The Month Is Done Already

To help offset my birthday dinner out and my large amounts of cake consumption, I have been running even if I haven’t blogged about it.  First my two cents about eating:  I will eat what I want.  This means that even though I’m trying to loose a few more pounds I will still eat whatever I want because I believe it is more about portion control than what you eat.  (I say this knowing we rarely go out to dinner, we rarely buy prepackaged dinners, and I love to cook and bake using fresh ingredients when possible.) 

My schedule completely got turned around because ADP and I are busy every night this week.  ADP is late a couple days, I’ve got things going a couple days, and Bugs even had an evening commitment.  So, instead of following the training plan I moved everything around and ended up running hills on Sunday, relaxed run on Monday, 6 miles on Tuesday and I took this morning off.

The plan said 5-6 hills at 5K pace which upon further investigation means “when you read "4-5 hills," that means you should do 4-5 repeats at 5K pace on a hill about 150 or 200 yards long.”  I took this to mean run up a hill about .1  mile long at a quick pace.  I have NO idea what my 5K pace is, so I ran the first one and it was about an 8 min mile so I went with it.  Now, this hill is the one that is part of my running route so I usually run it at least once a week – going one direction.  I never run up it 6 times in a row going back and forth like a yo-yo.  Hill 1 (and thus 3 and 5) is about a 5% grade while hill 2 (and thus 4 and 6) is about a 12% grade.  I liked running up the littler hill better!  I did well on all the hills except the last and then I only got down to 8:15 min mile.  I’ll take it to mean I guessed on the pace right because the last hill was hard.

This picture is at the top of the 5% side...so you can only see a little of the 12% grade (and there is no snow these days, but I didn't want to carry a camera the other day)

Monday I took it easy with my 4 miler.  My legs were not tired from my hills the day before, but they weren’t fresh either.  Tuesday I had 6 miles planned.  I decided to do something different with my run.  Outside I have no trouble holding a 9 min mile for a couple miles; inside I can barely break the 10 minute barrier.  So, I figured out what pace I needed to shoot for and I did odd miles at a 9:52 min pace and even miles at 9:01 min pace.  My legs were tired for the last mile but I did my best to finish strong – thanks to the treadmill.

March total:  116.12 miles

2010 year to date:  281.73 miles

Monday Brain Exchange, 1

Check it out:  Monday Brain Exchange (I'm a day late...but better late than never!)

Question:  What/Who influenced you to start a blog?  Where did you get your blog title?  How long have you been blogging?

I had a website for family and friends when the kids were little.  When it got to be more than I wanted to deal with I switched to blogging.  I still keep a family oriented blog so I can put up pictures fo the kids and keep far away family in the loop as to what we are up to.  So, when I decided to train for a half-marathon I figured a great way to track my progress what to blog.  I already kept a running journal, but it is all numbers and not what I was looking for – what I wanted was blogging. 

I have no idea how I came up with the name.  I tried out a few on a piece of paper and realized that all my running is for me, on my time, and usually alone so “Running on My Time” was born.

I’ve been blogging here since 7/27/09.  I’ve been apart of the bloggy world a few years longer.

And The Winner Is...

I have the great honor of presenting one of you a Starbucks Gift Card today in honor of my birthday.  Let's take a moment here...

((Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh))

Yes, a birthday is something to celebrate. What do you celebrate on your birthday?  Surviving another year?  Enjoying each day?  Running?  Reading?  Kids?  Life?  There are so many thing things to celebrate how could someone narrow it down?  I am narrowing it down today (at least trying when I'm not carting kids here and there).  I focus on my family all year; they come first no matter the time of day or day of the week.  It is what I want to give to them:  I give me.  Today I am taking a ME day because well, the day is my birthday and it's what I want to do.


Without further delay, I counted up the entries, went over to random.org and entered the min/max numbers and it spit out #8.  I had to laugh when I saw who won because just last week I won a giveaway on her blog.  The winner is:


Molly at I'm a Sleeper Baker!  She said: 

I like your logic!

I follow!

I can't argue with her - she likes my logic.  


And, Happy 34th Birthday to fellow runner and graduate student Christa0329.

