A breath of fresh air

Felt much better today, but over did it.  I didn't feel that great later that day.  My son started to recover during the day and my husband started vomitting that night.

I went to the YMCA with my mom.  We did eliptical and the bike, so I guessed my approximate mileage.  I kept the work out very light.

We drove home today.  Safe and sound.

The temperature was 54 degrees when Will and I met Jade for our run.  The three miles passed quickly as Jade and I caught up on the past two weeks.  I said good-bye to Jade and Will went on a walk with his dad.  Lars and Will splashed puddle while I ran another three miles.  The run felt good and I loved the weather.

My goal for the next three weeks is 30 miles per week.

While I was getting ready for my run, Will climbed up into the stroller.  He was ready to go and not happy when I had him stand back up to put another layer of clothes on: gloves, coat, and hat.  After throwing on a couple blankets, we headed out into the freezing rain.  It wasn't that bad.  I only wished for a helmet once to protect my head and face from the icy tooth picks.  The freezing rain turned into snow.  Will managed to pull off his gloves during mile 4.  And then I stepped in a puddle!

All in all I enjoyed my run and I decided I don't mind 25 degrees.

Will and I ran with Jade today.  Jade had a tough run.  She had a couple side cramps that wouldn't go away.  But, we still finished and I enjoyed the company.

I ran by myself in the snow.  The snowflakes were more like rain drops, so they didn't float gracefully to the ground.  They meant business and so did I.  I was out to complete my first tempo run since the beginning of November.  I knew I'd run as hard as I could, but I didn't know how fast or slow that would be.  Here are my quarters.

2:00--I was pleasantly surprised.  Because the course was flat, I felt I could do faster quarters.  So, I tried to pick up the pace slightly.

1:53--Excited again.

1:54--Started to feel fatigued.

2:00--Kept pushing it.  Felt great about the 7:47 mile.

2:00--Getting very tired.

1:57--This quarter felt the hardest.

1:47--Turned around and had a tail wind!  No wonder the last three quarters were so tough.

1:46--Went as hard as I could.  What a finish!

After the first mile, I thought, "How cool would it be to get 15:30?"  But I quickly dismissed the thought and went back to focusing on keeping my pace.  And I beat 15:30!  I ran the two miles in 15:17, in thirty degrees, in snow, in January!  The second mile was 7:30!

I am grateful for marked trails.  I am grateful for the people that plow marked trails.  I am grateful for 30 degree weather.  I am grateful for running.

I ran with music today.  It was different.  I've decided that I prefer running without music.  I ran by myself.  The temperature was 26 degrees and the wind chill was 18.  So a little colder, but not bad.

Today's run felt great.  Temp 30/Wind chill 23--so not too bad.  In fact, I've had great weather this week.  Next week looks good until Friday when the high will be 17 degrees.  Hopefully, there won't be any wind.  I plan on running at least 30 miles next week.

Today was pretty cold and WINDY!  I didn't want to go running.  Something that my husband said clicked in my brain.  If I don't mind running in the rain or snow, why would I mind running when it's cold and windy?  So I went running.  On my way out the door, my husband said, “Head for a building, if your face starts to freeze off,” and “Go towards the light.”  It was 14 degrees and with all the wind (gusts up to 30 mph) the wind chill -4 degrees.  I bundled up--three layers on my head--and after a mile and a half I was warm.

I felt tough!  I was out running on a very cold windy day.  And then during the last mile when I was feeling so tough I tripped.  Sprawled out on the ground, I thought, "You're so tough, you trip over nothing."  I have a few bruises.  I can't believe I tripped over my own two feet.

This weekend it is suppose to be colder.  Single digits.  I say, “Bring it on!”

Will and I enjoyed our first visit to the University of Iowa's indoor track.  33 3/4 laps was 5 miles, but we made it an even 34.  I brought my watch to help me keep track of laps.  We completed 34 laps in 47:42.  Not too shabby.  I didn't think I ran that fast with the jogger stroller when I am out to run slow miles.

Today was warm mid 30's.  I thought I'd get a long run in while I had the chance.  I felt incredibly strong my last mile.  It still took a mile and a half for me to feel warmed up.

I don't think I'll get a tempo run in this week because tomorrow will be a recovery day--5 miles.  And the weekend looks so cold; I plan on surviving my runs.  Too bad the indoor track is closed this weekend for a track meet.  Still, I don't want to overdo it.  Maybe I'll take a couple more weeks before I try to do tempo run and a long run in the same week.

Today was like Monday 14 degrees, but it felt like -5 degrees.  However, today's run was not as enjoyable as Mondays.  I had trouble with my wind breaker.  I couldn't keep the hood pulled tight enough around my face and when I did, the draw-string would rub on my chin.  I'll try a different combination of clothes for tomorrow.

I squeezed in four miles and a shower, before Will and I headed to his eighteen month appointment.  With all my layers and the cold, cold wind, I tried to keep my pace as fast as possible.  I threw in a lot of strides and finished in 35 minutes.  Overall, it was a good, short run.

The temperature was 12 degrees and felt like -5 degrees.  My layering of clothes was a lot better that yesterday.  I went with Monday's layering--three layers on my head.  I have to turn sideways to look for traffic.  And because I am so focused on staying warm and keeping my legs moving, a couple of times I've turned the wrong way or didn't turn at all. I'll be glad when it's spring and I don't have to wear so much weight and I'll be able to see again.

Will's appointment went well and was shot-free!  Will weighs 27.5 pounds (72%) and is 32.7 inches tall (62%).

Tonight, I did the plank for two minutes and side planks for forty-five seconds.

Right now it's -4 degrees and it feels like -21 degrees.  There's a wind chill advisory until Sunday night.  I didn't know what that meant, so I looked it up on weather.com.

A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS... RESULTING IN FROST BITE AND HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS... DRESS IN LAYERS COVERING EXPOSED SKIN. FROSTBITE WILL OCCUR IN A FEW AS 20 MINUTES IN THESE CONDITIONS.

I'll let you know later what I decide to do.

With the indoor track closed for a track meet, I decided to lift weights.  I started the workout with 130 juming jacks.  I did triceps, shoulders, back, legs, and abs.  It took about 50 minutes.  Felt good to do something different.

The high today was 1 degree, but it felt like -15 degrees.

Saturday night I bought a fleece hat with a pull down face and neck warmer.  The new hat was wonderful!  I could turn my head again to look for traffic.  (I had been wearing a couple hoodies.  With the hoodies, I had to stop and turn sideways to look for cars.)  I felt free!  I still wore another beanie on top of the fleece hat--Sarah's favorite one with the yellow pom-pom on top.  I was very warm during the run and it was very relaxing.  My legs felt great in spite all the lunges and squats from Saturday.   It was so nice to have an easy run without my layers of clothes or the weather bothering me.  There was light snow, temp 19 degrees, and wind chill 7.

I think I was a bit chicken about not going out on Saturday when it was 1 degree.  Now that I have my hat, I don't think anything can stop me now.

I ran with music today.  I enjoyed it.  I think I didn't have the right songs for me when I said I didn't like running to music a couple weeks ago.  I was listening to my husband's songs.  The running tune put together for me are a lot of fun.  Sometimes I feel like I am flying.

I decided to change it up and a hilly 6 mile loop, which I hadn't run since beginning of November.  I have avoided the route because part it is not plowed, but I was in need of some change in scenery.

I loved the run.  It was fun trudging through the five inches of snow.  Every once and a while I'd be surprised by a snow drift and unexpectedly sink another foot.  But, the view was great.  The creek that follows the trail was not only covered in ice, but snow, too.  Quiet and serene.  I saw a very graceful cross-country skier.  I figured out the trail isn't plowed for the skiers.

A 2.5 stretch of sidewalk was somewhat plowed.   That was a pleasant surprise.  The run took me one hour and four minutes and was very enjoyable.  The coldest part of my run was twenty minutes after my run.  I get super cold when I am stretching.

Will and I ran at the indoor track.  I planned a tempo run, but yesterday's run must have been tougher than I thought it was.  Here are my mile splits.  Well, they aren't my mile splits because 6 3/4 laps is a mile.  The first four "miles" are seven laps and the last one is six laps.  33 3/4 for five miles, I ran 34 laps.

9:51--I am guessing about 9:30 for the warm up mile.

8:57--I felt good.  And thought my mile was probably in the 8:30-8:40 range.

8:52--Felt very similar to the last mile.

9:19--The hardest seven laps.  Felt fatigue, but tried to keep each lap to 1:15.

