Extra Spring

There was a little extra spring in my step today as I ran the first leg, 8 miles, of today's two parter. I took extra care with my darling children's breakfast and lunches: "Oatmeal you say? Of course darling girl. Only 2 waffles for you Tylor? Feeling alright?". I wisked them off to school for the first day of the year. Oh, the spring in my step for the second leg. I ran on clouds and barely noticed the traffic and the chill in the air. It could have been snowing today and I would have been happy. Oh, the joy that school brings each Fall!!

Last Long One

School starts tomorrow. (insert mom doing happy dance here) Today I decided to do a longer run than usual. I ran up and around Communication Hill twice and then back home for a pit stop for a total of 10.5 miles. Then out again for another 4.25 around the neighborhood. So, 14.75 miles.

My longest run this summer before this one has been 13 miles. I like being a middle distance runner. I don't feel the need to do marathons any more - I've only done 2. I don't feel the need to show exactly how far I can push my body. I may not be the fastest or the longest but I know that you need to find your distance. What is your mileage? Where do you feel a little Zen?

Tomorrow I have to start breaking my run in two. I will get in as many miles as possible before I have to get the kids up at 6:30, make breakfast, make lunches, carpool and home again to run the 2nd leg. I should be in the shower by 8:45. And who cares if my hair doesn't look great until carpool pick up??

Only the Second Time

Wednesday I wore a short sleeved running shirt for only the second time this summer. It has been so cool each morning that I need the long sleeved shirt at least for the first 3 or 4 miles. I like to get my shirts a size too big so they are loose and comfortable and so I can push up the sleeves without taking it off when I start to get too warm.

Temperature matters to me a lot. I run hot and with the added heat of the day I get over heated and then I turn into a slug if I am exercising. The heat of the day kills my energy. I have watched my husband for years run or exercise during the heat of the day shaking my head. He comes back drenched in sweat but energized and ready to proceed with his day. Not me.

I have friends who enter races and want me to do it with them. Or they want me to join their running group or just run with them. I can't. Most races start at 9 or 10 in the morning and if they are a half marathon or such then it is putting the race in the heat of the day. I have run several race courses that wind through my neighborhood well before the race starts having the race course volunteers watch my progress. I do enjoy a course that leads me in areas I don't typically run. Honestly, the thought of all those bustling people scares me as well but that's another post.

Running in the morning isn't all about me being a morning person. It allows me to run farther and faster because it is cooler.