Versatile Blogger Award

So I got this award the other day and am finally getting around to playing along. The rules are:

1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 blogs you enjoy reading.

I'd like to thank XLMIC at Taking It On for being nice enough to chose me AND for following my sad little blog. She is awesome and kinda famous so it really made my day to have her follow me :D

About me:

1. When I'm not running, researching about running, reading blogs and books about running or searching for a new race, I have another hobby to occupy my time. I am learning how to make jewelry. It's been a long time dream of mine and after stalking a high-school friend in her jewelry making, I decided to give it a go. I'm not very good at it since I don't have a lot of free time or money to dedicate to it, but each time I make a piece I get better (or at least learn something).

I made this!

2. As I get older I have become a big cry baby. I used to watch Last of the Mohicans every friday afternoon after cleaning house (for the better part of a year) and cried every time. I cry at cartoons. I recently started reading The Long Run (at work on my kindle app for iphone) and had to stop because I kept tearing up.

3. I have two birthdays! My brother and I are both adopted. Our parents got him three days after he was born, and got me two months after I was born. There was never any clear reason for the delay other than I was a church adoption and his was private. Anyway, every year on the day I was adopted I got a present, sometimes a cake! It had downgraded to a phone call now that I am an adult, but it was pretty cool while it lasted!

4.  Even though I am a pretty slow runner, I have a habit of driving really fast. I once got tickets on back to back days at the same location by the same cop. Now I have a fast car to go with my lead foot. So far only one ticket, but I have been pulled over several times and it seems like the reason is they wanted a better look at the car.

She does 11s in the quarter mile.

5. I hate the TV. Not completely just for day to day entertainment. I actually canceled the cable after it was unplugged for 6 months and no one complained. It's hooked up again thanks to my new in-law squatter and I remember why I hated it in the first place.

6. On the other hand, I love computers. I can spend the better part of a 10 hour work day on a computer and come home to go straight to my computer. Throw in my iphone and laptop and I am pretty much always online unless I am sleeping.

7. I totally suck at cooking, I'm not being harsh on myself, everyone agrees. I once made a box of brownies and couldn't figure out why the batter was so thick. I forgot the water. I can boil a noodle or rice like no other tho!

As it turns out I have 16 followers for my blog, so I tag all of you with the award! If you'd like to play along please do so, I'd love to know more about you!

My First Du is Done

And it's only taken me a week to write about it, that's how fast I am!

As a part of Fleet Feet Baton Rouge Halloween runs

They had a 2 mile, 5k, Little VooDu, Big VooDu and Dirty VooDu. I chose the Little VooDu which was a 2mile run / 10 mile bike / 2 mile run. I wanted to do the Big one but since this was my first I decided to play it smart. Good thinking on my part.

We had a rough night the night before and didn't get enough sleep. I drug #4 along even though he didn't get to bed until 3 am. I'm that thoughtful.

The event was at a Super Walmart and the route was kind of plain and simple. But in the defense of the race crew, they lost their permit to have it somewhere wonderful due to the city actually do work and start early. It definitely took away fear of getting lost on the route.

I had planned to wear a costume.

Pipi Longstocking

However my sewing machine decided not to cooperate. Probably due to be stored in a plastic box for about 15 years :(. I was determined not to let that get me down. Turned out only about 3 people had on costumes. I guess everyone around here is just too serious about racing (*rolling eyes).

We got there in plenty of time. I put my bike and gear with a couple of ladies from my half class that were also racing. Only to find out it need to go somewhere else. #4 tried to help place things in a way that would be most efficient but this was new to him as well.

All the races started together. We had chips strapped to our ankles so it didn't matter where we were in the line up, timing didn't start until we crossed the mat. This was probably a good thing since I tend to linger in the back.

My plan was to run the first run slow (10:50ish), ride about medium effort (15mph) and book it on the last run (10:30ish - don't hurt yourself laughing). First run felt good and slow. I was afraid I started out too fast. I don't like to be in a group so I usually have to run faster than I want to get to a spot that is all for me. My right shoe came untied on the way in, I didn't bother to stop and tie it since I would be taking it off anyway. 