9:00--This was only six laps.  I tried to slow down to a cool.  It was difficult.

The last two splits are guesses.  I finished the last thirteen laps in 17:19 and I finished the thirty-four laps in 44:59.  I was disappointed that my time wasn't faster, but pleased that I pushed the workout as hard as I could.  Again, my run yesterday must have been tougher than I thought. 

During the run, I was concentrating on a few things:  my split goal for each lap, keeping track of which lap I was on, and making sure Will was happy.  A couple times I had to stop to pick up a toy.  I got very good at handing him crackers and his water.  This is the third time we've brought food on a run, but the first time during a tempo run.

I am grateful for another great run.

Can you believe Jade and I ran in -12 degrees?  That's right--minus twelve degrees!!  That must be a record of some sort.  Definitely, it's a record for me.  I couldn't believe Jade wanted to still run with me.  I was so excited, we hadn't run together in at least a week and a half.  I told her about how I am starting a book club with a girl I visit teach.  Our February book is Persuasion by Jane Austen.  I'm on page seventy or so.  So, I told her all about the first seventy pages and what I knew about the story line.  I told her about how I started a family blog.  I put my running blog address on the blog page.  I am so proud of myself.

After I had caught up on my week and a half of talking, I noticed it felt like my eyelashes had icicles on them.  They did and so did Jade's!  My toes felt frozen, so I wasn't sure if I'd go out again after Jade and I finished our 2.8 miles.  The feeling in my toes came back and I did say good-bye to Jade and headed back out for another 2.8.

All that white stuff is frost.

I didn't trip today and I ran in -12 degrees.  So, I feel tough!

How do you make the pictures bigger?  I went back to Lybi's post on October 29th to read Mik'L's comment on how to post a picture.  But, it turned out so small.  Did I do something wrong?

It was harder to get out the door today.  Because I am so sore from yesterday's lunges and wall sit, I told myself that if I was completely miserable on my run I could cut it to four miles.  I was slow, but the run went fine and I was able to do five miles.  Temp 19 degrees and wind chill 6 degrees, so pretty warm.

Yesterday was tough day.  I got a flat tire on the way to visiting teaching.  I didn't deal with it well.  I didn't know what to do.  Lars's phone was on silent, but I kept calling him.  I didn't think the tire was fit for driving, so I got Will out of the car and walked the three blocks back to my house.  I called Lars again as we walked still no answer.  By the time Will and I made it home, I was in tears.  Lars went and moved the car and then put on the spare while Will ate lunch. 

I called my mom to tell her about my morning--the good and bad news.  There were good things that happened that morning, although the flat tire was the foremost on my mind.  My mom was very patient with me and listened to my morning.  My mom had a hard morning herself.  She told me that my dad was in the hospital.  I lost it.

He's okay.  He had a physical and told the doctor he had shortness of breath when he exercised.  The doctor suggested he take a stress test.  My dad failed the stress test on Wednesday.  My parents were surprised, but still they didn't think anything was wrong with my dad's heart.  Friday (yesterday), they checked out his arteries and a few of them were 70 to 90% blocked.  He had five stints put in.  He'll be fine, but the whole experience made me realize that one day he will pass away.

I cried during my Friday running thinking about how I will have to say good-bye to him.  It's temperary, I know.  But, I cried when I left my parents house at Christmas.  I am not very good at good-byes.

Anyway, my intense Friday, being in charge of Sharing Time this Sunday, a more intense work out week, and the rest of life has wore me out.  But, I did it.  I got to 30 miles again this week.

Today was very warm, 42 degrees with a wind chill of 31.  I bundled Wil up in three layers from head to toe, so we didn't have to use the jogging stroller's rain cover.  The cover makes it hard for Will to see.  Will enjoyed the run and pointed out the birds and cars he saw.  I did alright.  It had been a while since I ran with the jogging stroller and wind and hills.  But, I survived fine.

When I woke up it was 41 degrees and a blizzard advisory from 9 am to 9 pm.  I tried to get Will and I out the door as fast as possible.  By the time we got out the door, the wind was howling.  The temperature was dropping pretty fast.  Since we used the rain cover, the run was not as enjoyable for Will.  At the beginning, I was thinking about cutting the run short.  But, Will and I completed all five miles.  By the last mile, the wind had really picked up.  For the third time here in Iowa, while I was running down hill, it felt like I was running up hill.  The wind is not my favorite.

My dad is doing well.  He has some heart pain that before he dismissed as indigestion.  The doctor gave him a list of things to do, but if the pain doesn't stop in fifteen minutes he suppose to head to the emergency room.  So far the pain has stopped.  I am looking forward to visiting him and the rest of the family in April.

I decided to take a vacation from running today.  The past two days I've been rushing Will and I out the door as soon as Will has eaten breakfast and is dressed.  I didn't want to do it for a third day in a row.  My weekly goals this week revolve around simplifying and slowing down.  Instead of running, I wrote some thank you notes.  This afternoon I did lunges, the wall sit, tricep pushups, abs, and the plank.

I made it to a hundred miles again this month.  Two months down.  One to go. 

My run was very enjoyable today.  The weather was good: 22 degrees, wind chill 14 degrees, and hardly any wind.  I did some strides to change up the speed.

I ran first thing this morning.  It wasn't too cold.  The run felt comfortable and easy.

We pulled back our curtain this morning to find out it was snowing again.  (Thank goodness we had four days in January when the temperature got to 40 degrees.  I don't think I'd be able to get out the door if the snow hadn't been able to melt a couple times.)  The snow stopped around noon.  Will and I got outside about 3 pm.  We worked very hard at finding cleared sidewalks  We live by busy roads, so the perfectly cleared streets weren't an opption.  For about three quarters of a mile, I had to push the jogging stroller through four inches of snow.  What a work out!  My arms got so tired.  At one point, I crossed four lanes of traffic twice seeking out cleared walks.

It was a good run.  I was able to find plowed sidewalks.  Will enjoyed himself for the most part.  I loved the warm temperatures--30 degrees with wind chill 24.  I am very pleased I stuck with it and first of all, got out the door and secondly, made it more than three miles.

Will and I made to the indoor track.  I tried to use counters.  My counters were actually seven pieces of cereal.  Will hadn't eat breakfast, so I brought a long a good bit of food.  I hadn't realized the cereal would come in so handy.

My counters helped some.  I still lost count a couple times, but overall using the counters and my watch were more helpful than just the watch.  Here are my mile plus splits (a mile is 6 3/4 laps, I just make it an even seven):

9:01--just tried to get my legs moving. I tried to keep my lap splits to 1:20

8:50--after this mile, I felt like I could push it more.

8:35--got confused on which lap I was on six or seven.  I figured it out, but the confusion me slowed down a little on the last lap.

My 3 plus tempo run was 26:26.  Like the last tempo run, I felt like there was a lot going on--steering the stroller (it's veering to the right), the counters, and of course making sure Will is doing okay.  So, I feel like I felt I left a bit out there.  I am glad I put some faster miles in.

Because I was disappointed in yesterday's jogging stroller tempo run, I decide to try to get in another tempo run this week.  I wanted the run to be a go all out/run as fast as I can tempo run.  I didn't know when that run would happen.  But when Lars offered to watch Will yesterday morning and the temperature was 30 degrees, I knew it was the perfect time to get it in.

Here are my half mile splits.

3:57--I was going to do quarter splits, but I missed the first marker.  Later I found it buried underneath some snow and ice.

3:43--This half might be a second or two off because I had to move off the trail and wait from a maintenance truck to drive by.  I don't think I pressed my stopwatch quick enough when I started again.

3:46--A touch of head wind, but nothing serious.

3:35--I tried to give this last half mile all I could.  It felt terrible, but I was flying.  I wondered to myself if this is what people feel like when Sasha runs them to the finish line.  I felt like I pushed myself very hard, but from what everyone has said, it seems like Sasha gets you to run four notches harder than what you think is your hardest.

So, a 7:40 and a 7:21 for 15:01 on 2 miles!  That's a new record for me, if the trail is marked accurately.  It's probably not.  But, that's okay.  It was a great tempo run.  I felt like I gave it everything I had.

The storm started yesterday as freezing rain around noon.  I took this picture from our apartment about eleven this morning.  The snowflakes finally stopped this afternoon around 3:30.  The lumps behind the bike rack are the cars in the parking lot.  The snow covered tarps are our bikes.  Poor bikes.

I went running at two.  There weren't many cars out.  Except for about a quarter of a mile, I was able to run in the road.  But that quarter of a mile was brutal.  I was doing high-knees the whole time through a foot of snow.  What a work out!  Definitely, a fun adventure.