Last Chance to Enter

You have only hours (well, ~14 of them at this point) to enter my Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway.  This giveaway will end on my birthday - say 12:45 a.m. on March 29 (eastern time for my ease of mind).  Extra entries for those who come up with the significance of the time.  Good Luck!

Friday Fanfare, 3.26

Welcome to all the new followers!!  I am very excited to see new people here.  Please leave me a comment so I know to stop by your blog and say hi.

My latest running related books is the Daniels' Running Formula by Jack Daniels.   I'm not far, but I love the point he makes on p. 179:

Run with your head the first two thirds of a race and with your heart the final third.

Good luck to all the runners and racers this weekend.

• Tim is running the Oakland Marathon (first since becoming a parent)
• Stephanie is running the Ocean Drive Marathon (3rd marathon in March)
• AJH is running the Rae Vermont Spring Fling 10K (she got a PR last weekend running a 5K)
• Darlene is running the Metroland Championships 5K Run Against Child Obesity (she runs for lots of causes)
• Amanda and Andy are running The Great Race of Agoura Hills 5K (if you want to read about great food - visit their site)

GOOD LUCK!

My Friday Fanfare race calendar continues to fill up. Leave a comment if you want to be included and I’ll add you to my calendar. Also, don't forget to stop by the giveaways listed in the sidebar (including my Starbucks gift card giveaway).

Three Things Thursday-Happy Edition

1.  I did it and I'm doing it!  I did it:  I'm over 25% of the way to my yearly mileage goal.  As of right now I have 261.76 miles in the books.  I'm doing it:  I am going to have another 100 mile month (my second in 2010).  Only 3.85 miles to go.  I have 8 mile left to run this week so I'll definitely break 100 miles!

2.  I'm done grappling (with one thing).  When I've been going back and forth for as long as I have it is time to do something about it!  So, I'm going to loose more weight.  I lost weight last year and made Weight Watchers Lifetime just days after my first half-marathon.  I was ecstatic, to put it mildly.  I chose my goal weight by how my clothes were fitting - everything from before having kids fit so I was happy.  Well, it's been six months and while I'm happy with how far I've come I'm ready for more.  I pulled out my tracker and started writing all my food down again.  I still attend Weight Watchers meetings weekly, but now I'm a receptionist.  It's time to start listening to the leader more closely when I'm working.

3.  I'm proud of my boy Bugs.  This week for sharing (he's in kindergarten) all the kids need to teach an exercise to the class.  I figured Bugs would want to do push-ups or running or jumping jacks.  He decided to teach the kids in his class how to do triangle and warrior poses.  I love that he wants to do something that no one else has done (apparently one girl did "ooh" according to Bugs - which turned out to be "ohm" when I asked more questions) and a pose that he enjoys doing.  We don't do yoga often, but we do it enough so that it has made an impression! 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  Remember, you need leave a comment to enter the giveaway.  Never fear, ADP has asked if he can enter (which means my darling hubby actually reads my blog) and I told him to buy his own Starbucks coffee.

Today's Goal: Go Slow

I know it isn't every day that runners try to go slow, but I needed it today.  One year ago I was working hard to run at a 12 minute mile.  Then, as I trained for my first half marathon (Oct 2009) I got faster.  I'm not fast by any means, but I'm a lot faster than I was a year ago.  Lately my outdoor runs have been races against everything I have going on.  I haven't been able to slow down, so today's focus was to run slower than a 10 min mile (Monday's outdoor run yielded an ave. pace of 8:46/mi and a wicked sideache).  

• Mile 1:  9:58 = FAIL
• Mile 2:  9:50 = FAIL, going the wrong direction
• Mile 3:  9:54 = FAIL, is it possible for me to go slower?
• Mile 4:  10:00 = FINALLY!
• Mile 5:  10:16 = Relaxing a little more
• Mile 5-5.59:  5:18 for an ave. pace of 8:56 = Screw it!  I've been trying to end my runs strong so I picked it up the last ¼ mile

I may not have relaxed as much as hoped, but I finally slowed down part way through the race.  I've been grappling with a lot of things lately and the pressure I'm putting on myself seems to be weighing me down more than I thought.  The biggest thing coming up is my next state exam is coming up on 4/10 (the third of three teacher certification exams).  It isn't surprising to me that my fastest mile I was thinking about the test and what I have left to do to get ready for the exam.  Over the next couple weeks I'll probably get into some of the other things I've been going back and forth with.  Nothing major, but still enough to get me all mentally up in arms.  Oh - and a piece of good news:  no IT pain.  Apparently PT is working!

