Asian sunrise...

Because I'm on the other side of the dateline, it will look like this workout occurred on Saturday, but really it's Sunday here.  I arrived in Kuala Lumpur last night, late, and know that in order to beat jet lag impacting my ability to function in meetings, I have to treat the local time with respect.  So, while my fellow travelers were burning the midnight oil overcome with energy after some 28ish hours of flying from DC, I was forcing myself to sleep.  My plan was to sleep in until 7 and then hit the gym.  Well, that didn't work out entirely because I was up around 6am.  Not too bad actually because I got to watch the sun come up over the pool gardens while I ran.

Now, prior to leaving DC, I read up on the increase in interest in running in Malaysia and know that there are dozens of routes mapped for Kuala Lumpur on mapmyrun.com, but I'm not yet sure exactly of the lay of the land, so a gym workout was in order.  I don't like the treadmill...basically its a torture device, but I sucked it up for 5+ miles this morning.  It felt great to stretch the airplane cramps out of my legs and get moving.  Let me tell you though...remember the heat I complained about in UAE a month ago?  Holy moly, we've got that plus massive humidity here in Malaysia.  We'll have to see how this goes the next several days.  I would like to try at least one local running route while I'm here if the schedule allows.

In the meantime, today's agenda doesn't begin until noon, which gave me some time to check out the hotel this morning.  Did you know they've got a hedge maze of their own, and a great pool?  I only got a photo of the maze but I got in a little reading poolside before time to get the suit on for the afternoon.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -

Miles:  5.1

Time:  26:47 + 20:00 (3.1 miles at 8:38 per mile, 2 miles at 10:00 per mile)

Location:  Fitness Center, Shangri La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Feeling:  Hot and sweaty but the muscles were great

Stacie's Top Five...

I don't often run on the National Mall.  Visit, yes.  Run, no.  Many ask me why.  While a history buff at heart, and a monument lover, the allure of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial hardly overcome the reasons I choose not to run through this symbol of freedom and constancy.  Tonight, however, I decided to give it a shot since its been several months since my last venture in that direction and see if my reasons still held true.  In fact, they do, and for those who question the sanity of my decision to run through residential DC instead of this fantastic open space I am providing my top five reasons.

5.  Running all the way to the Lincoln Memorial on an evening threatening rain puts me 2.5 miles away from the shelter of my office building or car.  Running through the residential areas up by the Capitol means I'm never more than 1.5 miles away. 

4.  The run includes coming back up the deceptive hill toward the Capitol Building.  Its not called Capitol Hill for nothing.

3.  You run the risk of being pelted by a kick ball or softball during the late spring and summer months when the competitive season is in full swing.

2.  The bicycle rider who is not only riding on the sidewalks of this relatively "bike on the road" friendly town, but weaves all over the sidewalk so that runners are restricted from passing for fear of finishing the run with tire tracks over their midsection.

1.  Tourists who walk five abreast on the narrow paths and refuse to yield to a single runner trying to squeeze out a foot of space to the right or left of the gaggle. 

So as you can see, this obstacle course - which rivals the best obstacles Warrior Dash or Spartan Race can put up - definitely does not allow me to find my meditative zone, which is one of the primary reasons I run.  I think I'll just keep the Mall for visiting the sites instead of running.

Looking forward, I'll be on planes most of the next two days, so I will be taking a break from the road.  Actually I could use the days off.  For one, I've been suffering through one of the perils of running in the rain last Sunday in the form of blisters caused by running in wet socks.  For another, my muscles need some time off.  Since I've already hit my goal miles for the month, this travel-imposed break won't set e back.  Yay.  Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles:  7.3
Time:   1:02:30 (average pace of 8:33 per mile)
Location:  the National Mall, Capitol Hill, Stanton Park
Feeling:  Pretty good, no stress relief though thanks to the tourists

Continuing with the cross training...

I had every intention of getting in 4-5 miles over lunch and then hitting the yoga class at the gym tonight. Well, it was for very good reason that the lunchtime run was shelved, or rather it wasn't shelved but I had zero breathing space in the schedule to accomplish it. I'm actually fairly excited about the why of it. If you have an interest in foreign policy, tune in to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee mark up tomorrow afternoon.

