Tough Way to Do a Long Run

Today I started out slipping and sliding for my intended 12 miler. I started out in the Metroparks and slipped like a bad Chevy Chase SNL scene walking from my car to the running path. I got up, brushed off the snow, and tried it again. I made it somewhere between a 1/4 to a 1/2 mile before wiping out again. This time the legs went in the air, the derrier hit hard and the elbow suffered (Live from New York City it's Saturday Night!). This time I got up, checked all body parts and immediately waddled back to the car. Not worth it! I went back home to "brainstorm" on another way to get in a long run. After a half hour of procrastinating (read: figuring out if skipping a long run would reallllllllly hurt my training), I decided to head to the local Rec Center. I opted for a 10-miler...completing 5 miles on the treadmill before boredom set in, 1 mile on the running track (couldn't keep track of the number of laps), and finished with 4 more treadmill miles. That had to go down as one of the most boring, mind-numbing ways to get in a long run. But it's down...it was a respectable training distance for my upcoming half marathon...and did I mention it's done?? :)

3 Weeks and Counting

Finished my 11-mile training run on Sunday. Slippery running conditions in the snow...but wow, what a beautiful long run. Didn't feel too bad afterwards, but I was pretty tired. I actually tried to be the first one to go to bed, begging my 23 month old to go to bed early. Starting to get excited...can't wait to wear my Minnie Mouse ears!

It Takes a Village

Sunday was another long run. I was surprised I wasn't sore from running the race on Saturday. I got to run in my FAVORITE running location - the Metroparks. Each time I run my route, I always envision sending in a picture to Runner's World as part of their Fave Run section...absolutely beautiful, natural setting. I ran the first 6 miles with my 5-year old black lab, who acted like it was his first run as a puppy. He was so excited and happy that I almost forgot how long we had been running. Great way to make the time fly! At 6 miles, my family came for a "pitstop" giving me my Gu packet (that I forgot to take with me). They gave me encouragement and were a nice break in the middle of a long run. Off Jameson went and I completed the last 4 miles alone...soaking up the breathtaking scenery surrounding me...and thinking about how lucky I am :)

I Tackled the Tower!

37 flights...646 stairs...I did it! I finished in a respectable time of 9:05. I was hoping to finish between 9-10 minutes, but had secretly hoped I would finish betwen 8-9 minutes. I was completely shocked at how difficult this race really was while at the same time equally impressed with the seamless administration of this race by Hermes Cleveland. Each runner was released every 10 seconds and race officials kept everything running smoothly and on time. Volunteers were fantastic and oddly enough there were "water stations" on various floors. I did find out it's hard to swallow when you have searing lungs. I definitely don't think I'm interested in the Sears Tower or the Empire State Building races...although I say that now, you never know...but for now, I am content with my finish time and I'm hoping that my legs hold me up long enough to complete my 10-mile run tomorrow.

Running Groups

First day to run with a running group. I had put this experience off for quite some time for fear that I may be too slow. I always considered running groups to consist of runners with 3 hour marathon times. Not always the case. I was warmly greeted and ended up having one of my better long runs - 5 miles with the group then 3 on my own. Running in snow is roughly equivalent to running in sand...maybe an OBX marathon might be in my future. Besides, what better way to spend Meg's birthday than in OBX. Anyway, loved the run experience this morning and I think it's going to be my new Sunday morning routine.