Good Bye For Now

This will be my last post for awhile because I am feeling really overwhelmed by everything going on in my life (most evident-my slipping GPA). I feel like I don’t even have time to think any more. My goal was to run every other day until December, but I can’t even accomplish that simple goal. Despite what everybody says about “refreshing winter runs” I really do not enjoy running in freezing cold weather!! I have already sent in my December 4th race registration so I am going to try my very best to run maybe once or twice a week until then and then I will most likely “officially” give up running until the daffodils pop out of the ground in the spring. ~ Occasionally I will post a note or two just to check in with the RBF. And honestly, who knows what will happen. Maybe I will have a complete change of mind after a month and come back ready to run faster and further than ever before. But for now, I think I need some time to focus on school and other important things in my life. ~ Thanks for all your support, encouragement and inspiration. I hope you all stay safe, warm and inspired as you continue to run through the winter.

A Week of Posts

Monday
I attempted to go for a run, but I locked myself out of my car with my running clothes inside. (Hours later I realized my keys were in my backpack the entire time. What was I thinking?)

Tuesday ~ 5.5 miles-ish, 50 minutes-ish
I met Dianna at the University of Connecticut for a run. It was really cold, but we were bundled up with multiple layers so we quickly warmed up. I even had to take off my fleece after a few miles. We attempted to do a mini speed work out at the track, but that was just not happening. Maybe it was the weather or maybe we were tiered, regardless it was nice to run a cushioned track. The tract was really well lit, almost glistening. It looked as though it could have been from a Disney movie. ~ The Disney looking tract was almost the highlight of the run until we caught up with Dianna’s husband who drove up next to us in his police car. He quickly announced on his loud speaker “My grandmother can run faster than you.” It was hilarious and it kept our spirits up as we headed into mile three.

Wednesay
Day Off

Thursday
30 minutes, 3.5 miles

Friday
I made plans to run with Michelle in the afternoon, but by the time 3:00 rolled around the sleet did not appear to be stopping any time soon, so we decided to cancel our run. (Yes, I said sleet. Can you believe it?)

Question

I almost forgot forgot to ask the RBF a question. ~ If you get a surge of energy in the middle of a race should you A. Pick up the pace or B. Conserve the energy for your final sprint to the finish line

I hope you are all are enjoying this season of running. Most of the leaves have fallen from their trees, but it is still beautiful outside. Stay safe and warm as you continue to push through the cold and windy days ahead! :)

5K Race Report

Yesterday was the second to last race in the 5K Last Mile race point series.

The weather was perfect for a November race. It was in the 60’s, sunny and a little windy. Originally I planned to wear my new running pants and shirt (designed for cold weather) but when I woke up, I quickly decided to change into my shorts and t-shirt.

When I arrived at the race I found Dianna and her family. Dianna and I both agreed that we would simply “run for fun”. But....does anyone really “run for fun” at a race? Of course your competitive nature swings into full force as you hear the starting gun and begin to think “I just want to pass that one person in front of me”.

As we lined up at the starting line Dianna and I headed to the back of the pack and before we knew it, we were off and running or shall I say “sprinting”! At mile one we were at 6.55 (Wow, a little fast?!?) We were cruzing right along, hardly able to talk (shocking for the running chicks). At the turn around point I had a burst of energy and decided to pick up the pace, but that pace didn’t last long. Towards the end of the course, every one that I had passed during my energy burst caught up with me. With the last two tenths of a mile to go, I didn’t know if I was going to make it. Dianna and I were running side by side and she told me to “Go” so I tried my best and she let me pass her seconds before crossing the finish line. I was able to finish with a time of 22.23 (A PR for me, which I 100% contribute to the flat, paved course).

It was a great race and even though Dianna and I didn't run a relaxing "fun" pace, I still considered it a fun race! (Of course I wouldn't admit that at mile three when I didn't know if I was going to make it to the finish line.) :)

5K Count Down

Between classes I was able to sneak in a quick 40 minute run today. I didn't have my cd walkman with me, which I was bummed about at first but it ended being a good thing. It was nice to have time to "just think". ~ Along the way I bumped into Charlie (the director of the 5K race point series). He told me that he received my registration for Sundays race and that everything was on schedule. I am excited about the race but I do not feel prepared. I'm afraid it will be my worst 5K time, but that's okay. I realize that I haven't been training as much as I have in the past, so what else can I expect? All I can do is try my best and enjoy the race. :)

Do You Sleep?

Today I ventured outside for an early morning run. Due to the recent time change it has been getting dark ridiculously early in the evening, so I decided my option during the week is to run in the morning. My alarm went off early and I was out the door by 6:30. I didn’t run very far or very fast but the point is…..I was out there. :)

I think I am going to enjoy morning running as long as I can get to sleep a little earlier. I think I need 8 hours of sleep to “really function” but because I am a college student I have trained myself to survive five (and that is without any caffeine!) :) So, here is a question for you…on average how many hours of sleep do you get a night and do you think your sleep patterns affect the way you run?

The News

I am finally back to Blog Land again! :) I have a lot of things to say but I will try to sum everything up with a few quick points.

First the good news....
1. I found my way out of the running rut although I am not ready go back to my race training schedule. For now I plan to run every other day (three to five miles) and once a week go for a long run (five to ten miles).
2. I received permission from the Dean to be involved in an internship/assistant position for next fall. Guess what class it will be for? Adventure Running! How exciting, I can't wait!
3. My Road Id tag came in the mail.

And now for the not so good news...
1. I still don't have a new pair of sneakers, but I am still looking.
2. I haven't met the running chicks in forever it seems.
3. Last Friday when I went running I was bit by a dog. The dog left a very small mark on my arm, but it did break my skin, so I am on antibiotics as a precaution. (Stupid Dog!)

Election Day

Please don't forget to VOTE today!

"It is not an option to stay home on Election Day. Wouldn't that be ironic! We go to war in Iraq to spread freedom and liberty, yet don't vote ourselves." Reg Weaver