and are already talking about doing it again next year - but with maybe another team or two...

After we got done, we packed up and Jason, John and Andrea headed out for some lunch, but I, trying to stay dedicated to my training schedule, headed out to get the remaining 8.8 miles in. My plan was to go nice and slow and just get my miles done and I even ran it faster than I expected - at a 9:37/mile pace. Most of the path was shaded and it was very pleasant, but as I got to 6.8 miles, my legs just wanted to rest they were done for the week.

The good news is: I got all my runs in and just 2 mile short for the week, but I think that is still a victory. Next week is a step back week of sorts, so I can let my legs rest a little.

18 week update

This is a photo from our doctor appointment two weeks ago (18 weeks along). We are actually now at 20 weeks and a day... Unfortunately we could not determine gender of baby much to my disappointment, but from certain measurements that they took, they feel there is a strong chance it is a girl. But since we are not sure 100% we have given the baby a nickname for the time being... we're calling it "squishy" since it seems so squished up... the good news is that mother and baby are healthy and everything looks great.

easy 8

I got my 8 miles in this evening. There was a chance of rain, but when I started it only looked a little cloudy, but it was still sunny and humid. At the half way point the dark clouds rolled in and the wind picked up. I seemed to be staying in front of the clouds, but they soon overtook me and my pace picked up trying to beat them home, but honestly was looking forward to running in the rain again. With about a mile left to go, it did start to "try" to rain, but it never amounted to much more than some scattered large drops.

I finished up in a decent time (74 minutes), averaging a 9:16/mile pace... felt good for the run. Things seem to finally be coming together for me.

Tomorrow is a 3 mile recovery run, so I hope to get back on the trails for this one. It has been quite a while since I have had the opportunity to run some trails, so it should be a nice change of pace.