Day 51: Whew, Missed it by THAT Much

I was on time.

Someone write that down or remember it because that is rare. In fact, T Junior and I were about 10 minutes early. Heather and J arrived maaaaybe a minute later.

I was very impressed with us: two moms were able to get up, do breakfast, get our running stuff together and get to the trail BEFORE 9 a.m. Go us!

And, we had a nice four miles on the paved trail along Highway 169. We ran at a relaxed pace and we even talked the entire time. I think T Junior did, too. J was so comfy, though, he fell asleep. I was very jealous of this.

My kid kept demanding things. First, he wanted a graham cracker. Then, another cracker. And, another. But I gave him a book instead (because he ate a whole banana for breakfast this morning, about 1/8 cup of cottage cheese, a few Cheerios and an entire egg; how was he still hungry?). Then, he was done with his book and held it over his head so I could take it from him. Then, he was done with his choo-choo toy. Then, he wanted another cracker. Next, water. Then, he was done with his water. After that, he wanted his shoes off. Running and leaning over the top of the BOB is not easy to coordinate. I always tend to drift left. I nearly went off the trail while removing T Junior’s Pedipeds.

One of the things Heather and I were both worried about on this run was rain. Heather checked the forecast and she said it called for thunder showers all day today. We stashed our rain sheilds, but we got lucky. When it finally started raining, we were already on our last quarter-mile! Thank goodness, because not only did it rain, it POURED! I had to turn the minivan’s wipers on high on the drive home.

Of course, T Junior fell asleep in his carseat during the 30-minute trip back to the house. And, of course, he thought the 20 minutes he had in the car was sufficient for a morning nap even though he had purple bags under his eyes.

I know I’ve said this before, but it’s so nice having a running buddy. Especially on the longer workouts. I’m sure we won’t always be able to talk the entire time, but it made the run so much fun! Plus, Heather has done a half and a full marathon before, so I’m always asking her advice about things like, “What do you wear for a half marathon in NOVEMBER?” and “What kind of shoes do you have?” (Seriously, I’m obsessed with running fashion.)

Speaking of shoes. I am dying to get a new pair. Mine are pretty grubby. Also, I did start to feel some blisters forming on the tips of my toes on my right foot, which is strange because if I was going to get rubbing on my little piggies, I would bet it would be on the left foot since it’s a half size larger. Strange.

Anyone have any shoe-buying advice? I’ve heard some runners buy theirs a half-size larger. Anyone? Also, where is the best place to go for new shoes around Seattle? Road Runner Sports? Seattle Running Company? Super Jock ‘N Jill? Fred Meyer?

Tomorrow’s a stretching and strengthening day, but I’m not sure I’m going to do that. I’m thinking of switching it with Tuesday’s 3-mile run because of my schedule. The only problem, is I think you’re supposed to rest after a long run. But it will be impossible to run Tuesday since I’ll be at work during the day and then I have my very first Society of Children’s Bookwriters and Illustrators meeting that night. I’m so excited!

I guess I’ll play it by how I feel tomorrow…