Running in the Middle

5 TM miles in the ice cold garage.  It was nice to get a run in finally.  After two weeks off, had one run, got sick, ended up making that three weeks off.  Not exactly as planned, but now I have a lot of work to do to get back on my game.  Felt it in my run tonight, some of my fitness has been lost.  Sad, but at least its the new year and time for new goals and new resolutions.  I can find motivation in that.

4 on the TM.  1/2 mile warmup, 3 mile sorta tempoish pace , 1/2 mile cool down.  Well I finally decided on my new years resolution.  Made a goal to run 1000 miles in 2013.  I figured that is about a 20 mile a week average, so I guess I better get to work.  Maybe if I could find a good race to sign up for in feb or march I could get some good motivation going on.

Nice easy 5 miles on the treadmill tonight, AP 9:00.  1/2 mile cool down at the end.

It was nice to take it easy, sometimes I forget that its ok to have an easy run once in a while.  I need to remind myself not to push too hard after coming off a three week break, gotta ease back into it.

Got a 2 for 1 deal in the garage tonight, ran and iced at the same time.  Did 1/2 mile warm up, then 3miles with AP 8:22, then 1/2 mile cool down.  Kudos to all those brave souls who ventured out into the frigid cold today for their run.  I really just hate January and can't wait for it to be over.  

Had a really good run tonight, was feeling light and energetic.  I've been eating really clean since New Years so I think I'm actually noticing a difference now.  Did 6 miles AP 8:40 and a 1/2 mile cool down.  I did not freeze as bad tonight, maybe it is finally warming up a bit.  Between miles 2 and 4 I had a serious endorphin high and it was amazing.  I guess that makes running my drug of choice.

3.5 on the TM.  Did some incline intervals to simulate running hills.  Was a fun change since I usually never change the incline on my TM at all.  It was very mentally engaging and also a great workout as I was sweating bullets.  Will for sure be adding these hill workouts into my weekly routine, I think it could be quite beneficial.  

3.5 miles on the TM  AP 8:36 with a 1/2 mile cool down.  This workout felt a little sluggish, and I have something going on in my right groin/adductor area that is not feeling so good.  Better ice tonight just to be safe.  I hate it when it feels like an injury is coming on.  Tomorrow I will go to yoga class and try to work out some of my aches and pains.  

3.5 miles on the TM very slowly.  Things are not feeling so good on my right side, its got problems.  Not any acute pain but, not feeling good either.  Took two days off, iced, IB profin and that helped a little.  But I just don't have the stability on my right side for any intensity.  Might need to take it easy for a bit, not really sure how this is going to play out.  But I'm pretty sure its my own fault, as usual.  Just pushed too hard, got greedy.  Sometimes its so hard to be patient.  

Went to the Pleasant Grove rec center with my sister and we both signed up for passes.  Tonights workout was a fun change from the boring TM in the garage routine.  They have a decent gym there and an indoor track.  Did 20 minutes on the elliptical then 3 miles on the track.  Felt a little strange running on the track.  I have been on the TM exclusively for almost 2 months or more so this was a very fun and freeing sorta run.  But at the same time I feel like my fitness is not at the same place it was in Nov, so I guess I have a lot of work to do.

23 min on the elliptical, tried for a little more intensity then last time.

Ran 3 miles on the indoor track on tired legs.  This felt like a tough workout and I ran kinda slow.  Guess some days you just have it and some you don't. 

25 min on the Elliptical.  From what I learned on the blog, if it does not feel like hell then I'm not doing it right.  So I tried to shoot for that.  Then four miles on the indoor track.  Pace started out slow then got progressively faster.  

I just found out tonight that they only switch the indoor track direction every week.  So you have to run the same direction for a whole week.  I don't really like that, can't wait to get outdoors.  Please can it get warmer already. 

2 miles slow on the indoor track.  5 min on some weird lateral machine, no idea what it really does.  But it felt like it was working some stuff that needed to be worked.  20 min elliptical.  Then 1 more mile around the track fast, well fast for me. :)

This weeks mileage was not as much as I would have liked, but it was the best I could do with some of the issues I'm having with my right leg.  I hope that by adding in the elliptical it will help replace the miles that I can't do right now. 

3 miles around the indoor track.  They finally switched directions and it felt so much better to run the other way.  5 min on Helix Lateral Machine and 21 on the elliptical.  Great workout today, felt invigorating.  