Now, I'm going to relax with my kids, watch the end of the Nascar race (Bristol isn't being nice to my favorite driver Kenseth).  And then maybe talk the family into a short walk around the neighborhood before dinner.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway (here).  Leave a comment or two there to enter.

A Good Day for a Giveaway

In ten short days I'll be another year older.  In ten short days I'll (according to my metrics) officially be in my mid-thirties.  In ten short days I'll be 43 according one kid and 34 according to the other kid.  Only one is right and the other will be corrected until they get it right.  While I'm sure being 43 will be awesome, I'm fine being 34 for the next year.  So, in honor of my upcoming 34th birthday, I am giving away a Starbucks gift card for $13.40.  No, it isn't fancy or running related or even my go-to drink.  But a latte sure does taste good after a run so I'm spreading the joy.  

I'm sure you are wondering:  Why $13.40?  Well, I wanted to stick with the number 34 because I'll be 34 years old.  I figured $3.40 wasn't enough (can you even get a drink for $3.40 at Starbucks other than straight coffee or tea?).  And I've said it before and I'll say it again:  I'm cheap so $34 is way out of my price range.  So, I thought about the Starbuck's gift cards I've received and they were usually $10 to $15 so I split the difference making sure the number 34 was in there somewhere.  Hence the $13.40 gift card.

Enough history…you want to know how to win.  It's easy.  

1. Be a follower (required - leave a comment)
2. Post this giveaway on your blog or what ever else you do to let others know (you can get one extra entry this way - leave a comment)

This giveaway will end on my birthday - say 12:45 a.m. on March 29.  Sometime on my birthday I'll use the awesome randomizer at random.org to figure out who the winner of the $13.40 gift card is.  

Good Luck!

Friday Fanfare, 3.19

Welcome to all the new followers!!  I am very excited to see new people here.  Please leave me a comment so I know to stop by your blog and say hi.


I have finished "reading" Runner's World Complete Book of Running and have come across one more great quote to share. 

The Zen-Tao Approach:  “Winning at racing, as in life, is an inner journey without a destination.” And, “You have within you, right now, all that you need to achieve your realistic goals in running.”  p. 180

Every single person has the ability to achieve their goals.  I believe this quote goes far beyond running and can be applied to all of life.


Good luck to all the runners and racers this weekend.

• Candice is running the Spectrum 10K (she just got back from vacationing in Hawaii!)
• Denise is running the Shamrock Marathon (plans on finishing with a smile)
• Julie is running the Get Lucky! 7K (I'm curious, why is it 7K?)
• Mel is running the Mercer Island Half Marathon (there is a whole group of bloggies running, isn't it cool)
• Velma is running the Quivering Quads Trail Half (OK, I think she's running)
• Stephanie is running the Bataan Death March (her first race in a new age division)
• AJH is running the Shamrock Shuffle 5K (have fun with the shorter distance)

My Friday Fanfare race calendar continues to fill up. Leave a comment if you want to be included and I’ll add you to my calendar. Also, don't forget to stop by the giveaways listed in the sidebar.

Three Things Thursday, 3.18

1.  Yesterday it was beautiful so I made a spur of the moment decision to go for a run.  Unfortunately, I wasn't in the right mindset.  It was beautiful and I had time; yet I couldn't settle into anything.  I felt like I was running away from something (probably my long to-list at home).  I also got a side-ache at mile 1.5 so I cut my run short and stopped at 2.5 miles because the pain was still there (though not as bad).  I enjoyed being outside, but it wasn't a great run.  Oh well.  This morning was a repeat of yesterday's run only inside and without the side-ache.  The difference is that it is really easy to get off a treadmill and when you are outside running you can't just call it quits.  I know tomorrow's run will be better.