The strom's over, so more people were cautiously out and about.  My hunt for plowed sidewalks led me to a new running route.  The loop snakes through the east side of campus and part of a neighborhood.  I didn't run through the neighborhood section today because I was tried of doing high knees workouts.  Four tenths of a mile was plenty for me.  And I didn't wear leggings under my pants, so my legs were bathed in snow again and again.  I am grateful for plowed sidewalks.

I took the ipod on my run.  The music was a nice change.  I listen to "Chocolate" by Snow Patrol three times.  My favorite lines were "This could be the very minute, I'm aware I'm alive, All these places feel like home" and "On my knees I think clearer."  I also enjoyed "Mysterious Ways" and "Where the Streets have no Name" by U2.

The weather was great--21 degrees and NO wind!  This meant 21 degrees really felt like 21 degrees.  More sidewalks were plowed, so I decided to take a "sidewalky" route.  I still ended up with seven tenths of a mile in unplowed snow.  However, five tenths were by choice.  There were plowed walks on the other side of the road.  I didn't want to wait for the traffic light.

This run was tough.  I was pretty tired during and after the three mile tempo run.  My body didn't feel as fresh as it did for the tempo run on Tuesday.  Here are the mile splits.

7:50--tired

7:44--tired and breathing very hard

7:55--tired, breathing very hard, and didn't enjoy the head wind.

23:29.  I was so happy when it was over, but I still over five miles to go.  The wind started to pick-up.  The forecast said to expect gusts up to 40 mph.  Wind is not my favorite.  During the seventh mile, I was wishing for another beanie.  But, I survived and came out conqueror.

Will and I went to the indoor track this morning.  I dread the track a little.  I worry about Will being content for five miles.  I feel like all the people around that might be bugged if Will is complaining.  But, my worries were for nothing.  It was a pleasant trip to the track.

I left my watch at home.  Ya!  I enjoy running without my watch.  And I used cereal as counters again.  It worked very well.  I didn't lose track of what lap I was on!  I did strides on the 3rd and 6th laps of miles 2, 3, and 4.  My legs felt sore during the strides.

This afternoon, I did lunges and abs with my sister.

My goal for the pace of my tempo run today was between 8:00 and 8:30.  I decided to try for quarter between 2:00 and 2:05.

Here are my mile splits.

8:15--I was very pleased.  I was trying to keep the pace quick, but not impossible.

7:59--I messed up.  I didn't realize I was going faster on my third and fourth quarters.

8:09--Fatigue started to set in.  I tried to remind myself that I didn't have to push it, just keep it steady.  During the last quarter, I got angry.  Up head was another park maintenance truck.  My thought was, "Don't they realize I am trying to get my tempo run in!!!  How dare they force me off the path!"  As the truck passed flinging sand everywhere, I remembered that it's the truck that keeps the path cleared of snow and ice.  I am grateful for the cleared path.  I will never have evil thoughts about the park maintenances truck again.  (Lately, I've been the biggest hot head.  I am grateful my husband is still speaking to me.)

So, my three mile tempo run turned out well, 24:23.  I didn't feel as tuckered as I did after Saturday's tempo run.  The temperature was 15 degrees; the wind chill was 6.  The light snow wasn't a big deal.  Only two snowflakes flew in my eye.

Will and I were out doing errands and someone commented on the good weather.  My husband came home from classes and commented on the beautiful day.  It was a nice day.  Sunny.  Not much wind.  But, I did check the temperature when my husband got home--it was 13! and the wind chill was 6 degrees.  Aren't Iowans crazy!  It's a wonderful day when the high is 14. 

Will and I were back at the indoor track again this morning.  The warm up mile and cool down mile seemed to take longer than the other three.  The strides went well.  I would tell Will how long it would be until we'd run fast again.  Just before we started, I'd say, "On your mark. Get set."  And Will would say, "Go!"  During the last two laps, we sang "Itsy-Bitsy-Spider," "Once there was a Snowman," "I'm a little Tea Pot," and "The Wheels on the Bus."

My lap counters were raisins today.

It's official.  Will is allergic to peanuts and I am now versed in the directions of administering EpiPens.  My perfect little boy won't be able to eat open face peanut butter and honey sandwiches or honey roasted peanuts or Pad Thai. 

I feel lucky I got to squeeze in a run today.  I had a physical at 3 pm, so it was back at the doctor's.  (Will and I were at the doctor's and getting ointments and EpiPens from 7:40 to 1:10 pm.)  When I got home, my husband pleasantly surprised me by telling me he'd watch Will while I went running.  What a Valentine gift!  It was an easy five miles.

I feel tired.  I better go to bed.

Although a mile and a half is covered in snow, I decided to run the hilly Camp Cardinal loop.  It was pretty slow going, but enjoyable.

I have come to a realization--I have survived the winter.  Of course, it's not over.  (We are supposed to get another eight inches of snow this weekend.)  But, I seriously feel like I can handle anything that Old Man Winter throws at me.

Another snow/ice storm?  No big deal.

More fierce wind?  Give me your worse.

Negative temperatures?  BRING IT ON!

It was a wonderful day for a run--28 degrees and sunshine.  I did a mile and a half warm up before the tempo run.  Here are my mile splits.

8:13

8:07

7:57--I think the tail wind helped.

My goal was 2:05 quarters.  My first quarter was 2:10.  After that, I think I had a 2:05, but I everything else was quicker.  I felt fine.  I kept reminding myself to relax and that I didn't have to go fast.

The next six and a half miles went okay.  I was very tired by the ninth mile.  I took a new route for the last five miles and discovered two more running trails.

Next week, I am going to do the tempo run more in the middle of the long run and try out a new trail.

Saturday night's freezing rain left a very thick layer of ice and Sunday's blizzard left four inches of snow.  It took a half an hour to clear off the car, so it was safe to drive.  My fingers were so cold in my gloves.  It was 7 degrees, but the wind chill was -14.  Will and I were on our way to the indoor track.  We drove very slowly.  Our tires spun a bit here and there, but we made it safely there and back.

The run went well.  I think they reverse direction every week.  We were turning right today which is harder on me because the jogging stroller veers to the left.  But, all in all, the run was relaxing--very comfortable pace.  Although my hamstrings were tight, the six strides went well.  I felt strong.  Will did well also.  He ate a roll that I made yesterday, copied the motions of the group of girls doing crunches (he put his hands on either side of his head, had his elbows out, and would bend forward), and said "hi" to most of the runners we passed.

After the run, I needed to use restroom.  Will got to run down the straight-a-way on our way to and from the restroom.  He ran right down the middle of the outside lane.  He was so happy to be on the track with all the other runners.  What a cute guy.

Ice.  Still lots of Ice.  There was one mile stretch where I just shuffled and skated--no running.  Fortunately, I only fell once.  My knees got the worst of it.  Bruises, nothing big.  I was grateful every time the ice was dusted with snow or there was a bit of pavement peaking through.

The temperature was -7 degrees when Will and I went to run.  The wind chill was -24!  Fortunately, Will and I were heading to the indoor track. 

During the first stide, my legs were a little stiff.  The other five felt great.  I love blowing by other runners on the track, only for them to pass me again once the stride is over.  It makes for a fun game and passes the time.  And the laps did pass quickly today.  Before I knew it, Will and I were back in the car.

Still slick outside.  I slipped a lot, but didn't fall.  Yeah!  Once I got to the marked trail, there was enough sand on the ice for a tempo run.  My quarters ranged from 1:58 to 2:11 and the faster quarters came during the most cleared stretch of the trail.  Here are my splits.

8:26--very stiff from the leg workout I did with my sister yesterday

8:22--felt much better this mile

8:18--still had energy for one more mile

8:21--tried to enjoy it

So, 33:27!  Not bad for slick ground and being a bit stiff. 

Today I figured I had two options.  1) Very wet feet.  or  2) More bruises.  I was tired of slipping and wanted to do six strides, so I favored the slush over the ice.  My socks and shoes were pretty soaked.

My right hip is bothering me again.  However, once I was warmed up it felt fine.

