A breath of fresh air

Ran an easy three with my neighbor, Jade.  We saw two young deer on the trail.  So far in Iowa, Will and I have seen a toad, a ferret, a cardinal, and now deer.

Will and I explored the marked trail further.  About two miles into the run, we came to fork in the path.  I chose left and ran a half mile in the wrong direction.  However, we did get in another hill.  The run went smoothly again, the trail dodged in and out of woods and small prairies. And then the woods opened up into the shopping mall.  Will and I had about a half a mile left (before we started heading back) and the path turned into a sidewalk which looked like it circled around the shopping mall.  Again, we didn't know to go right or left, so we ran a bit in both directions.  I couldn't find the 3 mile marker, but we ran enough to get in our half mile and turned to head home.  (I checked a map and turning right on the mall sidewalk takes you up the path to North Liberty, the next city above us.)  Highlights of our run, besides figuring out were to turn, are seeing two more deer, another toad, and the state bird (the Easter Goldfinch).  We saw two of them.  They were a yellow and black blur; they flew so fast.

I can tell that was a long, hilly run for me.  My body feels tired.

Will and I ran on the trail again, but went right at the first fork on the trail.  The trail turned into a sidewalk on a busy road and we headed back home.  (I clocked the road portion of the run yesterday.)  It was high seventies with a lot of humidity.  I was covered in sweat when we got back.  Will enjoyed chewing on his shorts' draw string.

Today's four miles seemed very long.  But, Will and I finsihed.  We saw a female cardinal and a couple more golden finches.  I have failed to mention that we see a couple daddy-long-legs everyday.  The spiders cross the trail around the one mile marker.  There must be a good spider community there.

I ran over to the track.  Once the mile warm-up was done, I tried to push myself the best I could.  I wasn't expecting much.  I wanted to get in a couple miles at a 8:30 minute pace (at least).  Here are my quarters:

2:13

2:05

2:08

2:05

2:05

1:58

1:56

1:48

The first mile 8:31, second 7:48.  For feeling worn out form the prior four days of running, I was very pleased with the results.  I was grateful for the different type of run and for my husband watching Will, so I could be by myself for a while.  I think running faster and faster over the course of the race is my style.  I will continue to aim for more consistency, but to know I can get myself to dig deeper can be a strength.

Will and I took it easy today.  'Ran up the trail two miles, then ran home.  We even paused for a moment to look at the very full river.  Will enjoyed that.

Speaking of Will, today was a big day.  Will took his first steps.  He not only took his first steps, twenty minutes later he was wandering around the room, picking up his favorite ball, and pulling himself up to standing position all by himself.  When he is walking toward us, he is practically running.  I guess Will decided today was the day because I think he's been capable of walking for at least a month and a half.