2.  The snow is almost 100% gone in our yard.  I raked the front yard (ADP helped a little when he got home from work) on Wednesday.  I also cleaned off three of the flower beds.  I am checking the beds every day (sometimes twice a day) waiting for the first flowers to come up.  I hope it is soon!  We put in a new garden last year along the whole length of the house.  I can't wait to see what survived, what needs to be moved, and what holes I need to fill.  I have to admit, I love running, but during the spring and fall I'd rather be in the garden moving things around.

3.  I've covered running and gardening so the next logical point needs to be reading (at least it is logical to me).  Here's another from my "The Name's Familiar" book.  

Blurb, Belinda

In 1907, a humorist named Gelett Burgess published a book called Are you a Bromide?  When the book make tsp debut at a booksellers' dinner, it featured a dust jacket with a photograph of a stunning young model named Belinda Blurb.  Underneath her picture was text describing the model's fine appearance.  Booksellers from the dinner soon were referring to any et on a dust jacket as a blurb.  You may not have heard of the book Are You a Bromide? but you have probably heard one of Burgess' other works:

I never saw a purple cow

I never hope to see one

But I can tell you anyhow

I'd rather see one than be one.

He was also the author of a lesser-known sequel poem:

Ah yes, I wrote the "Purple Cow"

I'm sorry now I wrote it

But I can tell ow anyhow

I'll kill you if you quote it!

A Great Mail Day

Yesterday when I went to the mailbox I wasn't expecting anything great.  Boy was I surprised!  In the mail were two great giveaway wins.  In the first envelope were the Yurbuds I won at Shut Up and Run!'s blog.  I haven't used them, but since gardening season is around the corner they'll get lots of use.

(iPod Shuffle and earphones not included)

The second was in a little box and I had NO idea what was in the box.  You see, this is what I won:

I was pleasantly surprised to find all this in the bag!  OneLittleTriGirl was so generous!  

Thanks to both of you!!

This morning I tried out one of the Orange Burst GUs.  I have been nothing less than starved after my morning runs, so I decided to try having a GU before running (I usually run on an empty stomach).  It did the trick.  I got up, put my running gear on, had a GU with some water, did a few dynamic stretches and was on the treadmill 20 minutes after my alarm went off.  I had the energy to finish my run and didn't have to snack between running and breakfast (which was over a two hour wait today).  I'm going to try having a GU on Thursday when I have another early morning followed by a long wait for breakfast.  

I planned on 5 miles with some pick-ups in the middle.  I did some dynamic stretching before running but after .5 mi I could tell it wasn't enough so I stopped the treadmill and stretched my legs some more.  Then, got back on the 'mill and ran.  I did take a couple quick stops for water, but otherwise kept going at 10 min mi with 2 pick-ups/mile at ~8:30 min/mi.  I really had no idea what I was doing, but it felt good so I kept at it.  Adding the pick-ups made my 5 miles go quicker than planned so I added some more running on the end to finish out the time I put on the treadmill.  I finished with 5.56 miles on the treadmill and then did about half of my PT exercises before getting ready for the day.


On a side note, I finished Runner's World Complete Book of Running and came across this quote about training.

p. 161:  Moderating your Workouts:  “Anytime you look forward to getting a workout over with, you should ask yourself if you’re running too hard.  Anytime you finish a workout exhausted, you probably have run too hard.  You should finish each workout with a feeling of excitement about the next workout”

Are you excited for your next workout?  I know I am!

Change of Focus

I decided at the beginning of the year that I would try to finish four long races in 2010.  Well, my definition of long is anything over 9 miles.  March isn’t finished and I already have two of them in the bag (Hangover Half on 1/1, and 3-Person Marathon Relay on 2/21 when I ran the 9.2 mile leg)!  My next long race isn’t until 10/10/10 when ADP and I will be running the Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon in celebration of our 10th anniversary (anyone see lots of 10’s?).  So, I’ve been thinking about it and I need a change of focus to get me through until I start training for my next half.