Not very enjoyable today.  My plan was to run to a new marked trail three miles away, run a mile on the trail, run a four mile tempo run on that one mile stretch, and then run the four miles home.  Only the first three and last three miles went according to plan.  Three quarters into the marked trail there was CONSTRUCTION!  I had to run across the river and down a couple sets of stairs a few times to find where the trail picked up again.  Then there were a few traffic lights.  When things settled down, I still didn't want to start a tempo run.  After at least three miles on the trail and my construction detour, I decided to turn around and make an attempt at a tempo run.  I know my first mile split 8:31.   I couldn't keep track of any other splits because of the construction, stairs, and lights.  I finished the 2.75 miles in just over 25 minutes.  I tried to keep the pace quick, but comfortable.  There was still a lot of ice and slush.  My feet were soaked again when I got back.  My body felt exhausted and achy.  My hip doesn't feel good.  Hopefully my body will feel better on Monday.

Will and I were back at the indoor track today.  I was still stiff during the first mile and the first stride.  But, got the five miles with six strides done and I didn't feel too tired afterward.

I ran nice and easy through the snow, slush, and ice.  My hip is thanking me for showing it some love.  I don't feel quite so achy tonight.

Yesterday and Saturday I couldn't get my right shoe to feel normal.  It kept rubbing and hurting the outside of my foot, just below the ankle.  Thankfully, today my shoe felt normal again.  Another plus was my feet didn't get as wet today.  However, there was a layer of snow frozen on the top of my shoes.  Maybe it was a protective frozen shield that helped my feet keep dry.

24 degrees.  Wind chill 9 degrees.  Lots of wind today.  I am grateful the sun was shining.

Will and I were back at the indoor track today.  The strides went well.  During our 34 laps, we were entertained by a juggler practicing his routine.  He'd throw the pins up really high and had as many as six going at one time.  Unfortunately, he didn't juggle knives or torches.

Afterward, Will and I checked out a fenced-in area that is inside the lanes.  The area looks like a mini ice skating rink, but with a rubber track floor.  Will was able to run around while I stretched.

It's snowing again.

My right shoe was rubbing again just below my ankle.  I stopped to tie my shoes four times on my way to the trail.  Fourth time's a charm.  However, on my way back home from the trail, my shoe started to rub my ankle again.  I moved the tongue in my shoe.  It helped a little, but I didn't mess with it any more.  I was more eager to get home, so I endured the last mile.

Here are my tempo run splits.

8:21--First quarter was 2:09

8:01--Surprised at how much faster this mile was

8:09

8:06

So, 32:37.  Very pleased.  But, during the run I couldn't see how I can keep it up for thirteen miles.  Then I reminded myself it wouldn't be snow and wind flying in my face, there wouldn't be ice and snow on the ground, I'd have the race atmosphere, and it would be at least thirty degrees warm.

My feet were soaked by the time I was done.  I could feel the water sloshing around in my shoes.  But, at least I was warm enough.

Today I realized that I had forgotten about the corn fields.  They were everywhere when we moved here last summer.  I am looking forward to seeing them again.

I was not looking forward to today's run.  I didn't want to find out if my right shoe was still hurting my ankle.  I didn't want wet feet again.  My shoes hadn't dried out from yesterday.  But, I got myself out the door.

The second mile was all ice and puddles.  I slowed down when I couldn't see an obvious way around the massive puddles.  Most of the time I ended up running through snow to avoid the lakes on the sidewalk.  After that second mile, there were just puddles here and there.

Here are my splits.

8:19

8:12

8:03

8:03

Another 32:37!  However, after the tempo run, my shoe started to bother my ankle again.  I retied my shoe two times on my way home, but it didn't help.  Oh, well.  At least my feet were drier than yesterday.

Will and I completed another run at the indoor track.  Strides and all.

I just want the sidewalks to be cement again, instead of snow, ice, and then cement.  A mile into the run I was going to call it quits because all I could see was ice and snow for more than a quarter mile.  The ice and snow was covering puddles and puddles of water.  As I turned around, I stepped in some snow, but it gave way to yet another frozen puddle.  With my foot soaked, I headed home.  As I got closer to home, I convinced myself to stay out a little longer and try running a different route.  The sidewalks were still bad, but only in thirty foot stretches.

I reached the trail only to find a sign that read, "Trail Closed Due to High Water."  Wanting to see what high water was like, I ran around the sign.  The closed trail was no different than the treacherous sidewalks I'd just come from.  Maybe Sunday when it got up to 50 degrees--for the second time in three months--there was water.  But, the trail was just covered in another thick layer of ice.

Will and I headed outside.  It was 25 degrees with NO wind.  Can you believe it?  Perfect weather compared to a wind chill of 9.

Unfortunately, it started to snow.  I didn't bring the jogging stroller's cover.  (Will can't stand it.  He wants to see what's going on.)  So, I cut the run short.  And spent the next eight hours convincing myself that my day wasn't ruined because my run didn't go as planned.  I only felt better after an hour of cleaning.

I was planning on doing a five mile tempo run today.  Then my husband found out this morning that he needed to be on campus longer than usual.  So, Will and I went to the indoor track.  Did 6 strides.

Dreaded going out.  My right shoe is still bothering my ankle.  I re-tied my shoes at least four times during the first mile.  My hip has been stiff lately.  But, my ankle and hip feel better after a mile.

Dreaded going out, again.  Retied my shoes at least four times again during the first mile.  But, I finished the tempo run.  I took it one mile at a time.  Here are my mile splits:

8:23

8:19

8:13

8:07

8:15

So 41:17.  I was very pleased.  My hip bothered me a bit.  (Temp 19 degrees.  Wind Chill 12 degrees.)

Will and I were back at the indoor track with all our friends (the regulars).  6 strides again.

Will and I ran outside.  My feet stayed surprisingly dry.  I think running in the wake of the jogging stroller helped.  It was so warm!  I didn't even put on my gloves.  I pulled off my sweat shirt in the first mile.  And took off my hat for a few miles.  It was 39 degrees and sunny.

Today was my farewell run to my Nike Pegasus.  Tonight I bought Mizuno Wave Rider 11.  They are heaven: very light, enough space for my feet and bunions, lots of cushion, and no more annoying pain in my right ankle.  I am looking forward to tomorrow.

Now about today's run, my splits were all over the map.

8:41--My first two quarters were 2:07 and 2:08.  I wasn't surprised and figured my body was still warming up.  But, it didn't get better.  I got slower.  Although, I was giving the same effort as other tempo runs, I couldn't go faster and felt terrible.

8:17--Since I was in the middle of my there-quarter mile stretch of trail, I figured I'd keep running.  The next half a mile, my body showed little improvement.  I talked myself into finishing the second mile.  I don't know how it happened, but I sped up--way up.  I finished the second half of this mile in 3:58.

8:00--I didn't feel like I was pushing it that hard.  But, the 2:00 quarters kept coming.

7:48--Again, I didn't feel like I was pushing it that hard.

7:56

So, 40:42.  Very pleased, but not very consistent.  I am still wondering what happened during the first and second miles.  Was it because it was 50 degrees? Or was it my lunch?  And where did the speed come from?  Should I slow down to my race pace range 8:00 to 8:30?  I felt like I was "working" at the same level as last week.  I am guessing my lunch (a roll and some frosting) slowed me down and the weather sped me up.  Probably a better lunch will help me be more consistent.

Will and I had a very enjoyable run outside!  Will pointed out buses and water (the Iowa River) many times.  My new shoes felt great.  The weather was wonderful: sunny and 39 degrees with NO WIND!  Over the winter, I did forget how much harder hills are with the jogging stroller.  I felt strong despite the tougher work out.

I was more consistent today on my tempo run.  However, I can't remember all my splits. 

8:05

8:07

and then I can't remember.  32:22 for the four miles, so 16:10 for those last two.  This tempo run felt tougher than the one on Thursday.

Will and I got to the indoor track only to find out it was CLOSED!  I was very disappointed.  Last Monday, I read the March closures' sign very carefully.  It did not say it was going to be closed during Spring Break.

I can't remember anything about this run except that it was six miles.

It's offical.  I caught the terrible cold Will is still getting over.  However, I just have a bad cough right now.

The trail still has the sign, "Trail Closed Due to High Water."  I ran on the trail again.  There was no water any where to speak of.

I felt achy my entire run today.  I was so glad when it was over.

Exhasted from little sleep and the terrible cold, I took a nap instead of running.  I was out for two hours.

I ran through the other neighborhood by our apartment for the first time.  (Well, the two--and only two--subdivisions are a mile and a half away.)  I saw a lot of big and interesting looking houses.  One is Chinese and another is a bunch of rectangular boxes stacked by each other.  And yet another has about twenty pricey, arty, ugly statues.  Those were the top three.

Will and I were back at the indoor track.  There is some promise of the weather warming up.  I did the six strides and Will ate fifteen jellybeans.

The wind was intense--huge, huge gusts.  I wasn't looking forward to my run.  I just wanted to lie in bed. 

