The best intentions...

I had big plans this weekend.  I was in Ohio for a family funeral, with lots of unscheduled time on my hands before the funeral Saturday and Sunday before I planned to return home.  I was going to run 10 or so miles on each day.  Yep, the best of intentions always have a way of turning into the worst executed plans out there.

Saturday I woke up to a light, beautiful snow falling.  If you've read my blog in the past, you know I love running in this type of snow.  I was stoked.  And then I looked at the temperature (much lower than Maryland) and thought to myself - "I can leave earlier Sunday and run super long at home."

Sunday, the diva and I got on the road as planned....which was awesome because I was going to run 15ish miles upon returning home.  All was going well until we hit a little snag at the PA/MD border when the diva got (a) car sick and then (b) played on my sympathies and begged for chocolate milk.  SO...I promised to go to the next McDonald's and buy her a chocolate milk.  Only problem?  The next McDonald's had a big indoor playground and she had been sitting in her carseat quietly for almost 4 hours.  Okay, a few minutes on the playground won't hurt...but 30 minutes later I knew my plans were on the rocks.

Back in the car I cut a deal with the diva.  She could play in her playroom once we got home for as long as it took me to run 10 miles on the treadmill.  She agreed and all was at least sort of on track. 

Then we got home and I told my husband I was running to the commissary and then I'd be back to take Ainsleigh down to the playroom.  Surprise!  He said he would stay with Ainsleigh and play while I shop and then get in a 5 mile run out at Greenbury Point so I only had to do 5 miles on the treadmill.  So I threw on the running clothes and headed out. 

Now, I'm standing at my car, ready to head down to the Greenbury Point trail and the ipod is dead.  Great...can nothing swing in my favor today?  Life goes on.  At least the Garmin wasn't dead...I'm not sure life goes on when that happens.

If you remember this afternoon, you know the temperature was nice (in the upper 30s) and the air was calm.  I basically had the road to myself, well me and a few random die hard golfers out for 18 holes on a brisk winter Sunday who criss crossed the road from hole to hole.  But then it was on my own as I passed the Brigade Sports Complex.  Me, my feet and my thoughts.  A great way to spend an hour.

As I got down near the point and took in the bare masts at the Mill Creek marina, I was hitting my stride.  I know I had a good brainstorm around this time, but for the life of me its gone now.  The best part of the Greenbury Point run, is undoubtedly the bay views.  I love this stretch of landing hugging the shore with the Bay Bridge in the distance.  There's something about it that puts a spring in your step and helps you maintain your pace and motivation when that REALLY nasty head wind hits you on the North heading section of the trail. 

Being a Sunday (with no rain falling from the sky) there were a lot of walkers out on the trail.  I gotta say, the old man with his dog who took the time to say "looking good" as I beared down on the wind and pushed forward, was just the cheering I needed.  It's also great to have a cheering section where you least expect it.

So as I'm headed back toward the car, I look at my watch.  I'm bearing down on about 6 miles if I go straight back, but what the heck?  My legs are good, I've been out for less than an hour and surely the husband and diva can survive another 10-15 minutes without me, so I decide to head up to Providence to put me at a good 7 mile run.  I like the neighborhood.  It's not busy and its got some small hills to stretch and push your legs.  Plus I like the houses. 

Anyway, I hit the 7 mile mark (just over) when I returned to my car and was looking forward to finishing up with only 3 miles to go on the treadmill.  Why do you ask, then, did I not get those last 3 miles in?  Yeah, I was soaked to the bone and could NOT heat back up.  I spent the rest of the night shivering to my skeleton in front of a roaring fire that the diva kept calling "too hot." 

Lesson of the story?  Don't wimp out when the temperature looks uncomfortable and don't stop to wash the salt off your car after you just ran 7 miles in sub-40 degree weather without changing into dry clothes first.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  7.03
Time:   1:02:29 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Feeling:  my muscle groups were great, the hamstring insert twinges a bit

Trotting for the turkey...

Ah, the holiday season is upon us.  Eating, drinking, being merry, and eating some more, possibly drinking some more.  Yes, I mark the beginning of this season with the first turkey trot I run and don't look back until ringing in the new year.  Today is that day and I'll be starting the season with the Naval Support Activity Annapolis MWR Turkey Trot 5k...it also marks the first time running with Brie since the end of September.

