Runs with Friends!

My past two runs have been with a buddy - a long streak for this solo runner!

Sunday July 21 Training Run
Distance: 4 miles
Tunes: None
Location: Wildwood Boardwalk!

This was a rough one to wake up for after the annual family beer pong tournament the night before. (Yes, we have a family beer pong tournament, two generations, prizes, and bragging rights for the champs.) I was very moderate in my alcohol consumption, but the heat and humidity and not enough sleep made for a slog of a run. But we did it! And then back to the room for some chocolate chip pancakes.

Tuesday July 23 Long Run Test
Distance: 7 miles
Tunes: None for 6 miles, running mix for the last mile
Location: the usual paths/sidewalks near our neighborhood

J volunteered to run with me. Since I do run/walk intervals we never train or race together. It stopped bothering me a while ago, and I was completely shocked when he said he wanted to do this run with me. This run was a test, per my physical therapist, to try the new tape she gave me and see how the run went. Going longer than about 4 miles continues to be problematic for my knee, despite surgery, time off, PT, etc. We were trying out some new tape (Leukotape aka "human duct tape") to alleviate some of the strain on the nerve that runs up the calf to the outer knee area. I'm not sure if the tape helped - maybe somewhat - but it wasn't magical. By mile 5 I could feel the knee starting to get uncomfortable, and by mile 6 I couldn't keep up with my 1:1 run/walk intervals. I was able to do some quick bits of running in the remaining mile, and I ran the very last minute to finish. While I pushed through that last minute, I confirmed that the exact same area of pain was still there full force. Most of the symptoms continue to indicate IT band, but it has to be more than that. I'll be back at PT tomorrow to figure out what to do next.

17 miles - Check! #TBT December 2012

My Facebook status from this run says it all:

"So grateful that I made it 17 miles today...in nice weather...in Minnesota...in December!"

AUDIO: I listened to several episodes of the podcast "How Did This Get Made" - a really funny discussion of terrible movies. Even when I haven't seen the movie the hosts are talking about, it's just as enjoyable.

PACE: Lots of walking (mostly walking?), as I was determined to finish and didn't want my knee acting up.

I stopped home twice for water, fuel, and/or bathroom breaks. I started in the afternoon, but given the short days this time of year in the North, I finished after dark. The last few miles, I stayed close to home and ran all around some streets in a neighborhood a few blocks from my house. Along the way, I enjoyed looking at Christmas decorations. 

Return from Cyber-sleep

When I told my husband I started this blog, he kind of laughed and said, "So you'll have one or two posts and then forget about it?" I was sure this time would be different, but I guess he gets the "I told you so" point for that round. Anyway, I'm back, with a marathon and a knee surgery under my belt! I'll recap one or two memorable long runs and the marathon, then fast forward to the present and my training for the Dumbo Double Dare. [Link to race site]

Training Recap from Sunday, September 30

Distance: 4 miles
Tunes: The History Chicks podcast

I set out with the goal to do a half marathon race pace, and I'm happy to report that I was able to do it! I did intervals of 20 sec run/ 1:40 race walk, which I hope to be able to do in my November half marathon (Disney's Wine & Dine). This training day I really concentrated on form and posture for both walking and running: standing tall, using my core, and a short stride.

And here comes the wander part...
I took the wrong road back into our [large] development, since I took a path I haven't done in awhile. This would have me finishing my 4 miles over a mile from home. It was a beautiful day, though, and I was feeling good, so I figured I'd just enjoy walking that extra distance as a long cool down. Right after I finished my 4 miles, I found a dime on the ground. I know it's just ten cents, but how often do you go for a training run and make money? My husband thinks it is completely disgusting that I will pick coins off the ground, but I figure it's one more coin for the Mickey bank! (We have a Mickey Mouse shaped bank where we collect coins to help save up for vacations.)

So I'm walking along, enjoying the podcast, and feeling pretty content with my 10 cents, when I notice something even better.

I hurried ahead to see more. There were several additional sweet sayings written on the sidewalk, and then the last one...

I was so excited to have happened upon someone's proposal. I shared it with J when I got home, and he teased me by responding, "You don't know. Maybe she said no." But I would not let my bubble be burst!

Welcome!

My first attempt at a running blog - here we go!

A few months ago, I thought about starting a running blog to coincide with training for my first marathon. In the craziness of our summer, the training began but the blogging didn't. Now exactly halfway through my training plan, I felt inspired to start writing about my experiences. Long runs certainly give me a lot of time to draft posts in my head! I plan to write not just about training, but the cool things I see along the way. I usually carry my iPhone with me, so I'll snap photos to share as well. 

The name for the blog comes from my training style. I use walk/run intervals and love wandering down new trails or discovering new things along a well-traveled path. You can check out more about my running/walking life in detail in the "About Me" section.