So the best daytime intentions aside, I needed to maximize very limited time this evening since I not only wanted to get in the yoga class, but also need to pack to leave the country again on Friday (I'm already behind in this regard. If you know me, you know I have a very detailed packing plan for every trip and the bag is usually ready to go several days ahead of time in case the schedule gets messed up). I made it to yoga.  I already feel more bendy.  It was more of a gentle yoga class, which I need for stress and recovering from Monday night's tough class, but still contained a series of more challenging balance poses and an abs series. With the bikini season around the corner I can use all the abs help I can get. After all, while I'm no heifer, I'm definitely not the chick of 7 years ago with 10% body fat. Come June you'll be able to tell if I've stuck to pushing a greater number of abs exercises into my routine...that is also assuming I'm still not blazing white and you're are blinded by my skin tone so can't see whether my middle is toned...on second thought...:)

I ended the night with a brief jog on the treadmill just to tick off a couple more miles and get my heart rate up.  Don't get excited, it really was nothing to jump up and down over, but it was movement.  I hope to get in 7ish miles tomorrow so that at least I hit the monthly goal before getting on a plane Friday morning, because if my next location doesn't believe in air conditioned fitness centers like the Emirates, then the next week is guaranteed to be less than inspired.  Trust me though, I've already started working on a back up plan.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  2.52
Time:  22:01 (average pace of 8:44 per mile)
Location:  24 Hour Fitness treamills and group ex room
Feeling:  I'm glad I won't be back to yoga for a week and a half, the wrist needs a break...still hurts pretty bad

The cure for exhaustion...

I'm exhausted. In fact, today's route was a sarcastic nod to one of the reasons I arrived at work today completely spent. Aside from a nagging work related question that seemed to permeate my dreams (how sad is that), my collie Duncan was too restless for his own good. I can't really say if he just was not comfortable or too excited, but I do know that when the alarm went of and I started rising, he made a jubilant beeline to the door so he could go see the cat. Are you kidding me?!?!?!

Anyway, Duncan I love you but you suck. So here's to you! In your honor, I ran up to 13th before cutting over to Lincoln Park just so I could get a photo of your street sign. All the way up where the streets are dead. I know you'll never read this post, unless you've not only miraculously grown intelligence but also managed to learn English words aside from "food" "toy" "play" "down" "sit" "shake" or "out" but I'm talking to you anyway. I hope somehow you sort out all this energy today while I'm at work so we can get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep tonight.

Ultimately, though, running is a great pick-me-up if you are dragging through the day. It certainly worked for me and I highly recommend trying it out the next time you feel like a coffee IV is the only way you will survive. You just might surprise yourself. I did...after last night's workout and the restless night I should have been sluggish, but the stats will tell you something different. Perhaps that means I can do better on real sleep? We'll see. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.22
Time: 42:44 (average pace of 8:11 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: A little tight in the legs from last night

Plyowhoa...

I know athletes should cross train - mix it up to maximize. Problem is, I'm basically a one-trick pony that dabbles elsewhere. I do like yoga, I do like kayaking, I'm a pretty decent swimmer, occasionally I try something else and I definitely skimp in regular strength training, but I only tend to find consistency in running. That's why I'm going to try to readjust myself a little and get back on the yoga mat a couple times a week (gets that strength training without having to drag myself into the weight room) and maybe toss in some other activities here and there.

Tonight I hit up the yogalates/plyo/ab attack/arm weights class - better known as mind/body bootcamp, at the gym. I used to be a regular in this class, but then Mondays became crazy town and I just could not get back to Annapolis in time. I remember why I love to hate the class now. Erica is one tough cookie. Aside from my wrist still killing me (yeah, that's an embarassing foray back into strength training that I'll save for another day...or never) so having to be very deliberate about moving through that joint, I am fairly certain my abs will join the screaming tomorrow. God bless it running 10 miles is easier than an hour in that room. All that said, it feels great to move the body in that way and hopefully I can get it to pay off for me again.

I also could not totally take the day off from running since I am going to lose at least one, if not more days, this week. Now, granted, I can't really call a couple miles on the treadmill before having to hit the mat for bootcamp a real run. But hey, the miles add up in the end and if all I can accomplish in the time I have is two miles, then its two I may not otherwise have added to the total this year so no complaining. Anyway, I'm looking forward to a nice session with the pavement tomorrow. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 2.01
Time: 16:54 (average pace of 8:24 per mile)
Location: 24 Hour Fitness Treadmill Zone and Group X Classroom
Feeling: Good tonight, I expect to remember muscles I've ignored by Wednesday

It's raining, it's pouring...

