consistency

The total for my weekly mileage is 25.

That is 25 miles for the week.

2 - 5.

Part of that came because I was so much more consistent in my running (it also didn't hurt that the weather was at an all time awesomeness since about Wednesday. I ran every day since Thursday and it was shear bliss (well, almost. My run on Friday was a rough 3 mile slog that couldn't end soon enough). Friday afternoon had me e-mailing and calling to check on everyone's availability. It was time to gather some people up for a run. Winter is always tough to get people out, but with mid-60's and partly sunny weather for Saturday, there was no problem. Jason, John, Mark and myself decided to run on the Monon trail (along with a huge group of people who had probably hibernated for the winter). It wasn't packed to the point that running was tough or we had to dodge bikers or walkers, but you could tell people were out to enjoy the day. On the schedule was 7 miles (probably far behind where I would normally be in any type of training, but it was what it was). All of us were at different levels in base mileage but we came together for the common goal of getting out for a fun run. The pace probably started out a little fast - about 8:45/mile, but it felt good. On the way back, we slowed down a bit - mainly due to the wind, but also because of the initial pace. John and I picked the pace back up and left Mark and Jason to follow. I was feeling pretty good. Our pace picked back up and kept increasing as we got closer to the end. I think we clocked in 7:00/mile pace in the last 1/4 mile... the weather really has a way of '"enhancing" your run...

Then today I got out for another run, this time with Brooke. We didn't have a specific distance we were going to go, but threw out 3 to 4 miles as a start. It still felt so great out even though it was overcast and a little humid. We ended up doing 7 miles. I feel great for getting out both days and getting in some good quality runs, not to mention getting my total weekly miles back where I want them.

A very busy week at work this week, so hopefully and can keep my running going. More to post a little later...

a streak of sorts

I had a nice run on Sunday with Brooke and John. 5 miles on the trail, with an easy recovery walk at the end. The weather was a little cool, but not bad in the woods.

Since Sunday I have run three days in a row. The streak was broken this morning, but I decided it best not to push it for a couple of reasons: I was feeling a little tired and I didn't want to increase my mileage too quickly since I have been so inconsistent. Ironically, it was actually above freezing this morning, so my run would have been kind of nice. Well, there's always tomorrow (plus I am taking a vacation day so I might try to run during the daylight... *insert big smile here*). I am hoping to get my mileage up around 20 - 25 miles / week by mid-March as I stretch my long runs a little further. Currently, the only race I am training for is Dances with Dirt, so there is some time yet, but I'd like to get to at least a 10 mile trail run before then.

Not much else to report - shoes are feeling good. A nice, comfortable ride. I have a mid-test feedback report to complete around March 11th so I'll have a few more miles on them by then.

a better weekend

My week was rough, but got in a couple of mid-week runs. None of them were stellar, but the fact that I got out was impressive.

By Friday, I was looking forward to my 5k race on Saturday. When I arrived home (slightly later than I had hoped) a package was sitting at the front door. It was these:

I have mentioned in the past that I have done weartesting for New Balance - and here were a brand new pair for me to try out. I was so "geeked" about these that I tried them on right away. They felt great and wore them for my 5k race on Saturday.

The 5k race was called Cupid's Fling. I was half hoping to PR in this race, but knew it would be tough since I really hadn't trained specifically for it. When the race started it was cold, damp and windy. I thought I started out at an easy pace and wasn't planning on pushing the pace any. I wasn't familiar with the course so just took my time and picked off people one by one. I was doing really well until the last 1/4 mile, when the course headed up hill to the finish. I didn't have enough kick left to pick the pace up, but still finished in a decent time - 24:08 (though no PR still).

Later Saturday, we went to my parents house for dinner and stayed the night. We went out for brunch this morning and then Steph and I left for home leaving Lilli at my parents. At home we went crazy and we cleaned and straightened up the house. It still amazes us how a little girl can create such a big mess! Later this evening we headed out for a belated Valentine Dinner. We ate, talked and just enjoyed each other's company. We enjoy having Lilli around all the time, but forget how nice it is to be just by ourselves. We really needed it.

The coming week looks to be busy, but I think I'll be able to get in a few more runs mid-week. Until then, happy running...

mediocre weekend

What should have been a great weekend ended up somewhat mediocre. I got out for a run on Saturday in the wonderful 50 degree weather. It was sunny when I started, but it became overcast and very windy a mile or two into the run. Ended up running through water, snow and ice - leaving my feet soaked. I wasn't really feeling it and decided 5 miles was good enough for this run. It was probably a good time for a step back week anyway. I planned to run today, but got busy with so many other things that needed to get done. I finished taxes, paid bills, and hauled off all the clutter that we took out of the house. Very exciting stuff... This week I hope to once again focus on running - especially with the break in the weather. No more excuses. On top of that there is a little 5K waiting for me on Saturday. More to follow...

frustration

Once again I am finding my mid-week runs to be almost non-existent! I did get out on Tuesday morning before it snowed, which was good - though it was only for 3 miles and it was friggin' cold. Wednesday was not a day for running because, well, I was tired and I used the snowy streets as an excuse. And Thursday? C'mon! It was -8 degrees when I woke up and I was not about to try to run (even though I have run in colder temperatures than that).

So I am in the endless cycle of frustration from not running and not wanting to run when I have the opportunity. Work has been a little less hectic, but it is another reason I haven't been consistent - too many things running through my head (all about work) that I feel guilty running when I should be at work trying to catch up on everything.

Today I came in early, after having an internal debate about going for a run this morning. Work won - but I lost. I got here early only to find the network was down. I lost over 4 hours... I managed to find some things to do that didn't require my computer thankfully, but what a waste... the only thing that could have made it worse was if there was no coffee... you wouldn't have wanted to see me then...

If all goes well, maybe I'll get out a little early and sneak in a run this evening... probably will run both days this weekend since the weather will be back to spring-like temps.