I headed over to Greenbury Point a little early to get in a couple extra miles (trying to tick away at that goal as much as possible).  Eh, hold on, first I had to turn around (I was only a mile from home) and head back home to grab the tire pump (really just grabbed the whole running stroller) because Brie's was't working.  Then I headed to Greenbury Point.

I was surprised to see the number of runners already gathering when I arrived around 8:20am.  Usually these races are very small so I am happy they are finally getting the word out, though that doesn't help me in my quest to finally win one of their great door prizes.  But I disgress....since I was a little later than intentioned, I decided I would just run a mile and a half or so.  I tend to forget how long the Greenbury Point trail is. 

So, at 8:30ish, I hit the trail at a nice clip...my nicest clip all week, almost back to normal.  And settled in for a pounding warm up against the head winds coming off the bay.  Yowzer, were they something.  As I approached the "short cut" route, I looked at my watch and realized that if I wanted to catch up with Brie before the run, that I couldn't take the whole path.  So I headed back and screeched into the parking lot at about 8:45am in time to see Brie just getting the jogging stroller out of her vehicle. 

We pumped up her tires, with a little help from her little one, made a last trip to the restroom and headed to the starting line.  Sort of.  We actually missed the start, but who cares, its a fun run.  Once we had the jogging stroller situated, we headed out onto the course.  Since we missed the start, we didn't feel compelled to back track that .05 miles to the actual starting line and just began from where we were.

While catching up on the latest and greatest news, we noticed that runners were already doubling back toward the starting line which would mean these guys were super super (like world record) fast unless they changed up the 5k course some.  And yes, they did.  Rather than going all the way up Greenbury Point Road and turning around at Kincaid, we looped back to the trail and finished up there.  The wind was still brisk, but it was a beautiful day out on the bay...and I love the Bay Bridge.  We even passed a few runners. 

All was good until we rounded to the finish line.  Brie's little one wanted to race the last little bit, so we stopped, got him out of the stroller and waited for him to say "go."  Not five feet after the last little burst, the poor guy trip, fell and broke open his lip on the pavement.  He's a tough one though and we were soon eating the turkey sandwiches, waiting to learn that once again we didn't win the random prize drawings.

In all, it was another fun event, with great folks and the opportunity to exercise.  Who can complain about that?  It also meant a great start to a fun filled day of volunteering, tailgating and Navy football.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4.93
Time:   48:23 (average pace of 9:49)
Location:  NSA Annapolis, Greenbury Point
Feeling:  finally getting back on track

Danger Will Robinson....

Until I get completely caught up, I'm skipping the write ups about treadmill runs.  They can be boring (unless I happen to catch some show like Pregnant and Didn't Know It).  Let's just say, I did one on Wednesday (stats below) and move on.

Today was relatively  mild in the morning, but growing hot by the afternoon, so I was dressed for running when I took the diva to school.  I got a little side tracked and by the time I was set to run it was raining outside.  Too bad, I've got to run.  So I decided to hit the treadmill...blah.

On my way over to the gym I thought to myself "it's not raining hard, and I actually like running in the rain, so what the heck."  I detoured over to Greenbury Point to get in four to five miles.  After parking my car, getting the satellite feed on my Garmin set, and adjusting my cap (don't like rain in my eyes) I set off toward the trail.  I ran into an unfortunate sign at the head of the trail, which caused me to have to change my proposed route for the run.

So, I flipped around and was going to head up through the golf course after the loop down by the Mill Creek marina.  I got as far as the Nature Center when I decided to try the trail behind the center.  I'd never run it and thought it may be interesting.  It was narrow and over run with weeds.  Since I was running alone, I thought it might not be wise to get too far down the trail and risk injury, so headed back. 

I noticed that the Nature Center entrance to the Greenbury Point trail did not have the live fire sign up, and took my chances heading down that path.  At this point my head cold started to catch up with me.  On top of the rain, I was sweaty and my skin was turning red.  I also couldn't catch my breath.  Perhaps the workout was a bad idea when I have such a bad cold going on.  When will I learn my lesson?