25 min elliptical, 6 min lateral machine, 2.5 miles around the track slow.  This workout lacked energy and my right side is having issues.  I may need to consider taking some time off from running, but I don't want to.  The thought is depressing.  In fall 2011 I had a stress fracture of the right pubic ramus.  This is the loop shaped bone you sit on, its the same area that is causing me problems now and its the plague of my life.  

Exactly two weeks off with complete rest.  Felt good to do something today.  Walked 1/2 mile around the track, 25 min elliptical, 6 min helix lateral machine, 1/2 mile more walk around the track.  The next few weeks I plan on doing some gentle workouts and try to stretch a lot and roll out problem areas.  Things are feeling improved, but there is still tightness/weakness on my right side.  Guess I'm not ready to run yet, but I know I will get there if I'm patient and careful.

Pm.  1.5 hours Relief Society Basketball.  Full Court, no subs. 

One hour yoga class

1/2 mile walking around the track.  10 min Lateral Helix Machine, 21 min elliptical

I'm hoping the lateral machine will help with the instability in my right leg.  Really would like to run, but think I need to do a little more strengthening first. 

1/2 mile walking.  10 min Lateral machine, 21 min elliptical, 1/2 mile walking.

indoor track walked 1/2 mile, then ran two slow.  First time running in a month and felt good but entirely too much jiggle going on which was just sad.  10 min Lateral helix machine, followed by 10 minutes on a weird machine I never tried before called an Adaptive Motion Trainer, kinda like and elliptical.

Indoor track 1/2 mile walking/ 2 mile run slow, but felt better then last time.  12 minutes on the Lateral Helix machine, wow I really love this machine.  It works everything that normally does not get worked.  

Indoor track 1/2 mile walking.  2.25 miles running, not as slow and weird as the first run on Monday, so that felt good and normal.  14 min  Lateral Machine, that machine kicks my butt, its awesome.

Indoor track 1/2 mile walking warmup, run 2.5 miles, picked up a bit on the last half mile and that was fun.  Followed by 15 min. on the Lateral Helix Machine.  My fitness level is not as bad as I thought it would be after a month off, but it probably helped that I did some cross training, instead of just nothing.  I need to go get some new shoes.  Its time.  I'm thinking about trying out some altras.  

Indoor track 1/2 mile warmup walk.  Ran 2.5 miles at a nice comfortable pace.  Then 15 minutes on the Lateral machine.  Will do core strengthening as well.  I always do that as part of my work out, just forget to blog about it.  

The track was so crowded this morning, guess everyone there was wimpy like me and don't want to run in the cold.  I play a little game as I go round and round to try and keep from getting bored.  I look at the shoes people are wearing and try to guess what brand/model it is.  There's some saucony's, oh some nice flashy brooks pure connects, hmmm...that does not look like any sorta brand, maybe payless shoes, then here come some Altras Intuitions, this lady might be a serious runner.  This game never gets old, or at least it hasn't yet.

indoor track walk 1/2 mile warmup, ran 2.5, walk another 1/2 mile, then 10 minutes on the Lateral machine.  

Outside run, Yeah for the beautiful weather.  Tried out my Garmin forerunner 10 for the first time and it worked like a charm.  I think I'm gonna love having a gps watch this season.  Ran 2.55 and it was pretty great.  

Indoor track.  1/2 mile warmup walk.  3 miles nice steady pace.  1/2 mile cool down walk.  Thats all I had time for and I was off to fetch my pre-schooler.  I'm not a big fan of the monday early out days.  Cuts into my work out time.  Did core strengthening at home.

Round and Round the oval again, following the path of millions of invisible footprints.  This was actually a good workout today, felt great.  Did 1/2 mile walking warmup, 3 mile run.  Slow and steady for the most part, kicked in for a fast last half mile just for fun.  10 minutes on the lateral machine and it kicked my butt, literally.  Still have my core work to look forward to, yeah for me.

Sometimes getting in a workout just take pure determination.  So tired this morning with my toddler up all night sick.  Had a lovely slow run outside thanks to my husband being off today.  Did core work at home.

The treadmill did not feel agreeable to my legs tonight, I don't think I will use it again anytime soon.  It seemed to aggravate all the areas that had been bothering me before.  Did 1/2 mile warmup walk.  2.5 mile run, then some more walking on a a 10 incline for 10 minutes.  Some core work and stretching afterwards.  