Well happy birthday to me! Today did not go quite as planned, but it was just as good as the original plan. Yesterday afternoon the forecast for today indicated rain beginning in the early morning hours - heavy rain. The Mulligan Metric Marathon, which was the race on the schedule, was to go straight through a viaduct and with the weather there was concern that water would be rushing over the course. Definitely not safe. So the race director postponed the race by a week. A little rain, however, wasn't going to stop Brie and I from getting in a decent run anyway.

So maybe it wasn't the metric marathon, and maybe it wasn't a super long jog, but we still got out in the rain and cruised the streets of Annapolis, the Yard, the Academy bridge and back. It was close to 10 miles. Not bad for a run through the rain. Actually it was the great type of rain to run in if you have to run in rain. Not too hard, but more than a sprinkle. What made it the best way to start of my birthday was of course the conversation. Girl time if you will. Everything from this past week's GhostHunters episode that took place on the Yard (and no, I probably will not be running past the Naval Institute or the planes in front of family housing at night....not interested in running into that ghost) to the state of my worn out New Balance running capris.

To tell the truth, I've been complaining about those darn running capris for weeks. They are three years old...an age running capris should never make it to, but I just couldn't find new ones I liked. Until yesterday. When shopping at REI in Timonium I found a pair of Brooks I really liked. Did I buy them? Of course not. I knew I was headed to Falls Road Running Store to pick up my race packet for today and just figured I might find them there. Yeah, bad call. When I got in the car I had the email that the race was postponed, so no Falls Road Running. Today Brie said to me "why don't you just order them online?" That smart one in the group. And yes, Brie, I did go online and order the new Brooks running capris :) Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 9.3
Time: 1:25:18 (average pace of 9:10 per mile)
Location: Annapolis, the Yard, the bridge
Feeling: Wet, but all the muscles did all the right things

The nanny brigade...

It must have been that time of day. The perfect hour between lunch and the parents coming home from work. When the parks are populated by the under 5 crowd and their paid caretakers...and the sidewalks are clogged with strollers. That's when I was running and had to swerve and leap in order to find my few inches of pavement without being run over by an errant stroller wheel. But you know what? It's kind of cool. Whatever the reason, these kids get some outside play time. Fewer kids today are getting the real kid time they need and we thrived on when growing up.

Aside from that, day's like today are becoming more rare as we inch our way to summer. Sun shining high in the sky, the azaleas bushes glowing with color, the temperatures manageable. That said, I have come to a recent conclusion - the air in Washington is heavier and more pollen-ridden than that in Annapolis. Lately I feel like my lungs are clear when running at home, but I'm breathing harder at work. Here's my theory...Annapolis is surrounded by water, yes, but has a very wide bay that gathers and pushes air through town and cleans out the rough stuff. DC on the other hand, while flanked on both sides by water, is also a bowl that holds the air in place. Sounds about right doesn't it? Perhaps, in the meantime I'm going with it.

In two days though, the strollers and the heavy air won't matter. I'll be dodging the raindrops falling from the sky during the Mulligan Metric Marathon along with my great running pal to celebrate my 36th birthday. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.53
Time: 37:37 (average pace of 8:18 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: A little tight across my back from yoga, but otherwise good

Attack of the killer...Mallard?...

I started today with a lot of different intentions, but I have to say the way it ended up (which wasn't in the plans) was so much better. First I was going to run during my lunch break today, but let's be honest, what lunch break? Then I was going to run through downtown Annapolis before a meeting this evening, but well, I needed to walk Duncan first. Then I was going to run through downtown Annapolis after my meeting, except I parked my car on the Yard (that would be the Naval Academy campus for the non-Annapolitans out there) and I was carrying a cookbook...don't ask. So, after my meeting I had a little pep talk with myself since I was waivering from running at all now that none of the plans seemed to work out. I convinced myself, even though the sun had set at this point (and you know my policy on night running...I'm a danger to myself) I would run the sidewalks and roads along the sea wall on the Yard.

Since I was parked in front of Halsey Field House, I took off toward the sea wall and was momentarily stunned by the mega yacht anchored off the end of Ego Alley, then I remembered I had ordered a pick up in style :) Okay, perhaps I'm hallucinating now but I did indulge in several minutes of pretending I owned the monster that I believe actually belongs to the owner of the Ravens (he anchors down in Annapolis part of the year). A few moments of indulgence was enough before I settled into enjoying the glassy surface of the Severn River lapping up against the sea wall.

