Long Runs Are Back

I've missed having a long run on my weekend list of things to do. But that changed today as I knocked out an 8-miler as my half marathon training is amping up. Even with the punishing, never-ending humidity, I was thrilled. I got lost in my thoughts all over again, made to-do lists in my head, let my mind wander aimlessly on such topics as whether Jennifer Aniston is pregnant (I think it was just a blousy top), will Daniel Craig just keep getting sexier as Bond (hell yes he will!), and will the reprisal of Dirty Dancing fail (on the fence on this one)?

An 8-miler on Sunday and a 14-mile bike ride hauling B in the trailer made for an awesome weekend of workouts! Bring on Monday!

First (Real) Long Run of the Year

Just knocked out an 8 miler bright and early. I smiled the entire run, said hello to strangers and even took a picture of ducks as if it was the first time I saw wildlife. I was happy to be out there running. There was no speed and even though I walked one minute after each mile (to reduce strain to the knee), I still managed to hit 12:00 minute miles. Plenty of room for improvement, but if I'm going to build mileage for the upcoming June half marathon, then I also have to be smart about it. Beautiful day today and I ended the week logging in 20 miles!

Favorite running music today - the Foo Fighters latest!

Oh, the best reward to a long run: sampling Willoughby Brewing's Peanut Butter Coffee Porter on tap at Happy Dog tonight!

My Morning View

Saturday morning I had a wonderful 20-miler where the body felt just right. I had on new shoes (I don't even know how many pairs of Brooks I've bought), a fresh attitude and some good tunes on my iPhone. After my run, I was treated to coffee at Erie Island with my two daughters and even had a surprise "Karen sighting" as well. Great morning and afternoon.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

Hello Legs, It's Me, Robin

This morning was my scheduled 18-miler. I woke up at the same ridiculously early time of 6:30 am and out the door at 6:50. Although I am not an early morning runner, I do enjoy watching the sky go from dark to light. But this morning, I felt I was in slo-mo compliments of Thursday's P90X session. My glutes and quads were not at all interested in my ambitious morning agenda! Even during moments I could hear the P90x guy screaming Banana! Superman! Banana! And Superman! I know if I can stick with at least 2 sessions each week, my running will improve. Unfortunately, this also means walking John Wayne right before a gunfight. My one product endorsement would be for Theraballs. I have an orange one and Megan works MAGIC with it. Ten minutes of Theraball working out the knots and kinks and I am off and moving with less hobble.

A couple hours later, we hit up RIPE at the Botanical Garden and I scored myself a jar of habanero pickles from Fire. I've already eaten one and loved the all-over mouth burning sensation!

We even checked out Ingenuity Fest. Very interesting to say the least.

Good luck to Akron marathoners today. You had a beautiful day weather-wise!

Beauty of an Early Morning Long Run

At the beginning of my 15-mile long run I was greeted by this:


I had to stop just to capture the beauty. So often long runs are exhausting and, well, long. Seeing the sun rise kind of reminds me of how lucky I am to spend a little time enjoying allnthat mother nature has to share. This morning, I enjoyed seeing chipmunks zig-zagging in front of me, a raccoon that I swear was smiling at me, a gorgeous doe listening to me talk to her, and a crane in the middle of the river sitting on a rock just filling the units.

And all of this occurred before 9:30 am leaving me time to catch the last few minutes of Pablo Honey's dance class.

Today Just Felt Right

Today was a scheduled long run. On the agenda was a 10-miler and the ENTIRE run felt like it should. I ran with puppy the entire distance (he's still in bed recovering as I write this) and it was great spending time in the metroparks. Husband met me on his mountain bike around 7 miles into the run which was so nice to have someone to chat with during the final stretch. Puppy is great and all, but he is a bit silent, if you know what I mean. Nothing hurt. My quads weren't screaming. My calf was fine. I can't describe it, but the run felt right.

On another note, I am keeping my promise to myself. I've enjoyed my lunchtime swims. Bridget and I have been doing mini yoga sessions. Food choices have improved dramatically this week, plus I've enjoyed prepping the meals ahead of time. I look forward to keeping on track. I so love structure.