The initial problem was figuring out what to change my focus to and then it hit me – race the race.  Races are just an endpoint to me and that is how I treat them.  The race is there to confirm I can run the distance I’ve been training for.  Notice I said run, not race. 

In January, ADP joined me for a one of the Winter Series Races and I didn’t want to keep him waiting so I pushed myself.  The race was 3 miles and I finished in 27:10.  I’ve never pushed myself so my times had almost always been over 30 minutes for 3 miles.  What could I do if I actually tried to run fast and not just finish the miles? 

My focus has changed.  I’m planning on seeing what I can do with the 5k distance.  How low can I go?  What do I need to do to get there?  What races do I want to enter (I’m cheap, so they’ll be cheapest races I can find)?  I have until mid-July when I’ll start getting ready for my next half.  All I can say about it is that I’m excited and re-energized to run more…and hopefully faster.

This week:

Monday:  4 miles (oops, slept in)

Tuesday:  5 mile fartlek

Wednesday:  rest day

Thursday:  6 miles a.m., PT in p.m.

Friday:  4 miles

Saturday/Sunday:  5 miles one day/rest one day

An Exciting Run

This weekend was a busy one!  I had emotional highs and lows.  Thankfully, the lows included some laughter (Sparkle our goldfish died - so sad - and then ADP didn't think Sparkle made it all the way down so there was multiple flushing involved leaving ADP and I laughing).  There were emotional highs, which of course included running.


Today was the first run for Felice's new runners running group.  Since I love running so much I offered to help if she needed it.  Low and behold, Amanda also had the same idea.  The pink ladies from the marathon relay were back together!  


I showed up early and ran two miles before meeting up with the others.  Once everyone arrived, we did introductions, answered some questions and split into two groups.  Felice decided to split us into a run-run group and a run-walk group.  Felice went with the run-walk group.  Amanda and I went with Melissa (who practically has a newborn and is getting back to running) and Darlene for the run-run group.  It was lots of fun to run with Melissa, Darlene and Amanda!  I need to remember to run with people a lot more often because time flies by.


Here are the splits:
Miles 1 & 2 by myself:  9:16 & 9:01
Miles 3, 4, 4.5 with others, aiming for ~10 min mile:  10:13, 10:24, 5:24 (=10:26)


The run-run group finished just a few minutes before the run-walk group.  We did a little informal stretching and asked a random person to take our picture.

Bridget, Janis, Jen, me, Darlene, Amanda, Melissa, Suzy

There was a chance of rain so I tried out my new Hammer Nutrition Headsweats Visor today.  It didn't rain and the visor worked well.

When we finished some of the group went to Starbucks!  It was fun to get to know the new runners a little more.  I was reminded once again that it is a small world because there is a chance I may see four of them this week at the kids consignment sale I'm participating in.

Today's run brings my March mileage to 53.7 miles!  I'm on my way to another 100 mile month.  

Friday Fanfare, 3.12

Welcome to all the new followers!!  I am very excited to see new people here.  Please leave me a comment so I know to stop by your blog and say hi.


I've been busy "reading" Runner's World Complete Book of Running and have come across a few more great pieces to share.  I know there are some guys who read this blog and I apologize to you in advance - these tidbits are mainly for the ladies.  I'm currently reading the chapter on women's running and love these pieces of advice:

We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  On important study of running injuries shows that women are much more likely than men to suffer ankle sprains, shinsplints, stress fractures, and hip problems.  To help you avoid injuries, make cross-training - such as pool running, bicycling, and weight lifting - part of your program.

 Fast running burns more calories, but slow running burns more calories than just about any other activity.  In short, nothing will help you lose weigh and keep it off the way running does.  Besides, it's inexpensive, it's accessible, and, if necessary, it can be done while pushing a stroller.

And, my favorite:

A woman runner should consider herself an athlete, whether she's fast or slow, tall or short, small or large. 

There is a lot of information in the book.  I haven't learned a lot, but it is good to be reminded of what I already know.  This weekend, above all other things remember to have fun.  When the weekend is done don't forget to stop by the following bogs and read their race reports.


Good luck to all the runners and racers this weekend.