I got on all my bike gear and hoofed out the back like I was told to do. I have a love/hate relationship with my bike shoes. They are great on the bike but walking in them is such a pain. I hit what I thought was head wind on the way out and I pedaled hard thinking I would coast on the way in. Turns out the head wind was on the way back. I managed 16.5-16.7 out, but only 13s on the way in. Until the last mile when I the wind was finally at my back and I was cruising at 18 (I never ride that fast!). 

For the second run, my legs were like jelly. I knew this would happen but I was still surprised. I felt like I was walking I was running so slow. I guess it worked out since when I came to point where it was time to kick I was able to do it.

I was thinking it would take close to 2 hours to finish. I was not disappointed when they posted my time.

Source

Clearly I need work in the transition area. It was a learning experience and I had a great time! I can't wait to do another one.

#4 tried to take some wonderful pics, but these are the ones he got:

I'm not sure why the rotated one's posted this way, that's not how they are on my laptop. But I'm leaving them because I have other stuff to do :D

Virtually in Love with Racing

Virtual Races that is :D

Not that they will ever replace IRL races but added to the mix, they are just plan fun.

Last week I did a 3.7 mile one with Run with Jess to celebrate her 37th birthday. She sent out everyone these cute bibs to wear:

It was early and I'm not that bright

She is giving away a slew of prizes which just adds to the fun. I did my run in 37:29. Not too bad I guess.

My next virtual race is next week, thru Spark People.

Wow - over 9000 people participating!

No prizes except for spark points, but those are like gold on the site :D

Today I signed up for the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge 2011. It's much more than just a race. It's based on workout in general, something to help motivate us during the holidays.

Sign up here!

Since my Half training class will be ending soon, I am a little worried that I won't stick with it. Plus at some point I need to get more serious about cross-training and strength training. I'm highly motivated when it comes to these types of events. Basically if people are watching, I tend to be less lazy!

All kinds of NEW Goodness!

In order of occurring:

1. New clothes

Wednesday nights, as you know, are half class run nights. Well this past one turned out to be cooler than I expected when I packed earlier in the day. I packed a long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt and shorts. And shorts weren't gonna cut it after the sun went down. So I headed over to Academy Sports for some very moderately priced gear because I am cheap. It was a successful trip, new un-needed but coordinating long sleeve shirt and capris for $30 total.

Then off to my mom's for some free fabric scraps for my Halloween race costume (you'll have to wait for this one). I got dressed there and low and behold I forgot something. I forgot my running bra. The one thing you just can't go without huh ladies?!? After a short self-debate about whether or not to go back to Academy for a $12 bra, I decided to splurge. Academy is the opposite direction of where class is AND class is at a running store. I figured I would just get the cheapest they had and be happy. Good choice since I hit the mother-load of traffic.

I walked in the store and straight to a bra, picked my size and went straight to try it on. I've spent the last 9 or so Wednesday nights in this store for at least hour each time, so I know the merchandise. Bra fit so I was good to go. As I would later come to realize, this bra was amazing!

Moving Comfort Alexis

I run with my iPhone, using the Run Keeper app to track my stats. I put said phone in my bra since most of clothes are pocketless. The phone travels a lot during my runs. NOT ANYMORE! The phone stayed put. I almost forgot it was there. Halfway thru I added my lip balm and car clicker. I could not feel either of those either. I would highly recommend this bra. And the price was reasonable, $34. Of course I had store credit that I didn't know about and scored this baby for $4!

2. New distance PR

I made it to double digits!

WooHoo

I should show the route. I actually made it back to the starting point at 9 miles. I refused to stop, and did a few extra laps around the parking lot to get to 10. I'm pretty sure the rest of the group thought I was nuts!