1/2 mile warmup walk, 3.5 mile run, 1/2 mile cool down walk.  Stuck on the treadmill and such gorgeous weather outside.  Husband is out of town and my three year old has been sick so I can't put her in the daycare at the gym.  Makes it really hard to get a run in.  Oh well, the good news is that I got new shoes.  They felt nice a cushy like running on clouds.  The 4mm drop feels a little different then the 12 mm drop of the ghost 4s.

What a lovely day outside for a run.  Too bad my husband/babysitter is out of town.  That's ok, I came up with a solution that did not involve a treadmill.  There is a small park down the street from my house with a quarter mile loop of paved asphalt.  Brought the three kids in the wagon and plopped them down in the middle of the loop on the grass with a blanket, snacks, toys etc.  Actually took 13 times around to get a full 3 miles, but I was so happy to get my run in outside today.  And bonus, the kids played, had fun and got their vitamin D for the day.  

I love running in my new shoes, they are so light and springy.  Had a nice 3 mile run this evening and the weather was just perfect.  I loved every second of it.

This was a quick run that I just barely squeezed in today.  Better than none, so I'll take it.  Really liking my new shoes, they are so light compared to my last pair.  Had a class at Runner's Corner tonight with my sister in law and they covered a lot of good stuff on running form.  They even took video of everyone in the class running and analyzed each of us, was helpful for sure.  

Indoor track, 3 miles of round and round and round.  Tried to really focus on my running form and work on improving the things I learned about in my running class.  It take a lot of mental focus to do that but with practice it may come more natural.  12 minutes on the lateral machine.  My new shoes did not like to go lateral as much as they like to go forwards, they felt weird.

It was windy and cold but I still went out, that's not really like me  to do that.  But I'm glad I did.  Had a nice slow run, longer then I have gone in a long time.  Really enjoyed being outside and the beautiful scenery as I chugged along.  My new shoes are feeling great, still springy but comfortably broken in now.

Indoor track, 4 miles round.  Three kinda slowish, last one kinda fastish.  Then 12 min on the Lateral Machine for good measure.

My husband made me run the route he did earlier today and it was not fun.  The first half of the route was up a massive hill, then the last part was downhill.  It was hard on my legs, I think I will be sore tomorrow.  Thats the last time I let him pick my route for me.

Hello April Showers.  Got rained on and buffeted by the wind, but I'll take it since it was above 50 degrees.  3.6 miles Avg Pace 9:02   I know, I'm slow, but I don't care.  I'm just happy to run injury free for now.  And it was really nice to get out a run today after taking the whole easter weekend off.

This was a nice comfortable 4 mile run.  It was beautiful outside, just a little bit on the breezy side which is never my favorite.  But I recently read of another blogger here who ran 100 miles in windy weather, so I know I have no right to complain.  :)

Glad I got at least 3 miles in today.  Felt so tired after having a three year old for a blanket most the night.  Tired mom's run slow, but at least I ran.  And it was warm and sunny, yeah for me.

This was my long run for the week.  8 miles 9:40 avg pace.  This is the first time I have gone this far in a long time so I tried to take it nice and easy.  I'm just working on building up my base miles gradually, I'm hoping if I am patient and do it right I can stay injury free.

5k tempo run.  Out and back gradual uphill the first half.  Was huffing and puffing, but felt good to turn around and go back downhill.  Excited to be getting some splits below 8 min finally.  Even if it was running downhill.

I was not looking forward to this run today, I'm having a bad attitude today.  It is cold and windy outside, two things I don't deal well with.  But I just went out and started running, and after a mile or so I got into and really enjoyed myself.  I was planning on doing 5 easy miles, but worked out to be more like 2 easy, 3 tempo.  I have a bad habit of trying to hammer out every workout.  I need to learn to hold back, it should be easy to let yourself slow down, right?

Went to gym today to try and get in a little cross training.  Went around the track for 1.6 for a little warm up.  Then 15 minutes on the Lateral Helix machine and 12 more on the elliptical.  I would have gone longer on the elliptical but I spent to much time chatting with my sister while we stretched on the mats after my warmup, and I only had one hour for daycare.  But that's ok, I'm going to get a good long run in tomorrow morning.

