Running in the Rockies

For some reason, I was really dreading this run.  But once I finally got out the door, it was a great run.  At about mile 3 or 4, I was really enjoying myself (runner's high or downhill finally?  hee, hee)  It's nice to be home again, but I sure had a great time with my family.  I can't wait to see Lybi's family when they come up over Labor Day for the half marathon!!

I was actually a little sore this morning from my run yesterday.  Weird.  It was a good kind sore - muscles instead of joints - so I didn't worry about running today on it.  But I stretched my hips a lot beforehand just in case.  Dawn, her friend, and I headed back to that wild nature "park", and even though we took a different route, we still ended up blazing a trail at some point.  I really like our Wednesday runs.  I have no idea where I am or how far I've gone, but I'm climbing over boulders, through sand, doing a lot of uphill, and with 2 other equal running partners.  The only bad thing is I kept almost twisting my ankle.  I never fell or sprained it, but I came close.  Dawn's out of town this weekend, so I don't have a partner again until next Wednesday.  Bummer.  Maybe I'll see if Lynn wants to run slow with me for my 7 mile run....  ; )

I should've tried to do something yesterday, but didn't. I gave Mike the "morning slot" so he could go for a long ride; and then the rest of the day, I was either trying to finish reading my book club book or clean my house for the discussion that evening. Ha!

This morning was a sluggish run. I couldn't convince my legs to move much at all. I think my average pace was in the 11 or 12 range. Oh well. I always feel a run is an achievement in and of itself.

This long run was supposed to be on Monday according to my friend's schedule for us; but I wanted to go on my favorite trail and I feel safer when there are more people on it - so I chose to go on a Saturday instead (my friend is still out of town). I tried and tried to find someone who I could run with, but everyone was out of town. So, it was me and my iPod. It was a beautiful run. That's one thing nice about growing up in New Mexico - I'm ALWAYS grateful for beautiful scenery and cool weather because both were not easy to come by in NM. ; ) I also liked having my iPod so I wasn't freaked out by every little noise in the bushes. I kept my pace very easy and I'm sure my heart rate was around 150-160 so that was good for aerobic base building. My knee started hurting a little around mile 5, but then apparently went away because I don't remember it bugging me for long. Happily there was a port-a-potty around mile 6 (no further comment on that). I stretched when I got back to my car, stretched when I got home, and stretched after I made breakfast for my family. Last time I ran 8 miles, I got a pinched nerve that sent me to PT for 2 months. So, I've kind of had a mental thing with 8 miles. But I've been back for 2.5 hours and no pain anywhere! Yea!!!