It's Time!

It's hard to believe, but it's officially time to start training for this year's half-marathon, which takes place the last weekend in April!

Erin and I have been running pretty steadily each week, so I feel that I'm ahead of where I was last year in terms of fitness. We ran 7.5 miles today in 38-degree weather, and it went OK - just over an 11-minute mile pace. I really have to step up my running during the week, though. Right now I only do Sundays, which has to change! I honestly don't know how I'm going to find the energy for those 5 a.m. mid-week runs, but it has to be done. We're starting with one early-morning weekday run this week, and I'll do the treadmill one day during my lunch break at work.

Things are a little more difficult since I'm working away from home this year, but I'm determined to make it work.

These Shoes Are Made for Running

A few weeks ago, I did something I should have done a long time ago: I went to a specialty running store to get some running shoes that really fit my feet. In the past, I've just picked out some shoes at chain stores that I thought would work, but I didn't get an expert opinion or advice. Let me tell you, it makes a difference!

I've written before about my Achilles heel and ankle soreness, and I decided to get serious about finding a solution. I went to Fleet Feet Nashville, and the guy who helped me was so great. He analyzed my foot structure and callouses, and he watched me walk and run outside the store. It turns out that I turn my feet in a little when I run - kind of pigeon-toed - especially on my left foot, which creates a pull on my tendon and ankles. He recommended that I get Mizuno brand shoes, which I'd never heard of. Apparently, they're less flexible and tend to hold my heel in place. He also fitted me with an insert that helps support my arch and hold my heel in place.

Amazingly, I could tell a difference after only one run. It was refreshing to deal with people who really know what they're talking about and are trained to help you find the right gear.

I've also cut back a bit on running for the moment, which is giving my joints a break. I'm down to one five-mile run a week - sometimes two. I'll be picking up the schedule in a couple months when Erin and I start training for the half-marathon again. I can't believe it's almost that time again!!

We were out on the trail this morning for our usual run, and the weather was gorgeous. I really look forward to this hour of me time every week.

Here's a shot of Erin this morning in her movie-star glasses :) ...

and me ...

Famous Last Words

OK, so I've been vowing to blog more, and I have not followed through... I don't have time for the details now, but I have a lot of new stuff going on in my life - good stuff. Mainly, a new job that is physically demanding and leaves me exhausted at the end of the day, with no energy for blogging! BUT I've still been running pretty faithfully, with the exception of last week. Erin and I ran on Tuesday morning at 5:15 a.m. (with a headlamp strapped to my head because it's so dark!), but we skipped Thursday. Erin had something planned that morning, and I was just in need of a break. We skipped today because our husbands were camping together with our older kids, and I had no one to watch my 2-year-old. We have another scheduling conflict this week, but we should be back on track by Thursday. I did go to an outdoor yoga class yesterday, which was awesome. If I had more time, I could easily get addicted to yoga. It was a good workout - different from running, of course, but I still broke a sweat - and I felt so calm afterward (but am sore today).

I still have some running issues - a lingering Achilles heel soreness along with ankle soreness. It's so annoying. I love running now, and I don't like to take time off because of soreness. A lot of what I get out of running is mental, and I really feel it when I miss too many workouts.

The Heat Is On ...

... but we're still running! I haven't posted in a while, but I've still been running three days a week (5 miles each time) with my trusty running buddy, Erin. I've only missed a couple of times this month when she was on vacation or when my husband was on a trip. So I'm feeling pretty good about our tenacity in the face of 100-degree heat and wilting humidity. Seriously, folks, it is soooo humid in Tennessee right now. An excerpt from a local TV station's weather report:

"Temperatures for most of middle Tennessee are expected to be in the mid to upper 90s this weekend. High humidity levels will produce heat index values around 105 degrees. Dangerous heat levels will occur for those who are outdoors, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours."

That's why we're running at 6:30 or even 5:30 a.m. during the week. Today we ran at 7:30 a.m., and - despite thunderstorms last night - it was hazy and hot and almost hard to breathe. Erin said her knees were sweating. We were soaked.

On the bright side, we're still doing it. And let me tell you, I need to run. I missed one day this week, and I could tell in my mood, my attitude, my (lack of) productivity, sleep - everything. Running clears my head and puts things in perspective somehow.

There's also the sense of accomplishment I feel at the end, when I'm finished, drinking hot coffee and relaxing, and I still have the whole day before me.

On Sundays there's usually a big breakfast waiting at the end.

Indulging without guilt = priceless.

Morning Moment

I went running solo today for the first time in awhile - just four miles. I saw a sweet sight on the trail: A rumpled, unshaven, tired-looking dad was walking along the trail with his little girl, who looked to be about 3. As I passed them, I saw the dad was holding a teeny-tiny newborn baby asleep in the crook of his arm. I knew immediately that the mom was home catching a few moments of peace while the dad got the kids out of the house.

Ah, I've been there. Sweet.

Limping Along

Hello, running blog. I am still here! I think the last time I posted was two weeks ago... yikes, I am slacking. But hey, it's summer. And I mean really summer in Nashville, with temps in the 90s and wilting, oppressive humidity.

I was out of town last week and didn't run a bit. I ate and drank and didn't think about running. :)

I came back home yesterday, though, and Erin and I ran at 7:30 a.m. It was already hot; we ran 3.5 miles and walked 1/2 mile. My heel feels pretty good, and I'm just working on hanging in there. Did I really run 13 miles just two months ago??

Hot!

We started out early for a Sunday run - 7:30 a.m. - and it was already about 85 degrees and steamy with the sun beating down. We ran three sweaty miles before deciding to walk the last 2.5. Erin was feeling queasy, and I didn't mind the slowdown since my Achilles was sore (I thought that pain was gone but no!). Did I mention it was really hot?

Maybe Tuesday will be better. At least we got out there - that did feel good.

And the big news that I can't believe I haven't posted: The trail is open again! It's all intact but not nearly as shady since so many big trees were uprooted and washed away. Still, we are just glad to be on a nicer route with some shade and a river view.