Anyway, I finished the trail.  It wasn't pretty but it wasn't ugly.  I didn't get in four to five miles, but I didn't sit on the couch.  Oh yeah, I also crossed the 75% threshold for meeting my goal for the year, so that is awesome!  While my mileage is low for the week so far, I'll get over the head cold and make it up over the weekend.  Happy trails!!!

Stats (for Wednesday)
Miles:  3.53
Time:   30:03 (average pace of 8:30 per mile)
Location:  Gym at Naval Support Activity Annapolis
Feeling:  my legs aren't bothering me, surprise

Stats (for Thursday)
Miles:  3.14
Time:   27:23 (average pace of 8:43 per mile)
Location:  Greenbury Point
Feeling:  everything aches

Good running fun...

I'm skipping over Thursday's run (treadmill...boring...stats below) and skipping straight to today, September 1...much more exciting.  Today was the Labor Day 10K at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, which Brie and I have planned to run for the past few weeks.  We added to the pleasure with a third runner - a midshipman - who has a lot of enthusiasm and is breaking into more of the longer distance running.

So how did Caroline join the intrepid duo?  I work with Caroline in the age 3-6 Sunday School class at the Naval Academy Chapel.  She has been forced to listen to my race recaps for the past year and last week she indicated she was interested in trying out the longer distance (greater than 5k) running.  Perfect opportunity...come run the Labor Day 10K on the Navy base with Brie and I.  She was in.

So we get to race morning, and par for the course, not everything has gone by the books during the morning, but we're all there before the start of the race.  So, bonus.  Oh yeah, us and the other 13 runners for the race.  Yep, 16 total.  Guess what?  Our chances of winning something increase exponentially.  Woohoo!

Downside to a small race field?  Everyone goes out uber fast.  When  the start was given, we al went out at about a 7 minute/mile pace...uh, not happening for long folks.  We pulled back to about a 8:30ish pace.  Now, on the way over, Caroline indicated she wanted to try to keep up with us during the race as long as possible.  I told her she could probably run much faster than our 8:30 - 9:15 pace.  She wasn't so sure.  Kudos to her for keeping up the whole time.  And for listening to our weekly dish the dirt session.  She may never join us again after that :)  But we hope she will.

Anyway, the course wound up through the golf course, up Providence just a bit and then turned around so we could head back and catch the trail around Greenbury Point.  When we hit the 4 mile mark it became very clear that the race was going to be short of 10k, but who cares, we were having fun.  Ultimately we finished 7, 8 and 9 overall.  First in age 35-39, first in age 30-34 and first in 20-24.  How about them apples :)  So we did't actually win any real prizes (the MWR races are so small they only give first place overall male and female) but we can pretend we rocked it.  And of course, we also didn't walk away with any random prizes either.  Maybe next time.  It was fun regardless and Brie and I were able to share our love of running with a new person.

Now on to rest up a bit for tomorrow's Charm City Run 20-miler with Lara.  It promises to be cooler and the course is a slight downgrade, so I feel pretty good about it.  Happy trails!!!

Stats (for Thursday)
Miles:  4.01
Time:  35:37 (average pace of 8:53 per mile)
Location:  Fitness Center at Naval Support Activity Annapolis
Feeling:  Hamstrings are still tight, trying to make them last

Stats (for Saturday)
Miles:  4.83
Time:   41:30 (average pace of 8:35 per mile)
Location:  Greenbury Point
Feeling:  tight in the hamstrings, just need to hold them together through Sunday

Reality tv & treadmills...

Last week's total mileage was a bit disappointed for this type-A, goal-driven runner, but this week is going to blow it out of the water, so missing my weekly minimum by four miles will easily be erased.  That said, we're going to have a few hot days and I've got some cramped spaces in the schedule, so at least one run will have to occur on a treadmill.

Today was that day.  After dropping the diva off at her second day of school/daycare, I headed to the gym to grab a few miles on the treadmill before running errands, catching several hours of work and heading back to pick her up. 

The gym was pretty quiet, so I had my choice of all but one or two treadmills.  I picked the one I thought matched up with the tv remote sitting in its cupholder.  Once I was on the machine I was pretty committed, so I didn't change after finding out the remote was to a tv in front of a different treadmill.  Oh well, I settled in to distract myself with whatever was on in front of me anyhow.

