Blogging in Arabic....

Not really, but it did take me several minutes to figure out how to get the prompts at the top of the page into English so that I could write today's entry from Abu Dhabi. Yep, UAE. I arrived last night and muddled through a restless night of trying to sleep then proceeded to get up at 7am to go to the gym for a run on the treadmill (affectionately the dreadmill). I really wanted to take to the seaside for a real run, but am not yet sure of how to get to the Corniche and settled for the gym.

Do not get me wrong, the gym is plenty nice. My treadmill faced out over the marina so I had a fantastic ocean view. The view, however, did little to help my run. The combination of lack of sleep, dehydration, cramped legs from a 14 hour flight and the general warmness enveloping the room equalled a less than spectacular venture, but it was movement. All I really wanted, afterall, was to stretch out and readjust my body to the time zone.

Tomorrow I don't think I'll get to run the Corniche either...we have morning meetings so it will likely be the treadmill. That said, I may venture out in the evening or at least Monday morning for that seaside run. Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles: 3.36 (not quite the 3.75-4 I wanted to get in)
Time: 30:00 (a miserable 8:55 per mile pace)
Location: Fitness Center at the Abu Dhabi Intercontinental overlooking the Marina
Feeling: Ugh...hopefully tomorrow is better

The day the Lord has given...

I'm sending up high praise for today...picture perfect. Sunny, clear, and utterly goal inspiring. That's right, this lady hit 250 miles today!!! In January when I set out to log 1000 miles this year I was determined. And 1000 miles didn't seem like a whole lot when I was staring down 366 days to get it done, but life happens. Life happens a whole lot in my world.

It's not that I'm not motivated, let's be clear, when necessary I ran a nearly 10 mile jog on the treadmill (and I HATE the treadmill) to keep on target. But unexpected obstacles can pop up and get you off track. February was one big obstacle that put me in a hole that looked tough to dig out of. Thanks to my friends and sturdy legs I logged over 100 miles in March...and its not even done yet.

Tonight I board a plane for the Middle East, but being overseas won't stop me from adding more miles onto the ticker. Don't look for me tomorrow, though, I've earned a rest day for my legs after having run the last seven straight :)

So today I thank the Lord for the day he gave me, the will to push through the 25% mark and the energy to keep moving for the next 750 miles. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 3.7
Time: 31:35 (average pace of 8:32 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: Darn awesome!!!

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly...

You may recall about a month ago I posted an entry about why I wear sports sunglasses rather religiously while running...to keep the bugs out of my eyes. Perhaps I should add a mouth guard after ingesting the unexpected extra protein today in the form of a gnat. And here I thought I was already getting the right amount of protein in my diet...I'm also certain this is not what the nutritionists mean when they take about fueling during a run. After that little incident, it took me at least another mile to get the old nursery rhyme "there was an old lady who swallowed a fly" out of my head.

Today, following on yesterday, I also managed to notice a few new things while cruising the streets. My dog will be proud to know that I crossed "Duncan Place" today. It's a crappy little one way road off 13th Street NE between E Street NE and D Street NE. My collie would be so proud to know Washington DC named a street after him :). I also noticed a tiny little park area off North Carolina Avenue, SE - across from Eastern Market - decorated with little concrete turtles. I don't know the significance of the turtles. Maybe I'll check for a placard next time.

All in all it was a run to get in the miles and not particularly comfortable. We had a brief rain today that did little more than stir up the pollen so it interfered greatly with breathing. What I wouldn't give for a great downpour to clear it all out. Oh well, better luck next time. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 4.22
Time: 36:06 (average pace of 8:33 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park
Feeling: If this pollen keeps up, I'm going to carry my inhaler

Hidden gems...

DC is one of those cities that always seems to surprise me. No matter how many times I've walked or jogged the same street, park, open area, I am continually amazed at what I've always managed to miss. Today was no exception. I did deviate slightly from my usual streets during me run this evening and travelled down a little alley near Lincoln Park. This "alley" was paved in nicely tended brick and halfway down I found the most beautiful little park. Just tucked off to the side, it had a nice grassy area and was spotted with great clumps of organized tulips. It also had a couple trees and a bench for enjoying this little haven off the main drag. Had I not been on a mission, I would have stopped for a chance to listen to the birds and smell the flowers. Perhaps next time.

Though the run was quick, I was still able to take in some of my other favorite parts of spring visible on this otherwise cold evening - the smell of fresh cut grass, the snow fall of cherry blossom petals, the crowds of joggers before sunset. I am glad for the ability and opportunity to get out and enjoy these things...even if I'm dripping sweat at the same time. Hopefully tomorrow's forecasted thunderstorm holds off long enough to get in another quick jaunt through the streets.

