Running in the Rockies

Well, I got to cash in on another warm day - 47 degrees. Even though it was still windy, the sun was so bright and warm! This run felt great! I was absolutely distracted the entire time - thinking about something I read on the discussion forum - so I hardly even noticed the running.

I was actually really upset by some comments on the discussion forum, but by the time I was done with my run I think I had worked through what people said, what they meant, how it applied to me, and how I feel about myself as a runner. I know ... a lot to think about while running. ;o) I think I finally decided that running, like any ability - natural or acquired - can be applied to the Savior's parable of the talents. There are many who have been given more running "talents/coins" than me; but I'm making good on the 1 talent/coin that I was given and that is what matters to the Lord and what should matter to me. Last August, I started at absolute ground zero, so I can only go up from there, right?

Enjoy the run!

Ran on the treadmill with my friend again. It felt better, though, so I kept increasing my pace. I like that aspect about the treadmill - something is forcing me to go faster and not get lazy or stuck in a rut.

My nap made me cut my run short because I had to make dinner for someone in the ward. But, it felt good to get back outside. I'm actually going running with my friend tomorrow morning. She's the one I've been wanting to run with for a while, but have been nervous to ask because I run so much slower than she and her running partner. So tomorrow's blog with either be triumphant or from my hospital bed (hee,hee).

Ave pace: 11:05

Well, I went running with my faster friends today!! We met at 7:00 on a trail and headed off with a few snow flurries. It was a good, quick pace and they were very sweet to do all the talking since I was obviously breathing hard. I was able to stay with them for a mile and a half, until I finally told them to go on ahead. My goal is to be able to stick with them a little longer each Saturday. I actually caught up with them again at 2 miles because one of them had to use the glamorous port-a-potty (better than a VPB, though!). I turned around at 2 1/2 so I could get in 5 miles today; and as soon as I turned around those snow flurries that were just cute before, became brutal on my eyes. I pulled my hat down as far as I could, but I was still blinking and tearing, and occasionally I had to crane my head back to see if there were other runners that I was going to plow into. Anyway, my eyes survived and I was very surprised that 5 miles really didn't feel different than 4 miles. It was nice to be outside and to be able to run with some friends for part of it. It's also nice to have my run done by 8:15. Oh, that was funny - when I showed up at 7:00, I was the first car in the parking lot, and when I left, I had passed so many runners heading out, that the parking lot was crowded when I left!

Hopefully I can sneak in a nap some time today ...