• Heidi is running the Green Shamrock Half Marathon (it's her first half!)
• Jon is running the Celebrate Life Half-Marathon (do you eat chocolate to celebrate finishing?)
• Nicki is running the Celebrate Life Half-Marathon (you are so creative, does running help?)

My Friday Fanfare race calendar continues to fill up. Leave a comment if you want to be included and I’ll add you to my calendar. Also, don't forget to stop by the giveaways listed in the sidebar.

Three Things Thursday, 3.11

1. I'm reading a running book (my second ever).  I'm not so much reading it as skimming it for any information that I might find useful.  This morning we went to the library and even though my library is relatively well stocked, this was the only running book available this morning.  So, during my skimming I've learned that I don't eat nearly enough protein.  I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian - I eat dairy products, honey and eggs.  To make things more complicated, I do occasionally eat fish, I don't eat soy (one of my kids is allergic), and I only eat eggs if they are baked into yummy food (breads, cakes, cookies).  So, I need to eat more protein.  And iron.  And less of that oh-so good sugary food.  My opinion on this:  no one's perfect.  (Image source)
2. Last night ADP and I were sitting on the couch watching absolutely nothing (there is nothing on TV on Wednesday nights) and I turned to him and said "My a$$ hurts."  He looked at me and after a second he figured it out.  It probably would have been better for me to say "My gluteus-something hurts," but I didn't.  I had PT on Tues night and my rear still hurts today.  It is one of those good pains, but my word - I'm still feeling the effects of the exercises two days later.  And, as with all PT's I was sent home with homework to do.  How, exactly, am I supposed to do all these exercises when my rear already hurts?
3. This morning's run was primarily to stretch out said tight muscles that I already mentioned (did you read #2?).  My glutes, hams, and hip flexors are all tight from PT.  The first mile was tight, the second and third felt good.  I hopped off the treadmill and did a series of PT stretches and then hopped back on the treadmill (apparently I like to hop).  Mile four and five were fine and then I started feeling things tighten up ever so slightly.  So, what did I do?  I sped up.  I finished 6 running on the treadmill this morning and while I feel good today and my legs have more movement than they did yesterday, I wonder if I'm going to pay for it tomorrow when I head back for more PT.  (Don't get me wrong - I may hurt but I love PT!!)

Gorgeous Award

Molly at I'm a Sleeper Baker and Badgergirl at Adventures of Badgergirl gave me a Gorgeous Award.  For the gorgeous award, I'm supposed to list six things about myself.

1. I can't decorate worth a darn.  I have no idea what goes with what.  Most of the time when I do try to put things together I don't think they look good.
2. My favorite author is Shakespeare, but only when read out loud (otherwise it is too hard to follow).
3. I rarely read one book at a time.  From my comfortable spot on the couch, I can see bookmarks in three books.  I can usually set a book down for six month and still be able to pick it up and know exactly where I am in the story.
4. I am counting down the days to my haircut next week.  It has been too long since my last hair appointment (almost 4 months, not that I'm counting).
5. My basement is a mess because I'm busy getting all last year's things ready for a consignment sale.  Kids grow so fast so I'm selling last year's things to make room for more.  The clothes are washed, toy parts found, and everything ready to go.  I just need to tag everything before Sunday's drop-off.
6. I collect bookmarks.  Good thing too because most of them are being used.

I'm supposed to tag more, but it seems so many have done this.  So, if you haven't - consider yourself tagged. I can't wait to read your list.

This morning I managed to finish just over 6 miles on the treadmill.  The first three were rough and the next three flew by.  

Decisions, Opinions, and Thoughts

Decisions:  Thank you for all your input on my Jeff Galloway Running School post.  I've put a lot of thought into it and even though I want to go and would learn quite a bit, I'm not willing to pay the money.  We are working hard to live on one income and reduce our debt all while I get my graduate degree.  The fee for the class is steeper than I'm willing to pay.  I've been doing fine running for years and I'm sure I'll keep doing just fine without the class.