If you've run the Yard, you know the typical sea wall route...bending in sight of Ego Alley, back behind Rip Miller field, down around the Santee boat basin, passed the Glen Warner soccer facility and so on. The one typical part of the jog I really don't like is the wooden footbridge that connects main campus with Hospital Point. I dread crossing it in the light of day, let alone the dead of night, but I sucked it up and cruised on across hoping all the boards would hold (I heard the Severn River is still pretty darn cold). Low and behold, it seems to hold together for me, so here's where my policy of no night running often comes in handy. If you are clumsy, you should not invite dangerous situations, like running the gravel path of the sea wall on Hospital Point at night with no guard railing and almost no lighting. There are two sides to this coin - the near pitch black really allows me to settle into the run and just enjoy the feeling, alternately, I am nearly shocked into the river by the mallard that decided to pop onto the path right in front of me in the pitch black. Yes, he had absolutely no fear of the runner pounding away along the path, and he had friends. Not one, but several. Ultimately I survived the ducks, but geez I jumped so high and far I nearly did go for that swim.

The rest of my run wasn't quite so dramatic. After curving along by the columbarium and back across the proper concrete bridge (as opposed to the wooden bridge), I reversed my path. What better way to get another look at my future yacht? All in all, I had a super pleasant jaunt and may eschew my night running policy again to take in the quiet solitude I had this evening. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.53
Time: 38:46 (average pace of 8:33 per mile)
Location: US Naval Academy, aka the Yard
Feeling: Settled into my stride and loving life

Looking for a scary good time...

Continuing my post from last night...the universe got one laugh after another at my expense. After insanely running in the middle of the day so that I could go to yoga last night, I get to the gym with 15 minutes to spare before class only to find a sign at the check in desk stating that the 7:30 class was cancelled. Are you kidding me? That's just how it went. Luckily today was not a collosal repeat of yesterday.

First of all, let's chop a whopping 15 degrees off the temperature at run time. God that makes a huge difference when you aren't yet adjusted to summer temps. Second, run 6 hours later...ahhh, nothing like washing the day from your brain with a nice 5 mile jog. So, overall, there are NO complaints from me today. I even felt decent enough to really cruise (for me) during the run. It's also a big boost to pass several other joggers on the sidewalk...especially those of the male persuasion. Makes a lady feel good.

After my jog, I was checking out my facebook page and was scared into shape. That's right, the runDisney status update told me that the Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Ten Miler was 95% sold out. Yikes, I really wanted to get in on that action this year. A) I love runDisney events (go back and check out my post on the Disney Princess Half Marathon back in February if you want to know the antics that take place on Disney courses), and 2) who wouldn't want to run around Disney World at night with glow sticks (I may just be compelled to fashion a running costume made of multi-colored glow sticks) followed by a midnight bash at the Tower of Terror with Disney's most famous villains? This girl is jumping up and down waving my arm with enthusiasm like a school girl with the answer to the question. Tonight I rectified the situation and you are now acquainted with at least one of the 20,000+ runners who will be at that start line at 10pm on 29 September. Who's going to join me? Until then, happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.14
Time: 41:24 (average pace of 8:03 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: Fast, legs were really good, now if I could only get the upper body back in muscles to carry me through times when my legs are less than great

Pollen exposure causes insanity...

Rather than being smart and running after dark tonight - you know, when the sun has gone down and the temperatures are a little easier on the system - I fell victim to the chemical in pollen that makes you do crazy stupid things, like run in wilting heat and blazing sun. If the universe was sadistic, it would have caused me to pass out on the sidewalk as punishment...and then it would have laughed. After all, I had the option to wait, right? Perhaps not, especially if my theory is proven that pollen actually causes you to do insane things...momentary insanity if you will.

Here's my internal dialogue prior to running this afternoon: "It's really not that bad. And if you run now you can go to yoga tonight (which I still plan on hitting, thank you). Run now, get it over with. You can just stay on the shady side of the streets, under the tree cover, and it won't be so bad." Wouldn't you know, I had a hard time finding the shade that those beautiful trees provide. I guess when the sun is at high noon, not even the trees are willing to protect you. This idea to run was getting worse by the 100 meters. I swear every other stupid person I passed who was also jogging looked ready to call for an ambulance. I'm fairly certain I even saw the Capitol dome sweating. So, what started out as an effort to try to get in 5 miles fell 1.5 miles short, because all I wanted was a cold shower. Oh yeah, did I also mention I failed to adequately hydrate this morning? I was so desperate, that this kiddie pool on East Capitol Street looked very inviting. Next time folks, I don't care if its trespassing, I'm diving in.

