There’s something about running a brand new route that makes the miles go by super fast. That’s how the 10-miler with Heather was last week.
This week, not so much. We still had fun, but since we did the route we just ran seven days ago, it wasn’t the same adventure. We both noticed that the first five miles were not the blur they were last Sunday.
We decided a few days ago that we would meet at 7 this morning, so I made a pre-run to-do list again to help keep me on track. I even made a PB&J last night and put it in the fridge to take along with me for a post-run snack. Last week, I’d forgotten to do this and I was STARVING by the time I got home.
by accident, but I love it. Jelly loves peanut butter! So true.
I wore my ski jacket again even though I have a brand new running-in-the-rain jacket just sitting at REI waiting for me to pick it up. I wished I had it this morning.
Heather and I took things slow and talked most of the way. The one thing I don’t like about this route on the Cedar River Trail is the section along the river that goes under several bridges right down at water level. It’s pretty, but scary.
Last week, we had to take a detour around one bridge when we couldn’t tell what the two dark figures underneath it were up to. This time, we came upon four men, probably in their early 20s, just hanging out under a different bridge. We just looked right at them, wished them a good morning and kept going, but we had to kind of psych ourselves up as we approached them. Then, on the way back (around Mile 6, I think), we ran past the two homeless men we detoured around last week under the first, dark bridge.
I’m probably just paranoid, but since we are women, I get suspicious in these types of situations. I think the fear comes from reading too many scary stories on the wire back when I worked at a newspaper. I wonder if men experience this feeling at all when they run.
Anyway, Heather and I chatted nearly the entire run. It really helps pass the time and makes the whole experience a lot of fun. At Mile 5, I took a picture of an airplane…again (what is my obsession?), we ate our energy chews (I had Honey Stingers), stretched and drank some water.
14 comments
Sounds like a good run despite the challenges. You'll do awesome at the half!I have to say, I don't really get scared about anything happening to me during my runs. Dogs I suppose are my number one fear, well, number two… number one might be out-of-control drivers, though I haven't experienced them (thankfully). I suppose if I ran in the evening through the nearby shady neighborhood I might feel differently but typically I just keep an eye out for dogs.
We have a beautiful river trail here too, that goes under a few bridges. I always get creeped out too! Since I run by myself, I always carry mace and I hold it in plain site when I run! Good luck with the half coming up and congrats on the weight loss on the scale! 🙂
Go girl! You should be proud of yourself! 🙂
Thanks everybody. :)LB – Hadn't thought of dogs. Thanks. ;)CG – Yeah, I think I need to get some mace — just for my own peace of mind.
Fantastic that you got out and had a good run despite the damp weather. I get a blister in that same spot on really long runs… weird! I'm totally random on my tapering schedules but one thing I ALWAYS make sure to do is not take the day before the run off. I usually go out and do a very easy 2 mile run, really short, really slow & I always go into race day feeling good.
Before my half a few weeks ago, I did 2 miles runs a few days that week. It seemed to work for me!
It was RAINY today!! Excited to meet you this week.. What is the wether forecast??
Way to hit the run in the rain! That blister looks painful.
I'm so impressed! Awesome work. I just don't know how you fit it all in.
Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm thinking I'll continue with the HH week plan and then do 6 on Sunday. Then, I may try Amy's 2-mile plan and do an easy run on Saturday before the race. Mel-It's WINDY! Thinking of running during lunch tomorrow. Want to meet up?
So exciting that your half is almost here. Can't wait to read how you do and so envious that you are doing it. You guys are rockstars for running in the rain!
What troopers you girls are for running in the rain! Good luck w/your half! And aren't those HS chews yummy?
I really like what you said in your Why I Started This Site about the 30's being the time to follow your dreams. I never realized that before, but it's so true!It's always nice to run and chat with a friend. I have way more “friend-time” now that I am running. Good luck in the half!
Lisa – I'm getting really excited for the Half, too!Teamarcia – Thanks and YES. I really like the HS chews!RunnerMom – Thanks. I feel like I've done more in the past two years than my entire 20s!