3. New Race

Who Dat! I'm not a real big Saints fan. I will root for them since they are the home team, but I don't own any Saints clothes or anything like that. They had a great game last night, and to celebrate the Rock 'N Roll New Orleans Marathon powers that be are giving a discount. Each time the Saints win, they are giving the point spread as a discount for a 12 hour period the following day. Right now the registration for the half is $90, I got it for $35! Who Dat!!

Pretty darn good weekend!

Where is my free time?!?

I honestly don't know when my last post was. Yes I know I can look but who has the time ??

So here's what I have I been wasting my time doing:

1. I've started looking for a job, which is a full time job in itself. I don't really want a job, but the extra money would be awesome.

2. I drove to New Orleans FIVE times in less than two weeks. Now this is only an hour drive, but it really eats into a day. I took the Boy THREE times for college info nights (got lost all three times). Then #4 and I went with others to watch the Stepson get sworn in and shipped off to BT for the Marine Corp Ooh-rah! And then the most important last trip was to the Girl's place of work to get my hair colored. I'm a red-head now :D

3. Working for the man #4. I really have to say I have it easy. But it would be wrong of me to fart around 100% of my time here at the shop, so I try to keep to about 75% farting.

4. Planning a trip to Denver for a special wedding. This may seem easy but other family members are traveling with us and they are notorious for waiting until the last minute. Which is direct conflict with my OCD-Control Freak nature.

5. Running - I know this is a no-brainer, but you may have forgotten that was why I was here in the first place.

6. Facebooking, twittering, blog reading. A girl has to have hobbies.

7. Halloween costume planning. Two parties and a race is what I need stuff for. Ugh. I hate spending money on costumes. I like to dress up of course, who doesn't! But I'm cheap.

On the running front, I was shooting for 9 miles last Saturday.

It was an interesting run. We went a new route that included part of the race route. It was actually hilly, well as hilly as you can get here.

I am pretty sure the purchase of a garmin or similar device was proven on this run. Within a quarter mile of my iphone app telling me I had gone 2 miles, the FFW (fleet feet woman - owners of store hosting the class) looked at her garmin and hollered out "yay 2 miles!". Technically I'm okay if my app steals a little distance from me here and there since I am still a "new" runner. But I can see this bugging the techie in me when double digit runs become old hat.

Although I made the 8 mile run the weekend before without a potty break, it just wasn't in the cards for this run.  When I finished up and was heading back out, I ran into FFW again. She asked how I was doing (cuz it's kinda her job and I'm sure I looked like hell). I mentioned that I wish I get over me need to pee. She laughed and said that it was ok, I  would just pee on myself in the actual half. Good to know. Not like I haven't done it in training.

That gave me a great idea for a shirt. A couple of years ago, one of SILs gave me my fav t-shirt of all time!

Source

I do, I'm not afraid to admit it. It serves two purposes. I don't have to get out (wet bottoms are the hardest thing to pull back up!) and it keeps the kids away from me. I wear the shirt every time we have a pool party :D

So my idea is to get a tech shirt and have "I pee in my shorts on long runs" put on the back. For the half. With an optional "that's not sweat hitting you in the face" in smaller print. I know I would have a big grin on wearing it!

A new distance PR

I have to hurry to post this because it will be old news tomorrow morning when I get a new new distance PR!

Last Saturday I ran 8 miles. I have to admit I was very nervous going into it, for several reasons. One, because the runs preceding it were at a new pace for me and I KNOW I can't hold that pace for long distances. Two, because it seems like such a  huge number.

I purposely set out at a slower pace.

I was originally planning on 11:30s for the half. I feel more confident that it is doable. I really don't want to walk any of it. My little handheld just barely held enough fluids for this run. Good thing #4 will be packing a fresh on for me at the half. Not sure if he'd be game to do that for my training runs tho :(

All of our Saturday runs are done close the LSU campus. It really is the best place to run in town. Last Saturday the LSU/Florida game was scheduled for 2pm. This is always a big game. I don't know why it didn't occur to me beforehand that people would already be out on campus.

