A skunk of a good time...

I've run across a lot of animals during my running career.  Deer, horses, fox, squirrels (oh the squirrels), bunnies, fox and so on.  But never skunk.  In fact, I've never seen a skunk living outside a zoo or animal show.  That is until tonight. 

Tonight I decided to do my interval/circuitish type workout on the golf course cart path at Cole Park Commons on Fort Campbell.  I like the trail.  Early early morning or late evening it's deserted.  Just you and nature and lovely views.  It's a golf course made up of rolling hills...lots of hills. 

Anyway, I was just finishing my first of three circuits (1/4 mile jog, 15 reverse lunges, 1/4 mile jog, 30 crunches, 1/4 mile jog, 15 push-ups, 1/4 jog then repeat two more times for a total of 3 miles, 45 reverse lunges, 90 crunches and 45 push-ups) when I looked off to my right and there he was...or she...I can't tell the difference and I wasn't going to get close enough to take a real look.  That skunk looked at me like I ruined his solitary stroll through the golf course (I could say the same about him or her) then scooted across the cart path and kept on going.  I decided to wait until he was well across the path before continuing...just in case.

So yeah, check that one off the bucket list.

On a training note, I'm feeling pretty strong.  That said, I need to start being more mindful about overdoing it.  I've been pushing myself hard and not worrying about recovery and I think it's catching up with me.  Thursday's run was my seventh day in a row without a rest and my calves were locking up.  I took Friday off before my long run on Saturday and everything seemed to shake back out, but I'm in danger of running down that path again if I don't force myself to take a day off early this week to rest.  Today may look light, but I also did a 55 minute pure barre class this morning...so basically my glutes are screaming and my quads were shaking during those reverse lunges tonight.

Moving to a completely different topic, I went on a bit of a shopping spree recently to spruce up my tired running wardrobe. Lucy was having a great sale on tops, so I picked up three, and while I was at it, I grabbed a new running skirt at Lululemon....check it out.  I took it out for a spin on my 14.7 mile long run Saturday (which I normally wouldn't do for a first wearing on a long run, but oh well) and was pleasantly surprised that it didn't ride up, roll up or cause any chafing.  All around, A+ and the same to the Lucy top I paired with the skirt.

New clothes, new animal sitings and overworking aside, I'm starting to feel strong and consistent again and looking forward to the insane fall racing schedule I've set for myself.  Happy trails!!!

Stats:

Total miles:  427.47...starting to chip away at a more consistent and higher rate
Feeling:  Stronger, yet not treating my body well enough

 

Strength in numbers....

I'm pretty much a solo runner.  I like to tie on my running shoes, adjust my visor, make sure I've got satellite reception on my Garmin, turn on the ipod and go.  A mile in, I'm in that comfortable bubble where my legs are working in rhythm with my arms and my mind.  I'm not worrying about sticking to a certain route or keeping the group together.

Since May'ish, though, I've learned about life of the other side of the running coin - the strength you can find and grow when you run in numbers.  My recent return in endurance has as much to do with the ladies I'm running with as is does with the actual miles I'm putting on my shoes. 

The comaraderie and the endless interesting conversations make the miles melt away.  Where else can you discuss running commando or the virtues of running with panties, share the challenges of recent health problems, complain about husbands who create more mess than they clean up or get a great recommendation for a painting service?  We have been sharing our joys and our struggles, but most importantly ourselves.  I really love that.  So I raise a glass to those ladies - Ann, Leah, Brie, AliceAnne, Susan, Kathy and Kelly.  I look forward to every run we have together and miss you all when I'm running alone.  You're my rock and my inspiration.

Now on to my personal scolding.  Last night I was reminded that I really enjoy blogging - what I get out of it as a runner - and lament that it has been so long since my last entry.  This hiatus will cause me to forget some of the small, but funny moments of the past couple months.  How I enjoy going back and remembering quirky parts of a course.  So today I'm dedicating this post to Susan for reminding me just how much I enjoy this blog by letting me talk about it during last night's run.  Cheers Susan!

As I continue on my journey this fall (boy have I overextending myself on the race calendar), I hope to be more regular about writing and continue to cement the friendships I've made on the pavement.  Happy trails!!!

**NOTE - Since it's been a while, rather than inserting stats for a specific run, I'm just going to play catch up on totals today.

Stats -

Total miles:  I'm at just under 400 miles for the year so far...not where I need to be, but it's growing.  I also think my tracker is missing some runs and need to comb back through it.
Feeling:   TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!