On another note, I'm quickly approaching the 25% mark in my goal to hit 1000 miles this year. I'll opine more later on the adrenaline rush that comes with achieving a goal that requires consistency, but tonight I'll just let you know that I am dancing in my shoes waiting for the tracking clock to roll over that 250 mile point. Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 5.14
Time: 42:07 (average pace of 8:11 per mile)
Location: Lincoln Park, Capitol Hill, cute little alleys
Feeling: The body is holding up well. Can't wait for the metric marathon in less than a month.

Blowing in the wind...

That's how I felt during this evening's run...like I might blow away at any minute. The wind was blowing at 23 mph, gusting to 27 mph. Yikes! It's a wonder forward motion was possible. I actually felt like I was pushing super hard, which of course winded me early on, and this on top of the fact that I was already running on my usual day off. There were reprieves from the wind, of course, like the streets running east-west since it was a north wind. But by and large, out in the open was rather challenging. Thank goodness I ran into a work colleague at one point (who I actually needed to run into) giving me the opportunity to take a few minutes to chat with about a debate we had during the day. I was also amused watching his dog attempt to pounce, in all friendliness, on every person and dog that passed during the course of our few minute conversation. Makes me happy to know my dogs aren't the only miscreants with no manners in the greater DC area.

Oh, and yum and boo, when I went running past Kenny's BBQ at the corner of 8th and Massachussetts I thought I might keel over from the glorious smells emanating from that restaurant. I love BBQ, especially good BBQ, but I'm not overly picky. Kenny's is good BBQ and I rarely have it. SO, add the smells of Kenny's together with the wind and its amazing I got anywhere today at all. And one last sigh, the warm weather is on its way out tonight. We've got a freeze warning in place after many days in the 60s and 70s...though I think I can survive the few cooler days before heading into the searing heat of the United Arab Emirates by week's end. Here's to hoping I can hit my 25% goal before getting on the airplane Thursday night! Happy trails!

Stats -
Miles: 3.87
Time: 32:00 (average pace of 8:16 per mile)
Location: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Park
Feeling: A bit wind blown, and overworked, but otherwise good

The peeing boy...

I only wish I was talking about the famous fountain in Brussels, which I have had the pleasure of viewing. No, in this case I'm talking about the young gentleman I ran into while cruising the paths behind Truxton Park. Stunned? Yes. Frozen to the ground? Yes. It's not often, except when running a long trail run and you know to expect it because there are lots of men on the trail, that you randomly run into this sight. Especially so close to the Truxton Rec Center where lots of families can be found walking the trail. At least it brought a bit of light comic relief to an otherwise uninspiring run.

I don't know whether it was the mimosa over brunch or the dreary gray, misty weather, but this girl just could not get it moving today. I was in a different part of town, which I was looking forward to, but as I headed out from Truxton Park, my legs just would not turn over with any regularity. Through Victor Haven and up Bay Ridge and down Forest Drive to Spa Road was much more of the same. I picked it up a bit as I approached the rec center again and decided I'd put in just a little more distance. Well, I can say it truly picked up after the boy with his pants down. I couldn't cruise out of there fast enough once my feet unfroze. I was going even faster about 2 miles later when I encountered the same boy and his friend on a different part of the trail. By the look on his face, I can almost guarantee he pees in public with a bit more caution next time. Welp, hoping the next run has a much different kind of high point than this one. (Though on a positive note, I eclipsed my monthly distance goal already, with one week left in the month) Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles: 7.21
Time: 1:05:17 (average pace of 9:03 per mile...ugh)
Location: Truxton Park, Victor Haven, Bay Ridge
Feeling: Sluggish, better luck next time

The light show...

Well, I find myself with a few extra miles to do tomorrow than planned. Why you ask? Brie and I headed out for a nice long 9-10 mile run this morning. It was sprinkling, but hey, we're tough women. A little rain can't beat us. But....a little lightning can. We were about a mile and a half out from Brie's house when the first flash lit up the sky. Rain, you mess with, lightning? No way. We immediately turned it around to head back.

Now, danger aside, the lightning was actually cool because it was still a pre-dawn sky...meaning pitch black. That meant every flash was brighter than all get out. But, its not safe to run in the lightning, so, as the ran started to fall with greater strength, we pushed our way back to the warmth and safety of the inside. Let me tell you, the hot shower felt really good to my cold to the bones body. It was a good morning, even if we did end about 6 miles short of the goal.

Stats -
Miles: 3.63
Time: 32:35 (average pace of 8:58 per mile)
Location: Admiral Heights and Rowe Blvd
Feeling: A bit wet, but pretty good