Ummmm, the tv was set to TLC and the show was some reality series about women who don't know they are pregnant until they are in labor.  Really?  Cable channels will turn anything into a reality show these days won't they?  I have to say, this show really disturbed me.  Come on, some of these women must not be very bright because as they looked back they saw all the signs.  Geez.  And I was in front of this tv for more than thirty minutes. 

I've learned my lesson. Next time make sure you have the correct remote before you start the run, pick a treadmill already tuned to a station or show you would actually watch, or even better, deal with the heat and humidity outside and take in nature instead of reality tv.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  4
Time:   34:37 (average pace of 8:39 per mile)
Location:  Fitness Center at Naval Support Activity Annapolis
Feeling:  the hamstrings are a little tight, need to watch them this week

Beating the heat and olympic spirit...

I've said it before...it's not fun to run outside in the heat and humidity.  When my husband got home from work tonight and I changed to get a run in he asked "how far are you going?" I said "not far, just 4-5 miles tonight."  He said, concerned, "you know its hot and humid out there...not really great for a run."  I said "don't worry, I'm heading to the gym to run on the treadmill." 

So maybe there is more than one reason I've willingly taken to the treadmill when I loathe the machine so much.  Yes, it's hot, but more importantly, they have the Olympics on about half the tvs in the cardio room, so I can indulge in keeping up with all the events while logging the miles.  Not sure I'll be quite as motivated for a treadmill run after the flame is extinguished...but I guess I'll take it while I can.

Tonight was a good run.  I hit a nice rhythm and kept on trucking while Access Hollywood recapped a number of the days events...and the lighter side of the Olympics...and then caught a bit of a handball game.  I admit, I know nothing about handball, but it kept my eyes occupied during my post-run mile rowing.

In all, I've got basketball, swimming, boxing, volleyball and a few other events while logging miles.  Not a bad way to while away the time if the scenery isn't changing over the course of 4-5 miles, right?  I'll take and look forward to the fall weather as I stare down four more days of running this week - two of which will be outside in the humidity.  Happy trails!!!


Stats -
Miles:  4.51
Time:   37:02 (average pace of 8:12 per mile)
Location:  Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fitness Center
Feeling:  Nice rhythm for a treadmill run, hamstrings started tightening a little at the end

Logging the week...

I'm behind logging my runs, again.  Are you surprised?  It's been a hot week.  After sweating it out royally on Monday while pushing the jogging stroller, combined with the fact that I had to stop running with the diva until I found a better mosquito repellant (she seems to  be a focal point for every mosquito in Annapolis and has a bad reaction  to the bites), I took the rest of the week inside on the treadmill.  That also gave me the opportunity to add in more rowing, so not altogether a bad thing. 

Since my last post I had two days of treadmill running - today and Wednesday.  Nothing spectacular ever happens on the treadmill, well maybe never.  Today I actually had a great groove going.  I'm not a great treadmill runner.  On the roads I post some good times because I can have my ups and downs in pace on my own.  The treadmill is unforgiving if you change the pace without also changing it on the machine.  That's why I sometimes have troubles putting up decent times and longer runs on the treadmill.  I just don't run the same exact pace, down to the second, mile after mile.  Today, however, I seemed to have it going on.  I had a nice rhythm and the US vs Lithuania Olympic men's basketball game to keep my brain from getting bored, so laying down 7 miles didn't feel like a chore with the treadmill under my feet.  (I can't say the same for my treadmill run earlier in the week...it was a chore.)

Something else I enjoyed about the last two running days was the opportunity to row.  I like to row...in small amounts.  Like the treadmill, it can get boring after so long because unless you have something to keep your mind busy, its really just back and forth.  I didn't put up huge numbers, just a mile rowing on Wednesday and a mile today, but its a good change in exercise for the shoulders and helps me try again to break into cross training.  Can I keep it up?  We'll see.

This week hasn't been spectacular with logging big numbers or outside runs, but I will still hit the number of miles I need to keep on track with my resolution....after the Dog Days 8K tomorrow that is.  Hopefully the heat waits until later in the day to set in.  Happy trails!!!

