I think I CAN!

My hubby offered me a drink and I had to make a tough decision this evening……Beer or run?? I only drink on occasions and only on the weekend.

My 5 mile run was cut down to 2.75 miles.  Have you ever had a gut feeling about not running in a certain area?  I had planned on running my neighborhood and then down the street through another one.  About mile 0.5 I had a near panic feeling about running down the road to the other neighborhood. 

I decided to not to do run to the other neighborhood.  Then my imagination had the best of me. I can’t even put into words how badly I scared myself.  I tried to remember all those safety suggestions you read in articles and hear in lectures.  I ran trying to look as puffed as possible…I was running as tall as possible, running like a linebacker about to tackel someone like you see on football games, and I put on my “mean mommy” face. 

I wish I could have had a picture taken so I can show how ridiculous I really looked.  Of course nothing bad happen.  I didn’t even see any strange people in the neighborhood.  The only folks that were out were just the normal few folks that take their dog out for a walk at 9:45 PM.  I think this was a case of my mind/body not wanting to be out for a run and it did what it could to cut the run short.

Honestly, I think my body just wanted to come back and get that can of cheap beer.

5:15 AM, 70 degrees, 100% humidity.  Wow! What a great run!  The 70 degrees was such a nice change from the normal temps.

I met Pruette, the 68 y/o man I run with on Sat for hills today.  We run a hilly route each Tues morn @ 5:15.  Today I started giving names to the big hills as we were running up.  There was “breath taker”, “big betty”, and “easy hill”.  Breath taker was pretty obvious as the hill was causing us to suck wind.  Easy hill really isn’t but it was the last big one and so we gave it a name to make it seem easy.  That really didn’t work. 

A couple of things worth noting.  First, I run with such an old man as he is the only person I can keep up with.  Second, I really shouldn’t be running when I’m that tired.  I start doing odd things like naming hills. J

What a great night!!  The temps were low 80's and so was the humidity.  Can it be that we are getting a brief break from summer?  Could this be the start of fall weather?? 

I ran to a Pod Runner I've never used before.  It was a step mix.  The music break down was like this: 10 min - 150 BPM,  10 min - 160 BPM, 10 min - 170 BPM, 10 min - 160 BPM, 10 min - 150 BPM, and then 10 min even slower for cool off.  (BPM = beats per minute). 

I finished my run a few minutes sooner than normal. I was really very excited!  This is one of those nights when everything clicked together.  Good temps, good humidity, good music, good run.

For anyone that doesn't know, Podrunner is free workout music.  You can use your iTunes to download to your iPod or go the DJ's webpage and download it in mp3 format.  There are several (3+ years worth) workout mixes to choose from.  You can choose fast workout music for tempo runs or slower mixes for the long slow runs.

For the first time in many many many months I ran a long run solo.  It was not as dull and mundane as I had dreaded.  Actually, it was a nice change of pace.  For starters, I got to sleep in and start my run at 8AM instead of 6AM.  The weather cooporated and didn't reach 85 until my last mile or two.  The humidity was low (for us) and the pace was comfortable.

I ran on base in some of the neighborhoods where the old condemed homes have been bulldozed and removed to make room for newer office buildings.  I came up on a deer and ran by her with about 15 feet between us.  She couldn't decide if she wanted to bolt or freeze.

Although this was an enjoyable run  I must admit that I enjoy running and having fellowship with fellow runners better.