Running in the Rockies

I'm not even going to make excuses for last week. Even though it was cold, I could've done aerobics or the elliptical. So . . . moving forward! I'm determined to run every day this week!!!!

Today's run was very slow and highlighted by many dogs scaring the life out of me! I don't usually have a problem with dogs, but today, I must've smelled especially suspicious. When I got home, I couldn't find my husband or the girls but I noticed there was a voice mail; when I checked it, it was my husband!! He had forgotten a doctor's appointment and, since I never carry my phone when I run, he had to take both babies to his appointment. Poor Daddy! I've had to do that many times and it is so un-fun. ;o)

I didn't have much time between having the missionaries over for lunch and a doctor's appointment, but I didn't want to fail on my goal on the 2nd day! So, I ran to my friend's house to lend her a book. Although it was a short run, it was a mammoth hill (I have conveniently avoided going that direction on all my runs just to avoid it!)

I'm terrible at remembering to eat after my runs. Yesterday, I only ate a granola bar after my run, and that evening I kept feeling sick and ache-y until after dinner. Ridiculous, huh? I thought I was just getting more sick (I have a sore throat and the sniffles - who doesn't this time of year!?!) but when I felt better after eating, I knew I had not replenished my system enough after running. Duh.

My doctor's appt was yuck. I've had a stye in my eye ever since February and it has never gone away! So, I finally had it lanced today. Yuck. I hate eye things!!! I was white knuckling it and almost hyperventilating during the whole procedure. I hope I NEVER have to do that again!

Man, I have GOT to remember to take gloves tomorrow! Yesterday and today, my hands were freezing for the first mile. Luckily, I finally warm up; but it sure is uncomfortable! It's above freezing when I go, but it's been windy lately.

I'm apparently very clumsy these days: yesterday I tumbled down the stairs and today I tripped and fell on my run (on the gravel, as I was turning around). When I first started this run, my shoulders were so sore from my lovely fall down the stairs that I was practically grunting! But after a while, the pain subsided. So, it was actually a nice run today, even considering the soreness in my back and the fall. It's weird when you can say that, huh? But when I came home and was stretching out, I was thinking how much I'm enjoying running.

It was much warmer today so I didn't need to try running with gloves, but it was so windy that I almost lost my hat a couple times! I don't know if it was because of the wind, or my last 2 weeks of slacking, or the handful of contraband Oreo's before my run (that gave me a slight cramp the whole time-- though still worth it!) but I couldn't seem to go very fast. So I just went as fast as my body wanted to go, which was only 12:26 ave pace. After my run and stretching, I took a really hot bath instead of a shower and right now I feel GREAT!!! The bath helped the muscles that were still tender from my many tumbles lately. Although it was hard to get out the door today, I feel great now!

Went running today with gloves and it made a big difference! I only went 2 miles so I can go a little longer tomorrow. Nice run - felt good! Gotta go make dinner ...

I did it!! Six days in a row - finally!!!!!! I have to admit I was pretty tired on today's run, but I did it and I feel (to borrow from Michelle) JOYFUL AND TRIUMPHANT!! I like to celebrate every little achievement! And I feel like a true runner today because I ran through the rain. Somehow that seems like a rite of passage or something.

We had a book club luncheon at my house today - our once a year tradition. We read Ladies Auxiliary, which is set in a Jewish Orthodox society; and since we're a few days away from Hannakah, I decorated in blue and white and someone brought latkes. It was fun. Christmas is going to be much more fun this year since our 6 year old is finally very excited about the tree and presents - and our 1 year old is actually leaving the tree alone (partly out of fear - it scratched her as we were setting it up and she hasn't forgiven it!) Have a Merry Christmas season, everyone!