Stats - (Wednesday)
Miles:  4.01
Time:   33:35 (average pace of 8:22 per mile)
Location:  Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fitness Facility
Feeling:  Just trying to get in miles and destress

Stats - (today)
Miles:  7.16
Time:   60:00 (average pace of 8:22 per mile)
Location:  Naval Support Activity Annapolis Fitness Facility
Feeling:  good rhythm, legs were sound, and didn't tire...AWESOME!

Injuries in motion...

What is an injured athlete supposed to do?  Rest?  Uh, not these ladies.  There are degrees of injury in my book...those where you can't even move and all others.  I have one that falls into the "all others" category, though most may put it in the category that should be rested a few days. 

Back up a second though....it felt great to get back on the road with Brie today.  It's been almost a month since we put in a run together, and now things feel like they are returning to something akin to normal.  Now, let me also tell you how I injured myself - specifically how I ended up with a high ankle sprain in my right ankle and a very mild sprain in my left ankle.  This truly takes talent to do something so stupid.  I wouldn't mind this injury if I had a great tale to tell, but alas I merely miss one of the steps in front of my house on Friday.  Add my challenges to Brie still working through the IT band issue and we make quite a pair.

The run this morning was nice.  We got out early to avoid the heat, though there was no escaping the sweat inducing humidity, and headed through one of our favorite routes at Greenbury Point.  The ground was still moist from the storm last night, but that just makes the trail sections more cushioned for our legs.  So through seven miles, Brie and I caught up on the past few weeks and fell back into old patterns (injuries aside, we're still doing a little walking for Brie's IT band...I need her healthy)...including greeting all the other early morning runners and cyclists out there.  I love it!  These are the types of mornings that I live for.

So why do I mention the injury if I'm still running?  It didn't hurt a bit while I was running.  In fact yesterday it didn't hurt unless I touched it, but as I sit here logging the run I realize it's possibly a little more injured than I had thought and will have to rest it a bit if I plan to be in good shape for the Dog Days 8k next weekend and the River Valley Run 10k the following weekend.  We'll see if I can resist taking out the jogging stroller tomorrow.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  7.17 
Time:   1:12:23 (average pace of 10:05 per mile)
Location:  Greenbury Point, Naval Support Activity Annapolis
Feeling:  Good, more normal

Keeping up...

There are only so many hours in the day...and by the time I find at least one for myself, I'm just about passed out on my bed.  That's what it's like trying to find time to blog.  Oh well, at least I can get the runs in...I can catch up on the blogging of the runs later.  That's why I'm writing about two runs today - yesterday and today.

Yesterday can be summed up with one word....HOT!  Maryland has been under heat advisories for the last few days, and I can't seem to get up early enough to beat my early riser for a run that doesn't occur at 4am.  After nearly killing myself with the heat on Wednesday's run, I promised to limit to just a couple miles.  That's enough to help get my body back into the groove of running on the pavement every day.  So, prepped to sweat my rear end off, I headed up to run the cloverleaf at Chesapeake Preserve for this one.  I like running through that neighborhood, though admittedly there are no trees to provide shade.  It wasn't bad, but I was dripping for the rest of the day.

Today was equally hot and I needed to put in a good run, so I headed back inside to the dreadmill at the gym over at the Naval Station.  Ahhh, they had the air on just right for a good several miles.  If I hadn't started to get bored looking at the wall, I probably good have run for an hour.  Alas, the wall can only offer so much entertainment and so I called it quits at 4 miles and then rowed for a bit.  On my way back out, my car was streaked by one of the biggest red foxes I've seen in this area.  At any rate, I'm proud of the running I've been able to accomplish with the change in my life. 

So, as I head into our second weekend at home with the little one (and am anxiously looking forward to getting back in the groove with my fave running partner), this will be my last midweek nap time run.  Next week we'll be trying something new.  Happy trails!!!

Thursday Stats -
Miles:  2.52
Time:   21:22 (average pace of 8:28 per mile)
Location:  Bay Head to Chesapeake Preserve
Feeling:  Hot, sweaty, a little tight

Friday Stats -
Miles:  4.01
Time:   33:41 (average pace of 8:24 per mile)
Location:  Fitness Center at Naval Support Activity Annapolis
Feeling:  comfortable...finally