a couple more runs

This weekend I focused my attention to getting out for a run each day. The weather on Saturday was not optimal by any means, but I wanted, no - I needed to - get out for a good, long run. My plan was for 7 miles and I was going to stick to it no matter what. With all of the snow that was still lying around, I focused my attention to plowed, paved pavement. In order to not compete with cars on the much narrower streets that we are dealing with, I made my way to the park to run. Plus, the hills in the park were sure to add a level of difficulty that I haven't had in a long run.

Earlier in the morning it was a "balmy" 8 degrees. I think when I got out it was probably 10, but with a wind chill, more like 5... it was a bit cold. I dressed as best I could for the conditions and headed out. My hands were cold for the first 3 miles, then they were warm enough, but then my legs started to get cold after mile 4. I ended up running a 2.33 +/- mile loop and after the first 2 laps I was bored and was dreading the last lap. I hit the big hill on the route and it was all I could do to get to the top. I had to walk half way up... ouch! It'd been awhile since I needed to walk up any hill, but I was tired. I got to the top and picked it back up and finished out my run. I checked my time and saw I averaged an 8:47/mile pace... surprisingly not bad.

Sunday was a much, much nicer day. It was well above freezing - probably around 38 - 40 degrees with plenty of sunshine. It felt great. I hit the trails for a short 4 mile run. It turned out to be a good idea for a short run as the trails were tough - the snow was packed down, but because of the temperature it was getting soft and squishy in spots so it was quite a workout on the ankles. Made it out to a paved surface and opted to finish my run on this.

I am hoping to get back to more consistent runs during the week still, but not sure how I will manage it just yet. Two weeks until my 5k race - still time to get my speed up.

catching up

I made it out for a run yesterday and was joined by my friend Brooke. We hadn't run since... November's 15k Trail Run?! So we had some catching up to do. We didn't have a specific distance in mind, I think we were thinking at least 5 miles, so we set out on the trails that were frozen and slippery in some spots.

We talked on everything from the economy to what's been going on with each of our lives, which seemed closely tied to the economy... 2009 will be a tough year for all, but we'll make it through. And I think we both generally decided that whether we run any big races this year or not, we'll be training as if we will be running them - after all we still need a goal.

The run seemed to end quickly (though our speed over the slippery terrain was no land speed record). We reached 5 miles and felt pretty good. I'm sure we still have more we could talk about, but it will have to wait for another run :)

I'm planning on getting out for another run today - it's snowing out right now and it's always fun to run when it's snowing...

upcoming race

Steph's birthday was last Friday. For her birthday I took her to The Runner's Forum to get her new shoes. I found out that with a shoe purchase you get a free entry into Cupid's Fling 5k. So, I will at least be doing that race this year... all others are somewhat pending at this time. I think I may have to be a bit more selective on which runs I do.

a work in progress

I decided to change up my blog again this year and go back to my original title. I am also trying a slightly different look, but the upgraded blog template has limits and I've lost some of my "stuff". I'll figure it all out eventually.

2009 Races... hmm... I am going to say I plan to run all the DINO trail runs this year, but I am not sure that will happen. Already I am thinking of a spring half mary - I found one here locally at the end of March, so with my base miles, should be no problem to train (emphasis on should). In May I plan on running the Dances With Dirt trail run relay again as well as run the Geist Half. July I would like to run the 42k Relay I ran a couple of years ago - this time maybe with just one other person so we both end up running a half. Not much from that point on. I haven't decided on full or half for the fall yet - either way it will be the perennial favorite - the Indianapolis Full & Half in October. Then this year I'd like to run the half marathon that is run through downtown Indianapolis in November, finishing up with the season finale trail run at Fort Harrison.... unless I run the Tecumseh Trail Marathon in December...

I'll get my race calendar updated as soon as I can, but these are my thoughts. My running will need to get much more consistent - something I have not been in the last three weeks. I did get runs in both Saturday and Sunday though.

So that's it for now - everything is a work in progress. Until next time, Happy Running...

Coffee Snob

I am a coffee snob.

Okay. I've said it. I never really thought of myself as such, but it occurred to me yesterday when I ordered a coffee from Starbucks and thought it tasted awful. I've had coffee from there before, but in comparison to the coffee I have recently been drinking it sucks.

Back in 2005 Steph and I went to Key West. I'm a big Jimmy Buffett fan, so I was excited to go. I did a little research of things to do and found a coffee roaster down there, so made it a point to visit. I was not disappointed in the least. The coffee was exquisite. They roast in small batches and can control the roasting process much better than say a Starbucks that roasts mass quantities. The coffee is so smooth and wonderful I can't say enough about it. The name of the place is Baby's Coffee - "the southernmost coffee roaster in America"

Anyway, getting back to my point (I had a point?) - Since that trip, every Christmas I've gotten coffee from there as a present from Steph. Each year I get one more pound of coffee - to try to get me through the year (which it never does). I suppose I could order my own, but it wouldn't be as special, but then half the year I am stuck with some mediocre coffee that gets me through somehow.

So for now, I am enjoying every last drop of coffee. Sometimes its the little things that mean the most...