So, here's to lessons learned. While technically its going to get much much hotter this summer, and I'll eventually get used to it, you should always approach a drastic swing in weather with respect...or at least make sure the pollen count is really low. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 3.5
Time: 30:31 (average sluggish pace of 8:43 per minute)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: While the muscles felt good, the brain really needs checked

Reasons to love Annapolis...

There are so many reasons why Annapolis is, to me, one of the absolute greatest places on the planet...and I get to live here. Today reminded me of just a few of the most important. First and foremost, Annapolis has amazing people, like my great running buddy Brie. She keeps me laughing and motivated over the long runs and can always be counted on to run head first into a challenge. Also, I love the bay - sailing, beach, outdoors, sparkling water, serenity, amazing views - those are all things I associate with the bay. Further, big town amenites but super small town feel - you escape into amazing pockets of solitude but still be close enough to catch an afternoon college football game at a BCS school (shoot me a message if you don't know what that is...we've got some educating to do and I don't want to embarass you publicly).

Today, I got all three of the aforementioned reasons to love Annapolis. The day started with a fantastic run through Greenbury Point and Naval Station Annapolis with Brie. It was a pretty easy run...okay, let me rephrase...it was a comfortable run, though we were cruising a bit. We did take the time to bask in some of the amazing views from the Naval Station, including across Mill Creek and the Severn to the Chesapeake Bay bridge and the sailboats docked at the Mill Creek marina on base. We also took a moment to look across the Severn into downtown Annapolis. In fact, it was here that even a 30+ year resident of Annapolis can still say "I really love this town." We finished up through the Naval Station proper where we passed a number of groups of midshipmen getting in their Saturday PT. We ended our run by checking out the new collection of Vineyard Vines clothing at the exchange...I've got my eye on that navy blue with white starfish wrap skirt.

The afternoon continued the streak of all things amazing about Annapolis, with the spring Blue-Gold football scrimmage at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. I'll tell you, we've got a decent quarterback coming up, but the defense still leaves a little to be desired. Hopefully come the fall season, the boys will have figured out how to stop the other team from scoring. Anyway, it was a great day all in all, including the peanut butter froyo at Menchie's and dinner at Mexican Cafe. Couldn't ask for anything more! Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 10.79
Time: 1:35:58 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location: Greenbury Point at Naval Station Annapolis
Feeling: Loved it - great weather, great company, great feeling legs

Weak stomachs and offended sensibilities...

First off, if you can't stand reading about someone yakking, do not read on.

Okay, it's been a light week for me, running wise, unfortunately. Tuesday had to be an off day because I needed to finish and turn in my final assignment for school. Wednesday ended up being an off day because my great friends threw a surprise celebration for me. And Thursday, well this is where the yakking comes in. It seems my legislative correspondent at work brought a little bug with him, that spread to at least two other folks in the office, myself included. Yesterday I had every intention of running five or so miles...and then breakfast came back up. In the end, I had a spectular fever spike and spent most of the day in my bed sleeping.

Today I NEEDED to get in a few miles or risk falling woefully behind this month. I was determined, come hell, highwater or vomiting on the side of the road, to get in that five miles. Luckily everything seemed to cooperate. The weather was pleasant, I hit a nice moderate pace, and everything stayed where it was supposed to. I've still got a monster headache, and a slightly weak stomach, but I'm not going to complain.

Okay, I am going to complain, just a little. Here's where the offended sensibilities comes in. If you know me, you know I have a ton of respect for jigsaw puzzles. I love jigsaw puzzles and can spend hours putting them together without getting bored. When leaving out an unfinished puzzle, I take great pains to protect it from the cat. So, at mile 2.5 today you can imagine the horror of seeing puzzle pieces strewn across the sidewalk on North Carolina Avenue without a care in the world. Someone should be arrested. Hopefully the offender(s) will rectify their errors and carefully place the pieces back in the appropriate box lovingly. I'll check it out Monday. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.1
Time: 44:10 (average pace of 8:39 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, US Capitol
Feeling: A little lightheaded but otherwise good

Back in the saddle...

Today the angels must have been singing praises upon the earth to bring such amazing weather to Washington, DC. It was a dazzling afternoon with the sun shining, a moderate temperature (for which I'm grateful after the UAE last week) and more flowering trees showing their glory to the masses (I speak specifically of those fantastic lilac trees up near Lincoln Park...I really wish I had a camera with me). As the sky begins to cloud over, I'm happy I got out over my lunch break to loosen my legs on solid pavement for the first time since leaving town. It was also a blessing because running gave me the opportunity to run into my great pal Rich, who is in town on R&R from Afghanistan...his last day before shipping back over. I've traveled a good deal of the world with Rich and was sad to have missed him during his brief time at home.