We normally don't run on campus, but this was actually a treat. I have no been tailgating in years. This is something like what I got to run through:

Source

The smell of BBQ and beer was almost overwhelming!

Cool weather is a runner's best friend...

Mine at least.

I still consider myself an 11:30 runner.

This is from Saturday's run. The plan was a 6 miles. I think they were hoping for more none half training runners to come out for the launch of the new Brooks Pure Project shoes. (I want some so bad!) I think the cool weather kept people at home. We only had 5 show up for our group run, and I was the only slow one :(

I know I started out too fast. We started from a different point. I love change but it was a downhill. My first two miles came in under 10. I was sure there was no way for me to keep that up for a third much less four more miles. I kept telling myself to slow down but just couldn't get my body to listen. I even passed on my normal potty break!

For most of the run, I could see our token dude (only one male in the class) ahead of me in his bright green shirt. Every time he caught my eye I thought "I shouldn't be able to see him anymore". At the end, he said he saw me still back there about mile four and thought the same thing!

The funny part is that after Wed. nights intervals which I was shooting for 2:45/3:20 and doing 2:15/2:45, I got to thinking that there was no way I would ever be able to hold that pace for a 5k. Now I am thinking a sub 30 minute 5k may be in my future. I'll have to wait until November to find out tho. I've already registered for a race then. I was planning  on doing one this month but I got a different better offer for my money:

Run for the Hills is running a marathon and raising money for St. Jude's at the same time. It's a great cause, and there are prizes, so my money was put to a much better cause. I can wait for my PR.

Currently I am in week 7 of Half training. It's still far enough away that I'm not getting nervous yet (I'll over-achieve in this later). And I'm still impressing myself with what I accomplish weekly so I am still real motivated. As for the weather, I went on a 3 mile run Monday and did it in 10:05. I'm gonna enjoy fall.

Run Skirts and Pilates

I broke down and bought a running skirt. Actually that's not really what happened.

I went to Target to get #4 some Dr. P. and went thru the workout section to get there. I was looking for a couple of racer back tanks. I'm not 100% comfortable in the sports bra tanks I have so I wanted some loose fitting tanks and am a bit cheap. There were some clearance racks. BINGO!

The first rack was all shorts. Shorts that I would not wear as panties BTW. But sticking out was one skirt. My size. I almost need another pair of running shorts and this was such a great deal.

@ Target Champion Skirt reg $16.99, clearance $8.99

So I wore them for my long run on Saturday. I felt so cute. I'm not kidding, really cute. I did have to wear a loose tank over the tummy area, cuz that wasn't so cute. My inner thighs did not really enjoy the skirts under shorts so much after about 4 miles. Yes my thighs touch. I'll wear it again, but only for my shorter runs.

On a different note, I'm participating in a Biggest Loser challenge on Spark. I'm in a group that is all people that are at goal weight or within 10lbs of it. (I've actually lost 4lbs since it started, go me!) I've dropped the ball pretty bad with the LCW, but managed to do it this week out of guilt motivation.

I pulled out my old Winsor Pilates videos and did the ab one. I'm not sure how long I have owned these videos, but I'm sure it's been 10 years. I was a little worried that they were out of date, but Pilates is pretty old as it is so I'm gonna use these instead of buying new ones. I did mention that I was cheap??

It kicked my ass and my abs. All in about 20 minutes. Who doesn't have time to spend 20 minutes on something?? I'm gonna work at making this a regular part of my week.

How much can I squeeze into one post?!?

I would be first in line for to have a chip inserted in my brain IF it did certain functions. Namely, record and post all the wonderful bloggy stuff I think about while running, driving, showering and the many other activities I do while not in front of the computer. But since there is no chip yet, and I don't want to leave out anything good, I'll just see how much I can cram squeeze in here.

And because I am a little OCD, it will be in chronological order :D

1. I officially have a running buddy. One of the ladies in my Half training group is not going to be able to do the half with the rest of us, so she set her sights on one the following month. I was already planning to do it so I said I would do it with her. We now are running together every Monday and Friday mornings. Although we run different paces, we start together and meet up again after we are done. It really helps me to get out of bed knowing that someone is waiting on me.