Well this was a long run record for me today, I have never been this far before.  15 miles, 9:40 AP. Toby from the blog invited me out for a group run and had some really great company this morning.  It is really nice to have people to chat with, makes the miles just fly by.  My legs feel fine, I think it helped that we stopped for several water breaks and stretched.  After this run I feel like a Full Marathon really will be an obtainable goal for me this year.  Hoping to run one this fall, just not sure which one yet.  Gotta pick a good one for my first.  Now for a nap I think.

4 on the indoor track, 3 slow, 1 fast at the end.  It felt good to run after 2 days off.  Had to start really slow as I could feel my legs still recovering from my Sat. long run.  I know I pushed it going 15 when I probably should have only done 10.  I survived it, but had some soreness to recover from.  I thought about Boston a lot while I was running, its a hard thing to get out of your head.  It's just so sad and unfair.

Went out for a quick run before the celebrations begin for my daughters birthday, she is turning 5 today.  We are taking her out for a day of fun.  Did two kinda slow, and one kinda fast, then the .6 was medium.  Just so chilly out this morning I didn't feel like I really got very warmed up.  And my legs feel so cold when I got back home, look forward to warmer days.

My first run as a 32 year old.  7 miles, I felt old and slow.  Probably because I ate to much birthday cake and dinners out for three days in a row.  

Too cold and windy outside for me today, did 3 mile tempo on the indoor track and it was pretty fun.  Then 10 minutes on the Lateral Helix Machine.  The legs were feeling good tonight and I'm hoping they can stay that way.  My right IT band has been bugging me a bit the past few weeks and my husband really helped me out by giving me a deep scraping massage on it.  That made all the difference and it felt great, or I mean I didn't feel it on my run tonight.  yeah.  

Hour and 10 min Bike ride with my toddler in tow for that extra added resistance.  My butt has never quite agreed with a bike seat since my pubic ramus stress fracture in 2011.  But it was just too gorgeous out to stay home and do the dishes, so I made the best of it.  I have a goal to get in more cross training this year, so I think this was good.  Will get my run in this evening.  

 PM  - 3 mile out and back, uphill then down.  Took me two miles just to get the legs warmed up, a little tired from my bike ride this morning but I got it done. 

Why does it always feel like I'm running uphill in the wind lately.  Maybe it is just cedar hills, but there always seems to be a little to much breeze going on.  5.4 at a medium pace, and my right foot was feeling weird.  I think my pureflows are great for the short fast runs, but I'm thinking of getting something a little heavier on the cushioning for the long runs.

When I woke up this morning and got ready I put on my brooks pureflows and my feet instantly started hurting.  I have been having a little trouble with them, but this morning really confirmed that those shoes are really wrong for me.  So I put my ghost 4s on and they felt so much better.  Had a little pre-race anxiety, I'm sure that's because I have not done any races since last year in Oct.  I need to not wait so long for the next one.

Did half mile warm up jog slow few minutes before the race.  Had a really good start and only thing was in the first mile my pants kept slipping a bit.  By mile 2 that was not a problem anymore.   My splits were 8:19, 8:28, 7:39 and 7:02 for that last .12 so says my garmin.  I was really happy with the 25:13 today.  Despite all the super fasties out there, this was really good for me.  My goal time was to get 26 minutes, or about a 8:20 AP.  But I really surprised myself and dug deep for a 8:07 AP.  Took home a little trophy for 3rd in my age division, that was a surprise too.  This was such a big race, I thought the talent pool would go a little deeper.  But hey, I'm not complaining.  I'm happy to come home with something to show my girls.

I would have to say I was really impressed by how this race was managed.  The race started exactly on time.  The course was great, every mile marker was spot on.  Awesome volunteers helping everywhere, amazingly good food at the end. Not to mention really nice finisher medals for everyone and cool trophies for the winners.  I'm going to keep this one on my list for next year.

I was disappointed to take the last 9 days off running because of a kidney infection.  I would not recommend an infection of a vital organ, it can really mess with your training schedule.  Anyways, went out for a very slow 4 miles this morning.  Did not feel like I'm back to 100% just yet, I felt a serious lack of energy in my body so I did not try to push it.  It was nice to be out this morning and enjoy the fresh air and mountain views.

Nice morning for a run.  Did a 4 mile loop at a comfortable pace.  Was much faster then yesterdays slow joe run, so things are feeling back to normal I think.