As I was running, I catalogued in my mind what's upcoming and what goals to set. So, on my 36th birthday (in two weeks) I have a metric marathon. This will be the first metric marathon I've run since the back injury in 2010. I've been running really solid and, with a few sub-2 hour half marathons under my belt, think I may be able to accomplish the metric in 2:30-2:45. It should be a ton of fun with Brie keeping me company and motivated. Then, in June, I've decided to bite the bullet and try my back at the marathon distance again. I'm not going to set a time goal for this one...its on one of my favorite trail courses in the region, which boasts some monster hills, logs to jump and a few other potential obtacles I prefer not to discuss. Again, I'll be doing it with Brie, so life should be good and a finish with no pain in the back will be more than enough to make me happy.

Here's to getting back to my routine and over the jet lag! Happy trails!!!

Stats-
Miles: 4.08
Time: 33:56 (average pace of 8:25 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: decent, heavy and tight in the left shin though

Losing the internet....

Last week I was doing a fairly admirable job of keeping my log up to date while out of the country...that is until I moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and couldn't get my laptop to connect to the hotel's wifi. So, I'm doing one big download of the remaining workouts completed last week. For sure this is nothing to write home about. The air temperature combined with humidity continued to keep things slow and rough. I'm looking forward to getting back into my grove on American soil this week, with great temps and low humidity. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 8.18
Time: 1:16:40 (average pace of 9:22 per mile)
Location: Abu Dhabi, The Address Hotel, Fitness Center treadmills
Feeling: Blah, sluggish and hot

Places I wouldn't become a marathoner...

As I struggled through another tough, hot, slow jog on the treadmill at the hotel today, it occurred to me that there are a number of places in the world where I would be highly unlikely to attempt be a marathoner if I lived. First and foremost...anywhere in the middle east. So, it's only early April, and the heat/humidity are slowing me down royaly. While I was visiting an air base today the commander reminded us that the summer months bring temps in the 120s - 140s with 90% humidity. Are you kidding? I can barely stand up for two seconds in that type of weather let alone jog a marathon. I guess I'm glad I'm only subjected to these temps for a few weeks a year.

Anyway, it has been an interesting couple of days here in Abu Dhabi. Its unfortunate that I didn't get the opportunity to run outside much. Perhaps I'll find a better opportunity up in Dubai or I'll have to play a little catch up on miles next week. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 3.28
Time: 30:00 (average pace of 9:08 per mile)
Location: Fitness Center, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Feeling: Like I'm pulling teeth. Can't wait for easier conditions

Metric to American....

I'm seriously having a tough time gauging my running, mid workout, using the metric system here in Abu Dhabi. I don't want to overdo it and push too far, given that I'm still pretty tired with jet lag and the gym here seems to be about a gazillion degrees, but I also don't want to slow down so far that I'm losing my usual pace. That said, while I"m running on the treadmill, I can't quite figure out exactly what speed I'm going to slow down or speed up. Bless it all, can't the world just work on the miles system? Okay, now that I've gotten my narrow-minded American rant out of the way, I truly am struggling with figuring it out. Realistically I know that 5k is 3.1 miles and so 10k is 6.2 miles, but moderating the speeds (I'm a typical 7 mile per hour runner) just isn't so easy. I think if I had to do it regularly I'd eventually figure it all out. Since I'm only here for a week, I'll just deal with slower runs.

Aside from the metric confusion, today was a pretty active day. I split my run between morning and evening because I didn't have much time this morning but also did not know what the evening would look like. Hence I settled for a shorter run in the a.m. to at least log something. The evening was just a bonus then. I also got in a 3ish mile (or potentially 5k) walk own the Corniche after strolling from the Madinat Zayed souk to the Central Market souk and then out to the Corniche and circling back to the hotel. I won't count the miles, but deep down I know I did them. It was a failry cool day in the afternoon, so pleasant for walking. Yesterday I indicated I might try to run on the Corniche...let me rephrase...heck no. My colleague and I had the darndest time getting from the Corniche to the Intercontinental so I couldn't imagine worrying about getting from the Intercontinental to the Corniche when I was on a time crunch. Oh weel, better luck next time. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.64
Time: 50:29 (average pace of 8:57 per mile)
Location: Fitness Center at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Feeling: Much better than yesterday, but still hot