long run of the week

+ 20 miles
+ 3 hours, 3 minutes
+ 9:09 mpm pace
+ beautiful trails
+ sunny sky
+ 1 orange
+ 1 bottle of Powerade
+ 1 bag of Gummie Bears
+ an awesome running partner
= Fun Times

Take that, you 20 mile monster!

Hitting the Trails

I ran six-ish miles on the trails at M. Hollow Park tonight. The scenery was beautiful and I even saw a deer cross my path. It was a great run, but after six miles I was exhausted and ended the run two miles short. I have a long run scheduled for Saturday morning with Dianna, so I think I made a good decision. As a runner, I feel like I am slowing learning how to listen to my body. (I just have to ignore it every Saturday morning when my body tells me to go back to sleep and my running partner tells me to meet her at 7:30) ;)

Are you up for the challenge?

Don't forget to check out Mark's challenge here.

It’s All About the Numbers

Since starting this running blog I have used three pairs of sneakers and as of tomorrow, I will be on my fourth pair. I can’t wait! I love getting new sneakers (or runners as the Canadians call them). :) It’s time to say goodbye to my Asics GT-2100s. They will be missed, but not for long since I bought the exact same pair to replace them—same size, same color, same everything. The Asics 2100s have served me well.....on hot pavement, river crossings, wet cement, muddy trails, and over hills. Right now I am looking forward to the adventures I will run in my new sneakers!

~the numbers~
*New Balance All Terrain 602s – 702 running miles
*Nikes – 640 running miles
*Asics GT 2100s - 602 running miles

Blisters

I have two new blisters on my feet. Are the blisters from pounding pavement on my 13 mile run today? Nope. I went shopping in a cute new pair of summer sandals. I guess that’s the price you pay for fashion. :)
I’m heading out to a friends wedding in Pittsburgh this weekend and my running sneakers are packed. Have a wonderful weekend and happy running!

Adventures with the Amazing Hip

I was one of the lucky RBF members to meet Jeff aka the Amazing Hip while he was in town for the Boston Marathon. I admit, I was a little nervous when Jeff and his wife pulled into the driveway last Tuesday. You never know what to expect from ‘online’ people--Would they steal the good silver? Did they pack a gun? or an ax?....….but my nerves were quickly calmed after meeting them. We were smiling and laughing before long and when it was time to say goodbye a few days later I was sad to see them go. Jeff and his wife have a genuine heart for serving others and a positive energy that is infectious. [Don’t forget, the neighbor's house is still for sale and I think it’s calling your names.] :)

On Thursday Dianna and I went for a run with Jeff, in which I nearly died. It was difficult trying to keep up with a super hero and speedy running chick. Afterwards, Dianna hosted a lovely dinner at her house. It was fun to see Susie, Bill, Annalisa, and Michelle again. The conversation and food was excellent. I love how we all came from different backgrounds and life experiences, yet our passion for running united us.

On Monday, I met the running chicks and Warren in Boston to watch the marathon. It was another fun, exciting day. Watching the runners was incredibly inspiring. It was a lot of fun having someone to specifically cheer for this year and I’m glad we could help Susan with the blogcast.

Congratulations Jeff! I hope you will back to attack the hills in Boston again next year.

After the Race

Jeff

Cheering for Jeff in Boston

Michelle, Dianna, AA

Pic.

Running Blog Family

Checking In

Life is calming down just a bit so I decided to write a quick post. I miss the RBF and I hope you all had a healthy, successful winter.

A few updates...
1. I tried cross country skiing for the first time this winter and loved it.
2. I started taking yoga classes.
3. I registered for the San Diego Marathon.
4. I finally graduated and I moved into an old, family farmhouse.
5. My running partner, Dianna, rocks. (Check out her post from yesterday.)
6. I get to meet Jeff and smsmh tomorrow.