Nice evening for a run, just perfect weather/temp outside.  Did 6.7 miles mostly slow in my new Nike Zoom Vomeros +7.  In contrast to running in my brooks pureflow these are a little more like running in moon shoes.  Less contact feel with the road, very cushioned.  But my feet and legs were not complaining, no aches or pains.  And no need to break them in, they were super comfy right out of the box.  My feeling is that these are going to be really nice for my long runs.

I run for fun in the hot hot sun.  5.3 miles and it was hot at 2 in the afternoon.

Things went really bad today with my brand new shoes.  I went on the murdock canal trail for a small section and they had just put some tar stuff covering the trail.  My shoes were really sticking to the tar and once I got off the trail they got covered in gravel.  So now I'm sitting on my front porch trying to pick all the tar and gravel matted to my new shoes off with a screw driver.   

Ran 3.5 in the hot sun.  Felt good to go a little faster today, and also I was able to clean the tar and rocks off the bottom of my shoes so this run went much better.  Can't wait to get out there again tomorrow.  Husband made a snow cone for me when I got home, and that was a great way to cool down.

Did 5 miles and it felt great.  Two slower uphill, then one fast coming down.  Then two more slow ones and that's it. Ran in the evening air just at sunset and it was picture perfect.

4 on the treadmill.  Three slow, one fast.  That was it.

Had a really nice long run today, really enjoyed it.  Felt great, lots of energy after a small pizza binge for lunch.  Guess all those carbs made good running fuel.  Ran on the murdock canal trail and there were lots of people on it today out for some fun.  The weather was not the best, got sprinkled on a little and had a strong head wind the whole 5 miles back.  But at least it was not too hot and the cooler air felt good.  My feet felt great, I knew these new nike vomeros would be great for long runs.  Hmm..  time to go eat something.  I feel pretty hungry after burning over 1100 calories.

Weather perfect, temps perfect, could not have asked for better running weather this evening.  Still had a touchy digestive system since Saturdays long run so did not do much but shuffle along for the first two miles.  Then I was warmed up and kinda bored but didn't really feel I had any fast miles in me today.  So I tried doing some random bursts of speed to make things more interesting.  Did 4 of these 30 second intervals during the last almost 3 miles of my run.  This was fun, and not mentally exhausting like a tempo run.  I will have to try this again soon.  

Another nice evening run.   4 mile tempo, felt like hard work.  Walked half a mile to cool down afterwards.  I'm trying to do at least 20 miles a week all through the month of May.  So far I'm meeting my goal, and that makes me happy.  If I can keep the ball rolling I will try for 25 miles a week in June.

I was planning on doing four but ended up doing 5, despite it being just plain gusty out.  I'm not much for running in the wind, but it really was my own fault.  Had the alarm set for this morning to get up and run, and it was perfect out this morning.  I was the one who hit the off button and rolled over and went back to sleep.  So its my own fault I was stuck running in the wind this evening.  I still managed to have a decent run and really picked up speed on the fourth mile when the wind was to my back.

55 min bike ride on the murdock canal trail.  Loved the beautiful panoramic views of the valley along the pleasant grove bench.  Pulling two kids that weigh 75 lbs together in the bike trailer made for some really good resistance.  I can check off my cross training for the week.

9 miles on the murdock canal trail.  Temps just perfect at 7 am, got to watch the valley fill with sunlight and who wouldn't want to see that.  Did the first three miles really nice and slow and just enjoyed myself.  This turned out to be a progressive run as I just slowly kept getting faster.  My first mile was 10:38 and my last one was a super fun 8:26.  It feels so great to run on a summer morning, woo hoo for summertime!

Was lucky to get a run in between down pours today.  Had just about finished my run when it started to drench me.  But thats fine, it was kinda refreshing.  Just a little cold.  Took Monday off for the holiday, and had a family BBQ.  I'm pretty sure I ate way too much because I had side stitches today on my run and I pretty much never have that happen.

Enjoyed a 3 mile tempo in the cooler weather.  1/2 mile cool down at the end.  I think I might be getting faster.

You think by now I would know not to binge on pizza then go for a run.   I guess some lessons we have to learn more than once.  Managed to slog out 6 miles, side stitches, and general sluggishness were the theme for this run.  

