No resolutions just yet

I had to do my 10 miler on my own since Chels was on-call and Jo wasn't in town for a run. There's just something about running that long and having your own thoughts bouncing around in your head. Some folks love the solitude of running, I don't at all. I'm a social runner. If I'm left alone in my head too long I start to think about how my shins hurt or my foot feels funny or worse ...how I don't really have to do the full 10 miles. So what I was planning to do was the first 6 miles on my own, 3 out and back, and then back to the truck to get running pup to do the last 4 miles. I ended up doing 7 miles on my own at a pretty good speed and then the last 3 miles with the pup.

The strange thing that I noticed, was that while it was a GORGEOUS Sunday morning, hardly anyone was out on the trail. It must have been that they were waiting until New Year's Day to start their workout resolutions. But it felt good to do my 10 miles and still feel good the rest of the day.

Running from family

Did a quick 2.5 miles around the neighborhood with running pup before my family came over to exchange the Christmas presents we didn't exchange on Christmas day.

(yes, I'm back dating these)

Return to Pacer's

I haven't run with the Pacer's group since before MCM because of the toe and busy schedule, but I made it out there last night just to do something. With all of the Christmas mayhem I didn't get any of my weekly runs in but did get my long run in that weekend since Jo's flight to Denver was cancelled.


Here's an update on my last few runs:

Tuesday 12/26- 3.5 miles, an abbreviated version of the Eisenhower 5 miler with the running pup in his new puppy reflecto vest! He looked so smashing (and safe).

Saturday 12/23: 8 miles along the Mt. Vernon trail (south), it was SO hot in the sun that we couldn't believe that it was December. Jo and I ran in sports bras and gave the few folks on the trail a show :-)

Saturday 12/16: An early morning 8.5 miles along the Mt. Vernon trail (north) with Chelsea. We watched the sunrise.

Thursday 12/14: 3 miles in the morning with the running pup

Jingle jangle all the way

I didn't get much sleep before this race, but come on what's 6 miles? Oye, it's easy to lose your running muscles. It was a good race for me, especially with as little running that I've done. Final chip time: 57:08. Average mile: 9:12
mile 1- 9:28
mile 2 -9:19
mile 3 -9:17
mile4 -9:09
mile 5 -9:17
mile 6 -8:48 (I can't remember the last time I ran a sub-9 minute mile!)

My knees feel a little worked, so I'm just reminded that I need to do more leg workouts. I'm looking forward to my break between semester so I can have a regular workout schedule with more swimming and regular running.

Morning runs

Morning runs are a necessary evil in the summer because it's just too hot to run in the afternoon and evenings. But with a very energetic running pup I'm a little more inspired lately to get up and go for a run, even if it is short.

Running pup and I did a good 2 miler today. Regular routine - pup was not as scared of cars and trucks but was terrified of the metro. I wore my reflective running vest like the one on the right, but I'm thinking that I should also get the running pup his own reflective gear.

I have always been anti-dog clothing. I think it looks silly as a general rule. But it might keep him safer if he decides to run off while we're out. I found the vest to the left on amazon.com but I need to see if that's the best kind for wearing during exercise time.

"Long Run"

So I'm back in the saddle for long runs! And 6 miles sure felt like a long run. It's finally cold again and of course I'm coming down with a cold so breathing in the cold air doesn't feel so great. I met up with my old running buddy, Jo, and we ran a good 6 mile course along the GW Parkway trail. We ran from a little before the 11 mile marker at Oronoco Bay park to the 14 mile marker just at the airport. It was very sunny but a bit breezy. I wore my Hind ponytail headband to keep my ears warm but I seem to have lost all of my pairs of stretchy running gloves.

Thankfully we kept around a 9:45 pace so I know I'm not too out of shape! I definitely need to break out the real winter running gear, it's supposed to get COLD this week.

Next race

I'll be running the 2006 Jingle All the Way 10k next week with some friends. It's good to get into another race and it'll also be a good benchmark for my National Marathon training. The course runs along Hains Point and is a very popular 10k route. And actually when I went to go download this picture the file was saved as "vet day course03". I actually had a PR in that "Veterans Day 10k" in 2003! Don't know if that will happen again this time.

This race used to be organized by the Arthritis Foundation, but they must have given it up to this other company. I've actually be registered for it twice before, but didn't go out because both mornings I woke up to either 35 degrees and rain or a sleet/snow mix. Basically not ideal running weather. I hate signing up for a race and then not doing it, but sometimes you just need to know when to say when.

I like running this route as a weekday run, but you can't do it during the winter months because the park closes at dark. Another downfall to this course is the wind. About halfway down the point it picks up and it never seems to help you one way or another because it's just cutting across horizontally!

It'll be interesting to revisit the spot where the toe broke, around mile marker 2 on this map. Hopefully nothing will break this time around!