I went on my run.  I felt horrible.  I had the terrible stomach pains that I had around last Labor Day.  My two mile splits were 8:22 and 8:48.  (I was hoping to run at least 4 tempo miles.)  I felt the worst during the 8:48 and the next two miles.  I was able to "jog" some of it off.  I felt terrible again during and after my shower.  Later that night, I finally felt normal again.

Today's run felt good.  No crazy stomach pains today.

Will and I enjoyed our run along the river.  We saw three dogs, four ducks, and tons of buses and trucks.  Will pointed out each one of the buses and trucks.

Lybi--I was sick, but not that sick.  I didn't get around to blogging my past seven runs until tonight.  I think part of it is that I don't like to admit when I missed a day of running.  Seriously, I don't feel good about my day unless I have run at least five miles.  I don't know if that attitude is healthy.

I ran as quickly as possible because my husband had an unexpected meeting back on campus.  The timing worked out perfectly.  As I was finishing my run, he was walking through the parking lot on his way to catch the bus.  The whole while Will slept.

Today was my longest tempo run ever.  The last mile was pretty tough and missed the choir of croaking frog cheering me on.  They cheered during my third and fourth miles.

Here are my mile splits.

8:00--had a little help from the downhill.

16:05--missed the 2 mile marker

8:04--enjoyed the frogs.  Although, at first I didn't know what the noise was.

8:07--tweaked my hip running down a hill and it bothered me the rest of the run

8:08--pushed hard to get up the hill

This tempo run was done on the trail that was closed for the winter.  (Well, it was open to cross-county skiers and those that wanted to hike through the snow.)  Today there were a few patches of snow, but there was no danger of soaked feet.  I am excited to use the trail for next week's tempo run.

My goal for today's run was just to enjoy it.  And it worked.  I am enjoying the warmer weather.  We've been having more days in the high forties.

Will and I were back at the indoor track.  There were thunder storms all morning.  Will cried the last five laps.  He kept saying, "Water!  Please!  Please!  Water!"  We had already stopped at the drinking fountain three times.  (I forgot to bring his water.)  And the last stop was with six laps to go.  I sang a couple songs, but that didn't distract him at all.  Neither one of us enjoyed those last five laps.  Finally, we were done and I headed straight for the drinking fountain.  After I unbuckled him, he headed for the stairs!  He didn't want water.  He was looking for a way to get out of the jogging stroller.

I did the six strides again.

I ran slow and easy pace the whole time.  It was enjoyable, but the last mile felt very long.

Will and I ran to and through the park today.  We saw seven dogs, four bicycles, and lots of walkers and runners.  My right hip bothered me a bit today, but for most of my runs it's been feeling great.

Will and I took on the hilly Camp Cardinal Route.  We paused to look a couple stakes that were spray painted pink and crossed to look like a "x".  After I pointed it out, Will said "y". So the rest of the run we said, "X, Y, Z!!!"  Will mostly said "x" and "z".  I would slip in the "y".

My hip bothered me a bit again today.

My two mile warm up felt fine, even kind of quick.  But, my tempo run started so slow.  Here are the splits.

8:36--I felt so slow and felt that I couldn't go any faster.  I told myself it was okay.  During recent training, I had some miles under my pace range (8:00 to 8:30).  So I told myself it was probably normal to have some miles over the range.

However, I got slower.

almost 9:00--I wanted to turn off my watch.  But, somehow I talked myself into keeping my feet moving.

I felt tight in my shoulders.  I tried to relax and forget about my watch.  And it worked.

8:10 ish--My quarters were closer to two minutes.

8:06 ish

I don't remember what my last split was and I don't want to figure it out.  (I want to go to bed.)  Total time for the five mile tempo run was 42:12.  I was very pleased that I kept with it and that I was able to relax and run normal.

I ran with my friend, Erin, for the first time.  I ran to her house, we are three miles together, and then I ran home.  Our pace was perfect for me and it seemed perfect for her, too.  We want to run together every Saturday, but next Saturday is my race.  So in two weeks, we'll run again and Erin said she'd like to try 4 miles.

Nice and easy.

Again nice and easy.

Will and I made it without incident to Columbus.  We had help from a lot of friendly people in the airport.  Tonight I ran four miles with my brothers, Greg and Allen.  I loved it.  Greg asked Allen to name his top five chapters in the Book of Mormon to share with investigators.  I enjoyed listening to them discuss which chapters were there favorite to share--3 Nephi 11, 3 Nephi 27, Alma 7, and Jacob 4.  (Allen just returned from his mission in Brazil.  While I was in Columbus, I was also able to attend Allen's homecoming.)  Greg also asked what the top five reasons people gave for not wanting to listen to a gospel message.  Allen said most people would answer the door and when they'd hear that the missionaries wanted to share a message of Jesus Christ, their disposition would change.  The people would then say "I am in the middle of cooking dinner" or "I am giving my baby a bath" or "I was just on my way out"-- they'd be in a bath robe and it would be noon.  I asked him about his top favorite meals.  Number one was rice and beans.

Things I thought I did well...

1) I warmed up.  During the mile and a half, I found a gas station.  I was able to use its restroom and avoid all the port-a-potty lines.

2) I enjoyed the race.  I especially loved being a part of the race with my brother.  I was able to find him and jog the last couple miles with him.  I am so proud of him.  It was his first half.  He blew away his predicted time by 23 minutes and was able to walk the next day.

3)  I ran twelve miles in my target range 8:00 to 8:30.  The first mile was 9:06.  My average pace was 8:12!

The thing I thought I didn't do well...

I didn't warm up early enough before the race.  When I got back from the warm up, the starting line was packed!  I ended up starting with the 13 plus group.  The good part about it was I started with my brother.  They bad part about it was it took almost four minutes to cross the starting line.  The race time I put on my race report was my chip time.  The clock time was 1:51:01.  I don't know what my race/age division place is because I am a twenty-five year old male instead of being a twenty-eight year old female.

Overall, I am very excited about my performance.  I mean--WOW!  A gold star/medal performance and a major PR!

By the way, I don't know what my race/age division place is because I ended up being registered as a twenty-five year old male instead of being a twenty-eight year old female.  I am sure I could figure it out, but I'd rather do other things.  Like update my running blog--only two more entries to go.

Another side note, my hip bothered me starting about mile six, but it wasn't anything I haven't run with before. 

My brother and I before the race.  Do I look nervous?

Check out our picture after the race.  http://www.runphotos.com/  You have to enter my bib number and make sure you select the Capital City Half Marathon.

Nice and easy.  I didn't feel too stiff.  My feet hurt a little.

I ran with my brother, Allen.  His horribly infected toe did bleed, but he went all five with me.  We sprinted at the end.  Okay... so I am more sore than I thought I was.  I didn't sprint very well.  I am sure as I do more strides and more runs I'll get back to normal.

Will and I ran by the river again.  The river is even higher than before we left for Columbus and it's suppose to rain all today and tomorrow.  We were able to see one dog, two ducks, and a dump truck dumping some dirt.  I did six strides.  It was a good work out.

I ran up to Erin's house.  I enjoyed Erin's company.  The four miles we ran together passed very quickly.

Will and I ran the hilly Camp Cardinal route.  We enjoyed the weather!  It was perfect, sunny and 55 degrees.  I felt great and my hip didn't bother me.

Here I am at mile 13!

Today's run was lovely with warm weather and a cool breeze.  The run felt great.

Will and I ran the hospital route.  Will enjoyed seeing all the buses.

It's been raining and raining.  The rain finally stopped by 4 pm.  So, Will and I headed out as quickly as possible.  Will enjoyed looking for worms.  We saw a lot of them, but two were HUGE--the big kind that you dissect in ninth grade biology.

I ran over to Erin's and ran four miles with her.  We talked a lot about books.  I recommended the Pendragon series.  And Erin recommended the Thief series.  I am excited to learn more about that series on goodreads.com.

Will and I bundled up and made it through the wind.  The last two miles was into the wind.  Will had a hard time the last half a mile.   It was a workout for me with the wind, the hills, and the jogging stroller.

It was 28 degrees when I woke up this morning.  I was able to squeeze in four miles after dinner.

Will and I stopped to watch a train go by.  It had seven engines.  Today was another work out with the wind and the jogging stroller.

I only remember that Will came with me.

Will enjoyed pointing out the bridges.  We ran on two bridges twice.  We also went throught a tunnel.  Well, I called it a tunnel.  We went under the railroad tracks.  Will thought it was cool.

