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.

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.