2. The race weekend that wasn't. I managed to miss both of my free races. I wasn't totally planning on doing the mud race. It really didn't seem to be the kind of race that would be fun alone and I couldn't guilt get anyone into doing it with me. It was okay, because after my 6.4 half training run I was pretty exhausted. I was upset about missing the trail run. Our a/c unit shut down Saturday night and we were up til pretty late trying to see what was wrong with it and hopefully get it going again. But we got to go visit my DS again in her new town so it wasn't a total wash.

This is my DS Cori, and her BF Corey. I'm not joking.

3. More running, half training, blah blah blah. Yeah right, like that's not the reason I live and breathe! Monday of Week 5 felt like crap. I felt slow, had trouble breathing, wanted to stop. Wednesday we did a tempo run. I didn't do as well as the last time (maybe there is something to peeing on yourself). Friday didn't feel all that great either. I did a virtual 5k and posted my time at 33:37 at a 10:46 pace. Didn't really notice it until later. It was pretty doggone good for me.

4. New longest distance. 7.19 in 1:17:40 at an avg pace of 10:48. Go me!

5. Tried Yoga for the first time. It was AWESOME, except for the gnats. After Wednesday nights tempo run, FF had an instructor come and do a session with us. It was outside and that's where the gnat came from. I have never felt so good after a run. (I actually ran into to the little girl that did the class after my run yesterday, she does not teach anywhere anymore :( but did recommend some things for me to check into since my gym doesn't have a yoga class).

I'm gonna close it here. I did have half a diet coke this weekend so my memory is not 100% lol

A Brick and More Races

I let #4 slide on a bike ride on Sunday. He really likes to be lazy that day and since it is his only day, I decided to oblige. But I did trick him into committing to riding Monday night. The Half schedule called for a 40 minute run which is just under 4 miles for me. So I planned a brick workout.

We went to the lakes by LSU which has become my favorite place to run. Mostly because I can chose a route for just about any mileage and not have to do any laps. Have I mentioned that I hate laps?!? I planned for us to ride the 6 mile loop and then he could ride beside me while I ran the 4 mile loop.

Started out real good. I love my bikes! I do tend to ride all out tho. It just feels like cheating to coast. I brought my hard tail because the full suspension is just too heavy for the lakes and the road bike is too light. It's not really too light, but since I was "training" for a duathlon that I will use the road bike for I don't want to train with it. I want to train with something heavier. We did the 6 mile loop with no problem (other than there were a ton of people to dodge).

When we got back to the truck, I felt a little light headed. I should have taken a break but I prefer to push like I would on a race day. So we just took off. I truly understand the term Brick now! My legs were VERY heavy! I was running really, really slow. I only managed 2 miles of the 4 I had planned. My splits weren't too bad: 10:58 & 11:48. But I hit 13s quite a bit during the second mile. I knew the parking lot with the potty would be about the halfway mark so I decided to stop there.

We walked the rest of the way back to the truck. It took forever,  but was really nice to spend some slow time together.

What did I learn from this? That although I really want to do the Big VooDu, it just best that I do the Little VooDu. Does this mean I am wussing out? I hope not. I looked around at other du's in this state and the Big VooDu is one of the biggest so it makes sense that it NOT be my first du. To me and #4 it makes sense at least.

In order of event, not registration :D

10/30/11 The Little Voo-Dualthon: This race is a 2m/10m/2m du. The Big VooDu is a 5k/18m/5k. I've made the right choice. They also have a dirty voodu and 5k event. I'm pretty excited about this little race!

11/5/11 SJA Sticker Stampede 5k: a friend from High school who is training on her own for a marathon (or half) sent me a message on FB about this one. It's our alma mater and a good fundraiser. I may actually not show up for it tho. I noticed after that my schedule run for the day is 105 minutes. Although I will be in the same general area, if we don't start until 7 am I won't be able to make the 8:30 race start (unless I go a different route and just run right into the race lol).