Opinions:  (I'm going to state the obvious.)  There is a big difference between running on a treadmill and running outdoors.  I think I'm backwards when it comes to the treadmill vs. outside running.  I keep reading that you can run faster and more consistent on a treadmill.  I'll agree with the consistent part, but not the pace.  I can't make it a mile on the treadmill running my outdoor pace.  I run faster outdoors (don't read into this - I'm by no means fast).

Thoughts:  I like running out doors (duh!), but I always get excited and start too fast and have to slow toward the end of my runs.  Yesterday was no different, but my excuse (a good one) was the amount of ice during the middle section of my run and once I slowed for the ice I kept my pace slower.  So, my thought is that I need to run outside more so that I don't get so excited to be outdoors, which in turn will help me start slower and be able to maintain a constant pace.  Did that make any sense?  Goodness, I hope so.

This week:

Monday: 4 miles (4.17 miles done)

Tuesday:  6 miles a.m., PT p.m.

Wednesday:  rest

Thursday:  6 miles

Friday:  4 miles a.m., PT p.m.

Saturday:  rest

Sunday:  5 miles

Taking Advantage

ADP and I both took advantage of the sun and 50F weather this afternoon and went for a run.  Our runs were quite different.  ADP pushed the jogger and 90# of kids for 3.35 miles and still ran fast.  I took my time, took pictures, tromped through mud puddles, and ran 5.64 miles.

Here are Bugs and Punky before we left.  They are getting a little tall for the jogger, but they love riding along!  And one of ADP taking off for good measure.  We saw each other again after I'd run 1.2 miles and I tried to get another picture, but it just didn't work out.

I really like seeing all the pictures on your blogs, so I took some pictures on my run today.  Let me tell you, your running routes look so much more fun and interesting to run.  Once I left the subdivision I ran on Main Street, which has a few homes, a fire house, and a restaurant.  It looks a lot like this: 

Interesting, right?  Not really.

Once I finish running about a mile on Main Street I turn the corner and run on one of the few roads that has a sidewalk or running path along the 2 miles I run.  Good thing too because the cars go 55 mph down this road.  I misstepped a few times and landed in mud instead of puddles, but I'm no worse for the wear.  The first mile looks a lot like this (right next to the road):

And the second mile a lot like this (occasionally it has trees on both sides, but more importantly dry):

Then, I turn another corner and every run I have that is over four miles has this hill.  Note, you can't see the bottom or the top of the hill in this picture (or any picture I have) of the path.  I haven't run hills since last October and this one had me walking at the end while I caught my breath.

I was out for a relaxing run and I did it.  I went faster than planned, but I didn't know until I got home because I wasn't looking at my gamin at all.  This run put my week total at 25.57 miles.  

Nothing Running Related

I have nothing running related to share today, so I thought I'd put a picture up instead.  We recently had a Fancy Nancy birthday party for my daughter and true to tradition, ADP and I dressed the part.  Here we are all gussied up for the party (which included 14 preschoolers in my house all dressed as cute as could be).

Friday Fanfare, 3.5

Welcome to all the new followers!! It is exciting having you here and I can’t believe how you have grown. Leave me a comment and I’ll stop by your blog and say hi!  February has come and gone and now we celebrate March.  The saying goes, "In like a lion, out like a lamb."  There was no lion, just "warm" weather all week around here.  In preparation for spring I changed my background; do you like it?  It suits my mood.  March is a month of races for so many people, so settle in and enjoy reading who's running.  Don't forget to stop by their blogs and wish them luck or go by later and read the race reports (I love reading these).
Good luck to all the runners and racers this weekend.

• Molly has a Shamrock Run 4 Miler (do you get green shirt?)
• Badgergirl has an Indoor Triathlon (second this year!)
• Shellyrm enters the world of ultras this weekend with the Seneca Creek-Greenway Trail Marathon & 50K (has the snow melted on the trails yet?)
• Amanda is running the Disney Princess Half-Marathon (her second half!)
• Stephanie is running the Little Rock Marathon (her new half-way there marathon)
• Amanda is celebrating another birthday on 3/9!  Happy Birthday Amanda.

My Friday Fanfare race calendar continues to fill up. Leave a comment if you want to be included and I’ll add you to my calendar. Also, don't forget to stop by the giveaways listed in the sidebar.