I love running with Erin!  Maybe we'll train for a race together.  Maybe the Park to Park half marathon in September.  Waterloo is only an hour away.

As for the Dam to Dam 20K, I am not going to run in it.  Des Moines is too far away to make it possible and money is tight.  Maybe if I knew someone else that was running in it.  Oh well, there will always be more races.

Will and I did not see any ducks on our run today.  But, he did think the bricks in the sidewalk were railroad tracks.  They were laid out like tracks.

We ran along the Iowa River.  It was a beautiful day.

Another beautiful, sunny, spring day!  I love it.  Will and I spent a lot of time outside.  The run went well AND I didn't feel tuckered out at the end.  But, I still haven't gotten over my cold.  It's driving me crazy!!  I don't have a sore throat any more, but my nose is very, very stuffed.  I drool every time I sleep!  I disgust myself.  What a sloppy sleeper I am!

I am finally caught up again with blogging my runs!!

I ran by a couple guys fishing. One was reeling in a fish as I passed. I was very curious about what they were catching. It looked like a trout to me. (However, I think most fresh water fish look like trout.) So, I turned around and asked. I thought they didn't hear me, so I asked again. The guy said the same thing again. So I figured he must be telling me what kind of fish it was. I asked him to repeat what he said. He repeated it again. I still didn't hear him and by now I am sure I've scared all the fish away. Finally, I got that he said, "A small crappie." "Oh"--I had no idea what kind of fish was. I hurried away to stop from embarrassing myself further. I hope I didn't bother them too much.

I looked up crappie when I got home. Supposedly they are "sought after for their fantastic flavor and fun of catching them." You learn something new every day.

Yesterday I thought I wouldn't run and try to help my sinus infection.  It didn't work.  My head still hurts--bad.

Will and I enjoyed the run despite the pain in my head.

I ran with Erin today.  She stayed up late making cinnamon rolls for her kids to sell at the neighborhood's garage sale.  (Her oldest is almost 4).  I was excited to go and buy some from her kids for  fifty cents each.  By the time Will and I got to the garage sale, the cinnamon rolls were gone.  They had sold out in an hour.

I had an opportunity to do some strides or tempo run, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.  So I did another easy six.

Will enjoyed pointing out all the bridges again: an overpass, a couple footbridges, and a small bridge for cars over a creek.

I'd like to celebrate that I haven't had any hip pain for a few weeks.

Will and I ran the Hospital Route.  I felt good and the weather was great.  Will complained a bit the last mile.  I have come to the conclusion that five miles is Will's limit for his ability to stay content in the jogging stroller.  We can do six, but the end isn't always pretty.

When Will was younger we did eight together, but he was a sleep for a good portion of it.  Back when Will was a month or two old, sometimes we didn't make it to twenty minutes.  Life is always changing.  I am grateful for the always changing journey.

It was hard to talk Will into getting into the jogging stroller this morning.  Eventually, we got out the door.  The run was easy and the weather was beautiful again.  Will sang a lot and pointed out all the bridges.

Will and I enjoyed the run.  I felt stronger today.  We stopped to watch a train go by.

Will and I ran a quick 5 miles this morning, so I could get a run in before I went to the Stake Enrichment activity. The Enrichment started at 9:30 and went to 2:30. I was fortunate to have one of my Romanian neighbors attend with me. We had a good time.

Will and I had a very enjoyable run, except for the mile when I had to wait to use the restroom.  We ran the hospital route and then added on an extra mile on the trail to get the run to six miles.

Today Will and I ran the route that goes behind the high school.  I can't tell how much Will loves pointing out the bridges.

Will:  Bridge?  Bridge?

Me:  Should we go find a bridge?

Will:  Yeah.

We have that conversation a lot.  Even after we've just passed over a bridge, we have that conversation.  And he always seems to know when we are on a trail that might have a bridge.  Also when we drive he points out every bridge and overpass.  He has amazing eyes and can spot a bridge any where.  Sometimes I have to look a while to find the bridge he's talking about.

On the route we ran today, there is one bridge that leads away from the direction we are going, but we go run over it anyway--just for fun.  After we run over it, we turn around to run back over it and head back to our route.  We have added this bridge to our run four times that it is now become a part of the "behind the high school" route.

Will and I ran on more trails today.  We saw three different violet wild flowers.  One of these days I'll remember to bring my camera and take a picture.

Will and I ran 3.5 to the store in the morning to pick up some black curling ribbon.

I ran 7 miles in the evening with Erin.  We talked mostly about our kids.  Erin's kids love the vacuum.  Her one year old is always trying to hug it, where as Will is still very concerned every time I vacuum.  But, he is better than he use to be.

I can't shake my cough.  Oh, well.  That's life.  I ran with Erin again.  Erin was very kind and listen to my talk about the planning of my class reunion.

I can't remember this run either.  I just know I took Will with me.

Will and I ran the hospital route and I did strides for the first time in a month!  Six of them!  And I've been wondering, how come the first two are the hardest?

Can't remember much, but I know I took Will with me.

I did strides again!  I had Erin do six with me.  When we finished the sixth she asked if I had anything else up my sleeve.  I think we are still friends because she said hi to me at church and emailed me a possible training schedule for the half marathon we plan to run in September.

And guess what?  I've become a training schedule snob.  I didn't like either one of the training schedules she sent me.  I've been reading some of the Training Review Requests and I love it how you guys (Michelle, Sasha, Jon, Josse, Bonnie, etc) say the same thing over and over.  "Build up your mileage."  "Incorporate tempo runs into your long runs."  "If you want to run fast, run in a race--a local, but certified 5K or 10K."

I've just learned something today by reflecting on the Training Review Requests.  5Ks do have a place in the race world (meaning the race world of those who like longer races).  Over the past year, I've been thinking they aren't helpful and just fun runs.  But, you could run them to your advantage.

Will and I made our run into an "errand run."  We stopped at the store to buy cheese.  I did have an impulse buy--four oranges.

Will and I completed errand on our run again today.  We mailed my sister's birthday card at the post office.  It wasn't easy.  First off, we had to take a long detour.  The bike path we were going to go on was covered by a few inches of water as far as I could see (at least thirty yards and then the path disappeared around a bend).  On the detour, there was a stretch of road with no sidewalk.

"No big deal," I thought.  "We'll just run on this strip of nicely mowed grass."  Of course the jogging stroller did fine; it's such an all terrain vehicle.  However, I failed to mention this stretch of road is next to the woods.  I hadn't gone twenty yards when I look down and see a SNAKE!!

I screamed!  The snake was brown with dark brown diamonds and was at least an inch think!  This wasn't one of those dinky blank snakes that at first you think it’s a worm.  This was the real deal!  But it didn't seem to be lying in a coil.  I didn't hand around long enough to find out why or to notice anything else about the snake--like where its head was.  Will and I high-tailed it out of there and got off the grass.

Thankfully...

We didn't get eaten by a snake.

We didn't have to run home the way we came.

We got my sister's birthday card in the mail.

And we didn't see another snake or any other surprises during the rest of the run.

At one point during nap time, I didn't think Will's new seat could attach to my bike. But, I stuck with it and found a different place to attach the U-bracket. Is there a better feeling than deciphering directions (aren't the easy to follow pictures impossible sometimes?), using a crescent wrech or two, and seeing the finished product as it should look?

Our first bike trip was great. Will was very willing to wear his helmet. (I think seeing an Elmo's World about bikes helped. Will wanted nothing to do with the helmet when we first bought it.) We rode on the same a bike path that we usually run on. Will made his normal requests to go on the bridges and through the tunnel. We did not go through the tunnel. The path to the tunnel was still covered with a few inches of water for at least forty yards. I couldn't see beyond the bend in the bike path. Will handled the disappointment very well.

Super windy!  I thought it was going to be the toughest five miles of my life.  It wasn't.  After a while, we (Will and I ) finally got a tail wind.

Erin and I ran the seven together.  I enjoyed it.  She is fun to talk to.  We talked mostly about books.  I just finished reading The Hollow Kingdom by Clare Dunkle.  It was very fun to read, especially after finishing Jane Eyre.  I am not saying I didn't like Jane Eyre.  It's just not a fun book.  Jane Eyre did make for an excellent Book Club book.

Will wasn't so pleasant near the end.  No... he was pleasant.  It just wasn't my favorite how he kept dropping his bear.  After the second time, I told him if he dropped it again, he wouldn't be able to play with it any more.  Of course he dropped it again.  (It's always fun to watch things fall.)  And this time, the bear landed in a puddle.  I stopped to show Will how dropping his bear made the bear dirty.  I don't think he really cared--just like how he loves me even when I am sweaty, gross, and sticky.  However, Will was sad he didn't get to hold to bear for the rest of the run.