Was a great evening for a long run.  Started out a little fast and it was still quite hot out.  Had about 4 really good miles, but mis-calculated where I thought there was a drinking fountain on the new trail.  Turns out there were just picnic tables at the spot I thought I could get water.  So had to go back two miles before I could get a drink.  Felt myself over heating and getting dehydrated and that sucked.  

Saw a huge rattlesnake on the side of the road, about four feet long and pretty fat.  That was enough close encounters with Nature to last me the whole summer.  Had a nice drink finally then finished out my eight miles feeling better but a little sloshy in the tummy.  Now that its getting hot I need to be more careful about staying hydrated, I didn't feel so good after I got home and I knew I had gotten too dehydrated.

Took two days off and gave my right foot a little rest, its been acting up a bit.  It felt much better on todays run. One mile warmup, three mile tempo.  Last mile wasn't really a cool down, but it was uphill and slower.  Got some new tank tops for running and so far they are pretty good. It feels strange to run in something new, I'm such a creature of habit with my running wardrobe.  I seldom switch it up.

Went easy on myself and just did a comfortable 3 miles.  Happy National Running Day to everyone.  I'm pretty sure there were a bunch more people than usual out on the trail tonight.  

I tried a new kind of workout today, thanks for runners world magazine.  I found the biggest hill in the neighborhood and did hill repeats.  Its a quarter mile long with 140 ft gain, and I did it up and down 5 times.  Did a mile or so warm-up and cool down and that was a great workout.  My legs felt a little like jelly after I was done, which is not usually how they feel.  So I think I must have worked them in a new way, how exciting.

Had to push my long run to Sunday morning instead of Saturday.  Spent all Sat morning at the SLC Farmers Market vending veggies with my brother.  We have an Organic Farm in Orem and we bring produce to market all summer long.  Did 11 and should have started an hour earlier because it started to get pretty hot.  This run started super slow because I was so exhausted from a big day on Sat.  But was a true progressive run with each mile just a little bit faster all the way till the end.

Nice morning, just a little bit windy.  Almost got up early enough to beat the heat, but it was pretty warm at 7:30am for this time of year.  Had a good 5 mile run.  One mile warm-up and 4 miles hard.  I have a 5k on Saturday and I'm getting anxious about it already.  I must be the queen of pre-race jitters.  I don't even know why I get that way, its just a fun run I'm doing with my sisters and sister in -law.  I just hope I can make my goal.  My last 5k was a 8:07 avg pace.  I really want to get this on 8 flat or under.  Great, now I'm making myself more anxious thinking about it.

3 easy miles on the treadmill.  Pretty hot in my garage, it was a major sweat fest.

Met my sister in law at the Orem Library.  We did a half mile warm-up jog together nice and easy.  Sadly I did not have my heart in the race, I was feeling really disappointed that my two sisters that were going to run it with me bailed at the last minute.  I was going to try and break 25 minutes today but I just didn't have the drive in me.  Did my 3.06 according to my garmin, didn't race so much as I just ran it.  Finished with a decent time for me, but I know I'm capable of better.  Guess I can't read too much into it, there is always another day and another race to do my best.  Did 2 miles easy when I got home to losen things up a bit, that was mentally refreshing for me.

This race was really poorly organized by the way.  Poor firefighters were trying their best but things were just really going badly for them today.  They had their timing all messed up because their computer guy did not show up.  They were not able to get the results posted or give out the age division awards.  Sent everyone on their way and said they would post it online and mail out awards to any winners.   

Started out this run a little faster than I thought I was going to because I was tired from a really lousy nights sleep.  Still did 6.6 at a moderate pace and had a good run.  Started to get a little hot at the end, its going to be a hot day.  At least I get to go to the pool today and cool off.

5 mile tempo run, felt good and had lots of energy.  Problem with my right foot in the midfoot area.  Not along the bottom of the foot, a little higher up.  Not sure what is going on with it.  I think its been coming on slowly for a few weeks.  Felt pretty sore after my last run, and even more sore after this run.  Felt fine while I was running, but started to hurt after I stopped.  I hate injuries, and I have a half marathon in 3 weeks.  Please don't be a stress fracture, Please don't be a stress fracture.

Last week my running schedule was a little messed up because of the issues I was having with my right foot.  However it seemed to calm down on Saturday and I was able to have a really nice run this morning.  Did 10 nice and easy and my foot was feeling pretty decent and I was really relieved about that.

