Back on da' streets

I hadn't ran in 2 weeks, until tonight. Snow and ice had surprisingly showed up and a few runs were canceled. Then the holidays arrived and I missed a run or two due to that. I was a little nervous about having the energy to run the 4.5 miles tonight.

The first couple miles were easy. I think a slice of disappointment from earlier in the day was propelling me along, each step of the way. It was almost effortless. And it felt great! It was great to see friends, to step into rhythm, and to feel like part of a team. Even if I was (and always am) one of the rear runners.

The second half of the run was a little harder. The cold seemed to slice my lungs and make it harder to breathe. We were running some back streets without much lighting so the training director was driving around slowly, shining her lights and making sure we all made it back safely. She had some water that she handed me which really helped.

Tonight was a good run!

Two friends and I have been asked to coach the next 5K group. I think I'm going to sit out on the coaching part, for now, but we were all kinda pleased that they asked us. We've come a few miles since joining the training this summer. I want to focus on my own running a little more before coaching.

Tonight we were given our shirts and socks, freebies from the program. That was pretty exciting. I definitely needed more socks and the shirt will come in handy too. Its a good feeling when you're handed a shirt you've literally earned by running your miles.

What about you? Anyone else out there running and reading this little blog?

The last week

Okay, last Tuesday was group run. We did 3 1/2 miles from FF down 127, turned between the hospitality house and hospital and then ran to the "bank" corner. The neat thing was running with Carrie (FF trainer). She really helped me pace the hills and make it to the top.

Wednesday I did a couple miles on the treadmill.

Thursday... hmmm... I walked through the airport (SLACKER!).

Friday... hmmm.... I didn't walk anywhere (BIG SLACKER!).

Saturday.... no comment.

Sunday, I walked through the airport again. ;-)

Monday was a no-go.

Tonight was group run again. Brandee was back after missing a few runs. She's close to my age and we have a similar pace so it's always fun to run together. We tried focusing on the hills again today and were mostly successful. We might be slow, but up we go!