NO pictures this week

My computer crashed this week, and I have no pictures right now.  I am not computer savey, give me fiber and I can do pretty much anything I need to.  As a runner, or techie, I leave a ton to be desired.  My long-ish mid-week run this week was not overly long, and the weather is amazing.  Cool and windy on Wednesday made for great running.  Mind you, not fast, because I am never fast, just comfortable who could ask for anything more.  In a step back week last weekend, with only 7 miles on Saturday.  We played hard Friday night, Saturday's run was interesting.  I think I have to be more careful before a longer run, even though 7 is not really a long run.  This weekend back to 12 Saturday will be a long day in the tree's, that's ok I love being in the trees.  Hopefully it will not be raining or chances are I wont go out.  I have been struggling with blood blisters on one foot, changed shoes, and still getting them.  I heard moleskin recommended and boy does it work.  The stuff stays put during all the runs I have done, and protects the area terrifically.  If you have a sensitive area, give it a try.  Have a great week, and safe running

Meet my running partners!!

So Meet the running partners, the brown and black is a beagle mix, rescue, she is 9 years old,  sweet, and a gentle soul.  The white one is tough as nails, and fast, with a wicked personality, she is also 9 years old and a rescue, we think Jack Russel Mix.  I love them both, and while running with them presents it's own set of challenges I will miss them both when that day finally arrives.  We have run together for the last 7 years, and they are really good at staying on pace, walking, running when I want to.  We train on a multi use trail, and the beagle knows the yellow line in the middle is a, "do not cross zone."  She is pretty good about staying put.  When temps hit about 75*, they stay home, anything colder than about 30* they stay home.  It is so funny when they see me put on running clothes, as opposed to gym clothes, they start getting really feisty.  Bumping into the me, blocking the doors, following me around the house, and in general, reminding me not to forget to take them along.  And the amount of whining is astounding.  If you want a healthy dog, who is to tired to misbehave, this is the best plan I can think of.  My vet says, "a tired dog, is an obedient dog."  I have very much found that to be the truth.  The white one is very NAUGHTY, and running slowed her down, and gives her brain some much needed activity.  They are also healthy weights, and seem to have no health problems.  Anyhow that is LILLY and ZOEY, if you see us, stop and say hi!!

Week 5 Training: How is it going

Ok so I have entered week 5 now of training for a possible ultra, but definately a fall Marathon.  This week we raced a 5K trail run in Byron on Saturday, then I had 10 trail miles on Sunday.  A big weekend of training to say the least.  I feel like I am getting stronger, not faster, just stronger.  Saturday the 5K was tough, hills, and it rained.  For me, rain on a run is always tough, I find it hard to want to be out in anything other than perfect weather.  But, I ran it because I had to and I was glad for the mental work.  Running is not always about legs, a lot of the training is about how your mind works.  I have a had time motivating when things are not the way I think they should be.  I often dread weather on a run, from snow, rain, or even very high heat and humidity, they all send me running? Haha I know it is a bad joke.  The morning of the 10 miler I assumed I would be very sore when I woke up.  My pleasant superise was that I was not.  That is why I think I might be getting stronger.  I covered the blister place on my feet and off I went.  Up hill, down hill, jumping over washed out bridge area, and in general had a good training run, slow but done.  Today I am sore, but just a little, nothing outlandish.  So that is how the week went, and I am grateful for the ability to run, and for the special people in my life I run with.  Forgot to say, after the race Saturday, I had a great breakfast with about 16 running friends.  All in All a great week!! A little eye candy from Big Sur in 2013

My first day of training

So I am going to post my training diary here, hoping that it keeps me honest.  I did my first day of training today, and it was really hot and humid.  I did a run/walk on the Des Plaines River trail, with 2 dogs for 1 hr and 38 minutes.  I was really tired and when my DH shared that this weeks training plan calls for 29 miles, I had a moment of true doubt.  Even when I trained for Chicago I don't think I had a 29 mile week, and it sure was not the 1st week of training.  Considering I am slow, hot, and really not very motivated, this could be an excercise in futility.  Well more tomarrow, so for tonight off for a beer, and bbq dinner