Will and his bear

Will and I ran up behind the high school.  We had a good time.  The bear stayed home today.

Last night about 8:30 pm, the water over-topped the spillway at Coralville Dam. The news reports are saying that this flood will exceed water levels experienced in the flood of 1993. During our run today, Will and I stopped to take some pictures.

The building to the right is a restaurant. The water is starting to seep through the sandbags. While I was taking this picture, a man, perhaps the owner, added a few more sandbags.

This is the Clear Creek. It connects to the Iowa River. The line of sandbags is amazing. You can see some guys working on the sandbag barricade. (This is just over a half a mile from our apartment.)

Erin and I ran on this sidewalk last Saturday during our seven mile run. And now it's covered with water.  If you look past the trees and look where the light hits the water that is where the Iowa River usually flows.

This is becoming a common site in Iowa City.  A few of the roads closer to us are expected to flood.  Right now, we are safe.  I am pretty sure our apartment will be okay.  But, the road to get to our apartment... I don't know about it.  It may be under water by the end of the week.  Time will tell.

We had three thunder storms today.  So, Will and I didn't get out in the jogging stroller.  I jumped during Will's nap.  I did five 3 minutes sets and mixed each session with normal jumping and running in place.  Between sets I had minute of rest, during which I did the plank (three times), the wall sit, and some tricep extensions.  I was pretty sweaty.

Will and I ran down behind the high school today--one of our normal, but modified routes.  It was a long five miles today.  I think my body is tired from the events of the past five days and Monday night when Will threw up five times.  I am going to go take a nap.

I did five three minute jumping rope sessions with a minute of rest in between. During the rest, three times I did the plank and the last time I did a minute of wall sit.  I also did three sets of tricep extensions.

Will and I ran behind the high school again.  Humid and hot.

Thirty minute ab work out.  Followed by thirty minutes of yoga.  (My neck was a little sore Sunday.)

Will and I ran behind the high school again.  Will started complaining during mile 3, but we made it.

I started a new running group with a couple girls (Kathryn and Rachel) from my church.  We'll be running on Tuesday nights.  Tonight's run went really well.  It was just Kathryn and me; Rachel is out of town.  I hope we can work up to at least six miles.  We talked about running four miles, but at the end of the run I was able to talk Kathryn into running one more mile.

Will and I ran the hospital running route which was flooded.

The lines on the car wash are water lines, so the water use to be about four feet high here.  This is about 200 yards from our apartment.  The median use to be grassy and green, but it's covered in mud.  The Thai restaurant's parking lot is all mud, too.

After I took this picture, I looked behind me and there was a huge dead fish.  During this stretch of run through the damaged flood area, the smell was awful.  It was a combination of dead fish and garbage smell.

Garbage got caught in goal's net.  I couldn't believe all the mud that settled in this still flooded soccer filled.  Just before Will and I got to the soccer field, I saw four different chairs that the flood waters had carried away and strewn on the softball field's fence.

Will and I biked over to our graden plot.  There's a lot of weeds.  I weeded between our fifteen green bean plants.  After the garden, we biked to the post office and then finally to the grocery store.  We probably biked six miles.  I am sore from the hills!

During nap time, I did the jump roping work out again--4 three minutes sessions with the rope alternating between running in place and normal jumping.  I haven't mastered double unders yet.  Between the first three rounds with the rope, I did the plank for a minute.  After the last round, I did the wall sit.  I finished the work out session with tricep extentions.  It's unreal how sweaty and how hard I breath!  The work out was easy this week that is was the past two weeks.

I felt extremely sluggish on my run today.  Will was a happy guy the whole time.  It felt very humid.

With Will.

I ran early with Katrina.  She just moved into the area from Virginia.  And she's ran 3:40 in the Top of Utah marathon.  Our run was super hilly.  I was pretty beat.

I ran with Kathryn and Katrina.  They're beginning pace is pretty fast.  It seems like I don't get going until a mile and a half into the run.  But, I don't care.  I love the company.

Will and I took a tour town.

Still a lot of trash in and around the river.

There are a lot of sand bags left behind.  Some were helpful.  Some were not.

I thought this sign was good.  You can see the water lines on the building.

This use to be a stripmall.

Front view of stripmall.

The clean up continues.  We are excited to be in our own (new) place.  We are grateful for the help and prayers we recieved from friends and family this past month.

Will and I ran the hospital route and then we stopped by the garden to weed.  Will wasn't excited to be there.  He climbed back in the jogging stroller and said, "Home."  I got about twenty minutes of weeding in.  The garden needs a lot more work.  It's a jungle.

I ran with Katrina and Christie.

Will and I run up behind the high school.  We had a very pleasant run.  It's good to be back to our old running routes.  Will took his new birthday trains with him.

The hour before the run Will cried and cried.  He wanted a drink of milk and I said he couldn't have a drink of milk until he ate two bites of dinner (he hadn't touched any of the enchilada on his plate).  Will would cry.  Then Will would say he was done with dinner and wanted to play.  So Will would play until he remembered he was hungry.  He'd ask for some milk and I would tell him he had to have two bites of dinner.  More tears.  Milk? Tears. Play.  Milk? Tears. Play.  This cycle continued forever until I said, "How about two bites of applesauce?"  We agreed on that, but then I was left feeling like I was creating a picky eater that doesn't eat much protein.

Thank goodness for the run! 

Katrina and I ran the hospital route.  We talked about forever long doctor visits, developing good eating habits in our kids, tinted windows, how wonderful our mothers are, and running stores that involved close calls with bikes.

I feel 100% better.  ‘Nothing like running to relieve the tension.  And Will had a very happy evening playing with his dad.

Will and I ran up to the park to meet up with a play group.  We went a round about way so I could get in five miles before we got there.  Will enjoyed playing at the park.  His favorite part was running on the soccer field with another little boy.  They were chasing birds.  Then we ran home.

I did the jump roping work out again.  I did five 3 minutes sets and mixed each session with normal jumping and running in place.  I even did a couple double unders!  My first ever!  Between sets I rested for a minute, during which I did the plank (four times), the wall sit (2 minutes), and some tricep extensions.  And then I did more abs very slowly.  I'll probably be sore tomorrow.

Will and I ran the hospital route again and ended at the jungle--I mean our garden.  Burried between weeds, there are a few tomatoes!  They aren't red.  But, maybe one day they will be, if they aren't sufficated by weeds in the mean time.  There's no yellow squash yet, either.

Will and I took our time getting back home.  Will chose the long way home.  He wanted to race a lot.  We'd line up on a sidewalk crack and say, "'Mark, get set, GO!!"  We'd race for a few sidewalk squares (probably 10 yards) and then Will would want to line up again.  It was a lot of fun.

Since it had rained the night before, Will and I made one last stop at his favorite outdoor spot.

He was soaked when we got home. (This picture was taken in May '08, but that's the spot.)

I am enjoying running with Katrina.  It's so nice to be able to run with another adult every once and a while.  Our pace was faster than last Saturday--tiring, but not too fast.

Will and I biked to and from a friends house.  Total about six miles.  I helped her tie a quilt for her daughter's wedding.

Katrina and I ran down to the river and back.  I had more energy than usual.

Will and I took the long way to the park (5 miles) again.  Will enjoyed playing at the park, but he had a hard time on the run home.  Lots of tears.

Will and I had an uneventful run.  We ended at the garden.  After twenty minutes of weeding, Will informed it was time to go home.  He was done exploring and playing with bubbles. 

Katrina and I ran a new route.  Part of it was through older neighborhoods, part by the river, part by the university, and part by the park.  It's a fun new loop and not near as hilly as I thought it would be.

Can't remember why Will and I just ran 3 miles.

Will and I ran three miles in the morning.  We made a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up a few ingredents to make muffins for Wednesday's Weeding Party.

In the evening, I ran with Katrina and Kristie.  At one point, we were going down hill and we started to skate on a layer of mud.  Kristie slipped and fell hard--landing mostly on her shoulder.  She's okay.  However, she said she woke up three times during the night in pain, but by the morning the shoulder was fine.

I did the jump rope work out this afternoon.

I did five 3 minutes sets and mixed each session with normal jumping and running in place.  I tried cross-overs, but was 0 for 12.  Between sets when I rested for a minute, I did the plank (four times) and the wall sit (2 minutes).  I finished the work out with side planks--one minute each side.

Will and I ran the hospital route.

