Will Run For Ice Cream

I ran 6 miles today on my lunch break. According to my training schedule, I was supposed to run 2 miles today and 6 miles this weekend. I set the alarm to get up this morning and run 2 miles, but the weather did not cooperate. So I decided to take my work-out bag with me to work so I could run after work because I had a meeting and wouldn’t be able to run at lunch. But, my meeting was cancelled, and I took advantage of my lunch break to get a run in. As I started running, I didn’t know how far I would go. The weather this weekend is supposed to be ‘wintery’, and I knew that today would be the best day weather-wise to get a long run in. It was difficult! When I reached the half way point at just 3 miles, I was afraid that I wouldn’t make it back to the office. I knew that I didn’t have time to ‘walk’ it back because I was on my lunch break. Also, I had told my boss that if I wasn’t back in a certain time to come look for me. For her to have to come pick me up while I was walking back wa...

I went running with my boss yesterday. I'm not sure how much she slowed down or if I was running faster, but I was able to keep up her a little better. We ran close to five miles. I've got to try to work in a 2-3 mile run before the weekend. I would like to do my 'long run' on Saturday because the weather is supposed to be nice. But, I'll have to wait and see if my legs have recovered enough for me to be able to do the run. This Saturday is another 6 miler followed by a 7 miler the following Saturday. Then, it is race day for my first 4 mile race. Some may say that it should be a breeze because I am running 6 miles, but let me assure you there is a big difference in running 6 miles and running a 4 mile 'race'. I guess we'll find out in a few more weeks.

I did it. I did it. I did it. I know that running 6 miles to many people is nothing, but to me it was a ‘big’ deal for me today to be able to do it. I’m pleased with myself. I’ve never run that far alone. I’ve always had a running buddy and encouragement to keep moving. Today, I had to be my own encouragement. I felt myself slipping near the end and wanted to walk, but I told myself I was too close to quit and I kept going. As I saw my car in the distance, with a scene of Rocky playing in back of my head, wishing I had the theme song on my Ipod, I half jogged half shuffled my way to the parking lot. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs that I did it, but I refrained. Instead, I started laughing as I took a look in the rearview mirror. What I saw was a red face, almost purple, with patches of salt and salt streaks, with a smile so big – yes, I am a Runner – and that is a beautiful thing.

Tomorrow is six miles… yep… the distance that I’m supposed to run. I’m looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. I’m just hoping I can do it. I don’t have any doubt that I could run/walk it. But according to my training schedule, I’m supposed to run (that’s right – run) six miles tomorrow. I’ve mapped out a route that has the least amount of hills possible, although I will have some long gradual inclines to deal with. The weather isn’t the best, but I am hoping the wind will at least die down. And that I can run before any snow showers start. But, tomorrow is the day that I will attempt to run six miles...

Well it is official. I just mailed my registration forms for my first 4 mile race and first 10K. After my 5 mile run yesterday, I'm not feeling too confident about either race. And after looking at the training schedule for the 10K, I'm nervous that I won't be able to keep up with the mileage required. The "long" runs scare me. But I hope that I will be ready for the 4 Miler in four weeks. I'm going to try anyway.

I ran 3.7 miles today on my lunch break. I was pleased to see that my pace was 10:10. Although that won’t break any records, I was happy to know that it was at least under 11:00 (which is what it has been lately). Maybe I am improving...

Frustrated – that’s what I am at the moment. I just completed a three mile run. It was a struggle from the very beginning, but I pushed myself on if you want to call it that. I think I saw a turtle moving at a faster pace. I did run a few hills today, but I am frustrated with myself. Since I’ve started back running, I can’t seem to break the 11 min per mile pace. It is frustrating. I had a better run time when I was run/walking. I was in the 9 minute range when I would run, recover and then run again. Now that I am trying to run without walking any, my time has dropped significantly which is very frustrating. I am hoping that if I keep at it and add in some speed work and hill work out that my time and endurance will increase. I sure hope so.

Four miles – the distance of my determination for the day. It was in the 30's, warmer than it has been in awhile, clear skies and no wind. It was a good run. I’m glad that I took the time to get it in.

I ran on my lunch break today. I got a few strange looks – ok a lot of strange looks – from my coworkers. It was very windy, and I had to hop over some ice patches on the sidewalk, but I ran 2.5 miles. I’m glad that I went ahead and ran. Because by the time I got home this evening, it was snowing. I’m ready to start running in the morning again. Once the time changes and it gets daylight earlier, I hope to run before work. But I enjoyed running at lunch today. It helped break up the day for me, and I love the feeling of accomplishment.

Finally a day above freezing… We still have snow on the ground and ice patches on the street, but I decided if I was going to run this week today would be a good start. I ran a little over two miles this morning. I thought I had gone farther; it felt like I’d gone farther. But I suppose two miles is better than none at all. According to the weather forecast, the next couple of days might bring us snow. It is looking doubtful that I will get many runs in this week…