It started getting hot really early this morning, in fact I'm not sure if it ever really cooled down from yesterday.  Had a nice and easy slow 5 miler and wore my brooks pureflow to see how they felt after a long time not using them.  I wanted to see if they alleviated my right foot pain in any way compared to my vomeros.  And I have to say my foot feels way better after this run then the previous runs in my vomeros.  But the pureflows still bother my joints of my large toes, they just seem to rub or be cut in a way that irritates that area.  So now I feel like I have to go back to the drawing board with my shoes and figure out something totally new.  Running the hobbler half in about 2 weeks and hope I can get this figured out.

Got out early this morning and beat the heat.  It was nice and cool and a beautiful morning.  Ran 1 mile down to my friends house, then we did 3 on the canal trail together.  Its so great to have my favorite running buddy getting back into the groove of things after she has had her baby.  Then 1 mile back home from her house.  

Loosened the laces on my right shoe to try and alleviate pressure on that side but ended up making myself get a large blister on my pinky toe.  Guess that did not really help too much with the situation.

Got up at 6 but was moving kinda slow this morning and did not start my run until 6:50am.I should have gotten up an hour earlier, it started getting hot after the first half hour.  I felt really great on my run today, the miles just rolled by so smooth and easy.  I enjoyed myself and tried to stay cool.  Stopped at every water fountain along the trail and drank and doused myself.  This seemed to keep me going strong till the end.  I feel ready for my 1/2 in two weeks, crossing my fingers that it is a little cooler that day then it was today.

Ran with my friend again.  This time we brought her baby in the jogging stroller and I pushed it for her.  This added some nice resistance and help even things out a bit since she goes at a slower pace.  Can't believe how hot it is, can we please get some cooler weather for my half next weekend.

Had a nice workout this morning running hill repeats. 1 mile warmup, then 6X the mother of all hills.  Then 1 mile cool down sorta, threw in a fartlek and the end there and that was fun.  I'm feeling good about this workout today cuz last time I tried this hill I could only make it 5 times up and down.

Nice hot and slow run.  Got up kinda late this morning, trying to recover from all the weekends festivities.  Did a LSD run as my father in law calls it.  Not that is not a drug it stands for Long Slow Distance.  

warmup 1mile to my friends house, three together, then 1 home.  Everything felt pretty good.  Think I'm ready for my half on Sat, now try to relax.

Had time for a short little run just before it got dark.  Tried out my new Brooks Ghost 5's and they were pretty good.  They felt a little stiff, guess they need some breaking in.  I think they will be good shoes for me.

This was the most challenging and also the best race I have had this year.  I was so excited to finally make my goal and break 2 hours in the half.  I took 4 min and 45 sec off my previous PR in the half.  It was a good day for a race, a little on the hot and humid side, but I survived.  A late trip to the porta potty had me jogging to the start line just before they waved the runners on.  I started pretty much at the back and it was a giant slog of people for the whole first mile.  Eventually it thinned out and I was able to find my pace, at least that prevented me from going out too fast.

The course had a ton more rollers than I was expecting and my legs were feeling pretty tired by mile 9.  My pace dropped for the last four miles, but at least I was able to hold it even until the last 1 mile which was uphill the whole way to the finish.  Run13 did a great job with the event planning as usual, nothing to complain about.

This was a slow easy run this morning with my buddy Erin.  We both were feeling sluggish and that was ok.  I took 10 days off running after my Half to give my body a chance to recover a bit from aches and pains.  My right foot specifically was really sore after the race, still have not figured out what is going on there.  We will see how it feels now after taking the break.  It never really hurts while I'm running, the pain/soreness usually comes a couple hours later.  Weird, I know.  

I dread having to take breaks, 1 1/2 weeks felt more like a month.  And when I ran today I could feel it, I can't believe how fast you can lose fitness. 

3 easy miles.  My right foot still feels messed up.  I guess I really do need to take time off, I just don't want to.  When you have an injury it can be so hard to face the facts.

2 miles slow and fat in the rain.  Come backs are tough.  But I loved every minute of it.

Sunny and crisp.  It was wonderful.  I'm quite content with being able to run 2 miles.

As long as it does not snow, I think I really like running in the cold.

good run, nice and easy

Finally got brave enough to go out in the cold, I'm not a very good winter runner.