My Morning run

When I woke up this morning, I wasn't sure if I was going to go running.  Sure, it was on my calendar, but really, that's more of a suggestion. Right?  

After a night of less than stellar sleep (read, woke up with TWO kids in the bed), I got up early--before the coffee started brewing-- to a chilly house.  Getting out the door was not looking promising.  I made breakfast for the kids and then the moment of truth arrived.  I went upstairs to "get dressed" to take the kids to school.  I use the term  "dressed" loosely.  I usually take them to school in whatever I pulled on so I don't freeze in the morning.  This morning it was sweat pants; some days it's pajamas.  I do, however, put on a bra.  So the big question on this cold Monday morning was:  regular bra or sports bra?  Well, the sports bra went on and my hopes of snuggling on the sofa with a book went out the window.

When I returned home to really get dressed, I had to dig to the bottom of my drawer for my cold-weather running pants and a long-sleeved Virginia is for Lover's 14K running shirt.  Undaunted by the howling wind, I laced up my shoes and headed out the door.  

As soon as I started, I was glad I went.  Even though my feet felt heavy as I started out, there were no shooting pains in either foot.  Dressed as I was, the temperature was actually perfect.  I even got a nice tailwind up the first hill.  I had a vague idea of where I wanted to run.  I was hoping it was about 3 miles.  

Running by East Ferry next to the Narragansett Bay with the Newport Pell Bridge in the background is just beautiful.  I passed a lot of runners, bikers, and dog walkers.  I ran by an elderly couple walking, holding hands.  I ran by an old lady walking down the street.  She was so hunched over, she was practically bent in half; but very cheerful in her "Good Morning". (I stood a little straighter and vowed to take my calcium vitamins regularly.)  Most of the cars driver's were friendly and waving this morning.  It was a great way to charge up for the week ahead.

I came back home, picked up Carley and headed out for our walk.  She needs to get out, too.

Today's Run:  3.3 miles.  38:345 mins.  

How do you start your week?  What gets you going?

Feelin' Groovy

The half marathon is over!  It's time to get serious about this running thing.  By serious, I mean getting back into the groove; running regularly.  

I started today.  I went for a short, 2.5 mile run.  I wanted to get back on my M-W-F schedule.  I needed to check out my body, to see how it was doing after Sunday's long, long run.

Hamilton Ave.

It was a bit damp and windy out, but the thermometer said it was 60 degrees.  It was just right to try out my new short-sleeve half marathon shirt I got in my race goody bag.  This shirt has the added benefit of being nice and soft; blowing my nose on it was so, so comfortable. (My nose sweats a lot while I run.)  

I planned a new route this morning.  I wanted to get out of my rut and into my groove.  The only concession to upcoming races was the hill I added to the route.  There are a lot of hills here on Jamestown.  This is the hill.  I deliberately avoided this hill on every other run.  Today, I ran up Hamilton.   No problem.   But this is the next race:  

Newport Pell Bridge

So, there will be hills.  I will welcome them.  They are good for me.

Overall, today's run felt great.  No aches and pains during the run.  I enjoyed it.  I do think it helped that I knew I would be done in less than half an hour.  

Injury report:  On practically THE LAST STEP of my run, my left foot started to really hurt.  This is a new spot for spikes and twinges.  I iced it immediately.  I hope this isn't going to be a recurring theme.

Today's Run:  2.25 miles.  26:38 minutes.  

How do you get back in the groove?

Happy Birthday To Me

An early birthday present to myself.

Happy Birthday to me!  Hello Running at Forty-One!

My plan was to get up and start off this year with a short run, but that didn't quite work out.  

My eldest daughter started off my day with a full breakfast at 6:20 this morning. It was very sweet and very good, but very early.

Then she took my much needed beeping watch with her to school for cross country today (I have to pick her up early).

Lastly, to use my husband's phrase, my plan was OBE (overcome by events).  I had a lot of volunteer/computer stuff that needed to be taken care of this morning and I pretty much have been stuck on my laptop since I dropped the kids off for school.

Yes, I could go run later in the day and yes, I could run without my interval watch. 

But why? 

I have an invitation to go eat sushi with my friend and I will take that over a run any day. Even today, maybe especially today! 

Today's Run:  OBE