1/15/12 - The Louisiana Marathon Half. After last Saturday's group run, one of the others was talking about not being able to do the BR Beach half with the rest of the class. That is the race we are all training for. She will be out of town. She mentioned that she was looking at doing the LA Marathon half instead. I mentioned that I was thinking of doing it as well. So we tentatively decided to do it together. I went ahead and signed up!

A new distance PR

In case you can't see it: I RAN 6 MILES!

I am very excited, can you tell???

The scheduled run for Saturday's group run was a 6 mile or 50 minute run. I was not planning to do 6 miles for two reasons.

1. I have never ran more than 4 miles before in my life (all at once).
2. I can not do 6 miles in 50 minutes even if I had run that distance before in my life.

This run we had the Fleet Feet girl coaches*. I was expecting it to work like before, breaking into groups and those of us that can't run the full distance doing an out and back. So far we have had 3 "groups". The first being those that can run under a 10 min mile. Second is those that can't. And the third being those that run/walk. I fit into the back of the second group.

The FFGCs explained the route. They also said that if we were running an 11 min mile, it would take us 66 minutes to do the whole route. then one of the FFGCs said something that changed my mind about my goal for the run. She said that if we all wanted to do the whole route, they would wait for us. How awesome is that?? 

I knew the route and was not worried about running alone or getting lost. I also knew there was a potty about halfway around! (Sad the things that get me thru.) After we started, I placed myself purposfully between the second group of runners and the walkers. I still was not planning to run the whole distance but was going to run at least my planned 4.5 miles. 

I wasn't really surprise that I kept up with the second group. We were running right about 11 min miles which is my current pace. About 1.5 miles in, one of the two runners in front of me (there were only 3, once coach and two runners) decided to stop at a water fountain. The other runner apparently really wanted to run in a pair and slowed down until she stopped to wait. I kept going. I wasn't running WITH them, except that we are in the same group. I am working really hard to run my own pace. So I just kept going. 

Right at mile 3 we got to the parking lot that had the potty. I really felt like I could go without stopping, but after what happened at Wed's group run I really didn't want to chance it. I turned around and saw the coach behind me and told her I was stopping. After I was done, I went out on my own to finish as much as I could.

It didn't take very long before I spotted the coach and other two runners in front of me. I was motivated by this because I thought I would be much to far behind them to see them. 

I had my RunKeeper app set to give my voice feedback every ten minutes. And I kept thinking, at the next feedback I'll go to a run/walk plan for the rest. But I was feeling good. Actually I was feeling great. I had none of the normal pains I get when running. Granted I have changed my landing from heel to mid-foot. I did have a little discomfort in my knees but heck, I was pushing it. Every turn (ran around lakes) I could still see them just motivated me to keep on going. Who knows, I may have been able to catch them! Not really :D

Eventually we got to where I could see the lot my car was parked in. No way I was walking in at that point. The coach that was with runners in front of me stopped when she entered the lot to wait for me. She was all cheery with a "yay you did it!" I was elated. I told her I had never run that distance before and never ran more than 4 miles before. She seemed surprised!

We stretched after and I learned that I am not very flexible. Need to get on a plan for that ASAP. I couldn't wait to get home and tell #4! About the run, not the flexibility. I posted it everywhere! 

I usually start out my runs with a mental beat down. I think things like "what are you thinking?", "you need to be happy with 5ks", "you know you could be sleeping right now". I was starting to believe there was no way I would be ready for the Half in December. I just seem so far behind the other runners. I think I know better now. Heck 6.2 miles is almost half of 13.1. 

My pace was pretty good too!

I got this!

* I really have no idea what else to call them but coaches.

HMT W3 D?, I've already lost count :p

Scheduled: 30 min tempo run, no route... out and back.

