Your friendly PSA...

As a runner, I am pretty conscientious about following the rules of the road.  Safety is always a big concern.  I stick to sidewalks as long as they are available.  I wear bright colors if I'll be running on the road.  I watch before crossing.  I only wish drivers paid half as much attention to following the rules of the road.

So here's your friendly public service announcement this week...drivers, when you come to a red light or even just a stop sign, stop where indicated.  No, the crosswalk wasn't put there to get you closer to the intersection, it's actually for pedestrians...or runners like me trying to use sidewalks to stay out of your way.  Tonight I had to battle and swerve around at least three cars that decided to stop on the crosswalk.  It was a close call with one crazy driver who obviously didn't see the runner crossing, appropriately in the crosswalk, and nearly drove into me.

Law breaking drivers aside, I enjoyed the chilly dusk run.  No lunch time today, so I hit the pavement after work.  It was quiet, the legs were moving and, aside from a few drivers, no obstacles to a good run.  Top off the fact that all my muscle groups have decided to work together again, who can be in a bad mood finishing up a run in the shadow of the Capitol Dome lit up against the night sky. 

In all, February didn't turn out to be a fantastic mileage month, but looking back at last year's log it was a lower month then too.  Maybe I can turn February 2014 into a Feburary where I hit my mileage.  Until then, I'll just plan on more miles (and hopefully getting back into my speed groove) in March.  I can do it.  Lots of opportunities.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  5.66
Time:   50:43 (average pace of 8:57 per mile)
Feeling:  the blister on my left big toe from the 1/2 marathon rubs a bit after a few miles, but the hamstring is finally stretching out a bit

Transitions = blogging delays....

Transitions can be exciting.  They can also be very disruptive to your routines.  This year I've changed jobs, moved offices (twice), traveled a lot and am still working on perfecting my role in a family of three while keeping on target with my personal fitness goals.  Is it any wonder I haven't updated the blog as regularly as last year?!?

Anyway, my March endeavor is to get back on track (and write several of the posts I skipped) and blog as I go, like last year.  I've been having fun in my running shoes the past six weeks and I don't want to miss the opportunity to share.  While I'm not breaking speed barriers (as evidenced by my lack luster showing down in Florida last weekend...finished in the top 5% but I was disappointed with my time), I am building new friendships, exploring new terrain and working hard to make this a great running year.

Today's run was simple.  It was a muscle shake out.  I'm trying to be better at resting after bigger races and so I took two days off after the half marathon last weekend.  My legs were definitely stiff...more along the lines of "feels like hardening cement."  But the day was beautiful and the run was good for my mental sanity.  Plus, I got to see the sun peering around the top of the Capitol Building...that just makes my day. 

I also got to laugh to myself for half a mile.  I know I would do this if it happened to me, but still, its amusing to watch it.  I came up on the left side of this women who was moving a lot slower than me (I'd guess her pace was a good 30 seconds/mile slower) and as I passed her she dug deep to find the energy to ensure she passed me up again.  I was running to shake out to cobwebs, so I didn't chase her down.  But anyway, it was a good smile.

I'm slightly behind in mileage for the month of February, but am certain I can grab the extra few needed to be on solid ground by the end of March.  I had two 30+ mile weeks this month (and one abyssmal week of travel overseas that didn't lend itself to much running).  March will be better in so many ways - more running, more blogging.  Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles:  4.72
Tine:   41:52 (average pace of 8:52 per mile)
Location:  I'm permanently removing this stat for personal reasons, but message me if you want to know specifically where I'm running...you'll be able to get a general idea otherwise, from the landmarks I talk about.
Feeling:  Sluggish, but mentally awesom

I'll update the mileage calculator later tonight, but i've completed 180.21/1245 so far.