Coming off 4 really good runs, I was looking forward to this class. I had struggled for the other group runs, so I kinda wanted to show everyone that I wasn't a huge wuss. Not that I'm not, but they don't need to know that.

The first words out of the coaches mouth when he arrived were "this will be your first speed training run". Immediately I thought "whoa dude, it's a tempo run!". Glad I didn't say it out loud.  I assumed, wrongfully apparently, that a tempo run meant running a nice steady tempo. If only there was a book or website where one could look up such words and/or terms, then life would be sooo much easier. O.o

He explained that what we were going to do was take our 5k pace and add two minutes to it. Run 10 mins at that pace, then speed up for 10 minutes, then slow back down for the last 10.

Well I don't have a 5k pace. I have only finished two 5ks fully running in my life. The first was in 2006 and I finished in 35:04. And the other was the 5k I did in July that the course was cut short due to the other runners who made a wrong turn. Even though math is not my best subject, I figure my time would have been 32:15 for the full 5k. So that puts me around 10:45ish?!?

As with the other group runs, he plans to break us into the 10:00m/m group and everyone else. That put them setting out at about a 12m/m. I figured I could hang with that since I'm running around 11m/m right now. I did fine with that, pulling up the rear. I like the rear. It keeps me from running someone else's pace.

So at the 10 min mark, he hollers and we pick up the pace. I'm hanging good, still in the back. We turn around after 5 minutes. Not really sure what happened here or more importantly why, but I started passing people. I really was just running what I felt I would run in a race. It ended up being around 9:20. I know, greased lightning! I ended up passing all but two runners, and that included the two coaches. I heard them comment to each other about my pace. I even heard him comment about how the first day I barely finished. That made me happy :D

I finished the run just fine. However I did have an accident during. Yes, I am saying I wet myself. So embarrassing. But I'm pretty sure no one noticed. Now, I've read all about this. But somehow I just figured it was a race thing. Never imagined it to be an issue while training. My bladder should just be smarter than me. Needless to say, I ran straight to my car and went home. Barely even said bye. I am going to hope that with the cooler weather I just need to hydrate less?!?

HM W2R3 & W3R1

Tropical Storm Lee tried his best to put a stop to my Half class plans for the weekend. I truly woke up every hour - hour and a half Friday night and checked my email waiting for some notice about class Saturday morning. Scheduled was 5 mile or 45 minute run. I had planned to do the same route as last week and get in a full 4 miles. But at 6 am, the email came that the run was canceled. I was not surprised. It had been raining for over 12 hours with no end in sight.

Around 1 pm, I noticed it had stalled for a while. I checked weather.com and the site informed me that I had a window of opportunity until 3 pm. So my decision was made and I started to prepare. I got my drinks made and my fuel eaten. And at 2 pm I set off from the house for my run.

There were a few sprinkles on the way. No big deal. I need to learn to run in rain anyway just in case. But by the time I arrived at my route and parked my car, the rain had picked up. There was not another soul out there. Well, there were plenty of people driving but no one braving the weather. I thought about sitting and waiting for it to calm down but decided that was sure to be the quickest way to backing out of the run. So I just went.

It rained quite a bit for the first mile. Slacked off for mile 2 and 3. And picked back up for mile 4. I was soaked! I ran through puddles. I briefly worried that I was ruining my iphone. But I had a great run!

After I was done, I went home and had a nice warm shower. I also allowed myself to celebrate with a beer or two for getting out there and getting it done!

When Monday rolled around, I chose to sleep in since it was still raining. It didn't rain too much that day but my DD called and wanted me to go visit her in her new apartment in her new city, New Orleans. So I went and spend a few hours with her and put my run on the back burner. 

I got home around 6 and immediately went to get ready for my run. I was in a hurry! The temperature had dropped and I was worried that after dark it might actually be cold! Seems silly I know. I had the route to myself again. I guess everyone was BBQ'n or something. Another good run for me!

This makes 4 good runs in a row. I am hoping to be over whatever slump August caused for me. I have other things to concern myself with on this journey besides the 3-4 mile distance.