Took three naps today.  Extremely tired.  Didn't run.

Katrina and I ran again together.  I never dread running or my alarm clock when I am running with her.  Running partners are wonderful.

We ran the first route we ever ran together--from Katrina's house down to the high school.  Afterward, we both agreed we weren't near as tired as the first time we ran this route.  It's a nice feeling when you realize you've grown stronger.

Will and I biked up to a friends house.

I ran this evening with Katrina and Erin.  I am so glad Erin's back in town.  Today was here birthday.  We kept a pretty good clip.  Katrina appreciated the faster pass.  She had a good bit of steam to work out.

Sometimes Katrina and Erin get frustrated because they think we are almost home, but we usually go the longer way because I want to get to at least 5.5.

Will and I ran four in the morning--just up to the neighborhood and back.  And then Will and I biked up to a friend's house three miles away.

When we walked in the door, my friend, Heather, said, "You bike?... Do you want a towel?"  I was dripping.  I could feel my legs on every hill.  We made and Will cheered me on.  "Up, up, up the hill."

The first part of the bike ride was a touch down hill.  I asked Will a couple times if he could feel the wind.  Will would extend his arms straight out to the side like he was flying.  He wouldn't say a word, just feel the wind.  It was so fun to watch his shadow do that.

Will and I ran the hospital route.  Then we biked to a friends house.

Katrina, Erin, and I did a three mile tempo run.  I hope it wasn't too fast for Erin.  For Katrina and I, it was more of a fast run than a tempo run. 

8:49

8:40

8:35

Will and I ran the "around" the high school route.  We didn't make it out the door until 9 am.  I was worried that it might be hot and muggy, but it was beautiful outside.  I didn't know such lovely days existed in August.

Will played outdoors three different times today--before lunch, after his nap, and after dinner.

I ran with Kathryn tonight.  The mall loop seemed longer, probably because it was darker.  We hadn't run down there in at least a month.  It was a good, faster paced run.

Will and I biked up to another friend house (five miles).  The hills were tough as always.

Will and I went outside, so I could jump.  I did five 3 minutes sets and mixed each session with normal jumping and running in place.  Between each set I did the plank for a minute.  Meanwhile, Will played in the sand, came over and jumped some next to me, and then wandered around and took care of his morning business.  I thought our time outside for me to jump went well.

Will and I ran the hospital loop.  I felt very slow, but okay.  Will complained the last two miles.  Only when we were done did I realize Will was cold.  I need to start checking the weather again before we go out.

Erin and I ran the hospital route.  We took it slow.  We've also decided not to run the half in September.

Will and I made it out the door and we made it home.  We ran the high school route.  We stopped every so often to wipe Will's nose.  I was tired and my throat was sore.  I believe I've caught Will's cold.  Will complained a bit the last mile.

Katrina and I were joined by Sarah, who had a baby at the end of June.  We ran together for 2.5 miles, then Sarah turned around and went back.  She wanted to just do four miles.  I hope I am running four miles two months after I have my baby. Well thinking about it more, a good goal for then is three miles everyday.

It took fifteen minutes to talk Will into getting into the jogging stroller.  He kept requesting, "Walk?"  I told him he could walk after my run, but that's not what he wants.  However, we did get out the door and we both enjoyed ourselves.

When we got back, Will played outside for a half an hour.  Then we went inside for a snack and to watch Thomas and Friends.

I did another tempo run.  I can't believe how out of shape I am, but whatever.  Nothing is lost that I can work to get back... eventually.

Pretty humid today--79%.  But, it's very cloudy and a wonderful breeze.  It's a lovely 79 degrees that feels like 82 (so I am told).  Needless to say, I was dripping sweat when I was done.

I pushed the run, probably more so than a true tempo run.  It felt good to go fast.  I tried to treasure the moment since it will be a while until before I'll feel fast again.  I did pay for the fast pace a bit.  A half a mile into my cool down, I felt pretty sick.  But, the sickness has mostly subsided now (thirty minutes after the run).

Here are my mile splits.

8:31--a bug flew in my eye

8:39--finally got the bug out

8:33

I really enjoyed the run.  I hope to squeeze in a few more tempo runs before I become too slow.  We'll see what pans out.

I met up with Katrina and Erin at six am.  It was super humid and already 73 degrees.  That made for an uncomfortable run.  Well... a harder run.  We all were glad when it was over.  We ran from Katrina house down to the river, then over to the medical school,and then up Melrose to the park by Katrina's--a very fun loop.

I am watching my neighbor's little girl this week, so I probably won't make it to 25 miles.

I ran with Katrina tonight.  I didn't have much energy.

A huge thunderstorm canceled the run I had planned for Will and me.

Will and I got three miles in again before Lucy, my neighbor's little girl, came over.

Katrina and I were jogging stroller running partners today.  Katrina was pushing her youngest and I was--of course--pushing Will.  We had to stop a couple times for the kids.  It was fun to be a jogging stroller duo.

Katrina and I met up early at 6 to run.  The weather was perfect and I felt like my normal self.  I had energy.  I could breathe.  I did get a small cramp half way through, but it went away quickly.  A very enjoyable run.

I don't remember the details, but I'm sure I ran at least 13.5 more miles in the week.

Didn't run as much this week.  But, I did make it to the temple.  The Nauvoo temple is beautiful.

I made it a point to exercise everyday this week.  Tuesday I did lunges and pilates, but the rest of the week I ran.  But, some days I only ran three miles.  Oh, I remembered one day I biked at least eight miles.

I tried to enjoy this run.  Will and I had fun looking for pumpkins, dogs, and hawkeyes.  We saw a couple of each.  I was slow, but more enjoyable than the other runs with Will and the jogging stroller this month.

I did a thirty minute pilates workout.

I ran by myself this afternoon.  I was great for the shade in the woods.  I was very slow and enjoyed the run very much.  At first all I could feel is my stomach stretching and bouncing and my knees aching.  That lasted for the first two miles.  And then the last mile my hips were achy.

So I've been thinking a lot about Sarah.   I knew she was tough, but her toughness has raised twenty billion fold in my eyes.  Sasha has said "she is not a super-athlete," but definitely there is something super about Sarah.  Maybe it's a mental toughness and great pregnancy genes that make it possible to be having her sixth baby and running 109 miles or more her first six months of pregnancy.  Not to mention running the entire seventh month and racing in her eighth month.  (I have no doubt William will love to run.  Running will be an instinctive part of his life.  Maybe my Will will love Intermediate Algebra.)

Anyway, Sarah, I think you are amazing.  You are a super runner mother.  And I am so glad I can call you my friend.

I'm due April 11th-ish, so I am told.  I'm twelve weeks on Saturday.  My mileage won’t look anything like Sarah’s.  And that’s okay, because I’m not Sarah.  (Maybe when I have my sixth baby, but I am not sure I’ll make it to six.)  My goal is exercise at least thirty minutes six days a week for the entire pregnancy.  I signed up for the four mile race instead of the 10 miler in the Indian Summer Classic.  I also signed up for the four miler at Thanksgiving in Ohio.  I plan on walking it.

I ran with Katrina.  I thought I was slow, but Katrina said we didn't run slow at all.  The last few hills were tough.  I got a cramp and had to stop, so we walked the last half a mile--making the run five miles instead of five and a half.  It was very good we stopped then.  I didn't realize my hips were not doing so well until we stopped.  My hips were achy all morning.

I tried to enjoy todays run.  Will and I ran up to the neighborhood.  We looked for hawkeyes, pumpkins, and dogs again.  We saw a couple of each.  We even saw a digger and a dump truck.

I did an hour of yoga.  The stretching felt wonderful especially on my sides and hamstrings.

Will wondered why we weren't going home when I veered right to add on another mile.  So I just added just a half a mile more, which was fine.  My highs were bothering me again.

I ran by myself.  The weather was wonderful.  As I ran by the university's cross-country's facilities, there were a few cross-country teams out walking the course for the meet tomorrow.  It looked like mostly Iowa schools.

I played tennis with my husband.  I was out of breath quicker than a month ago, but my tennis skills had improved.

I ran with Katrina and Erin. I wasn't as achy after this run.  I am looking forward to next Saturday's race.

Will and I had a pretty good run.  Will enjoyed the long cat-tail like piece of grass I broke off for him.  He waved it and let it drag on the ground.  He also kept asking me if I could hear the birds, too.

It takes Will and I a half an hour to get out the door, but I think I'll miss our runs.  The weather is getting colder and Will is getting older.  I can't believe two years of jogging stroller runs have already past us by.

I'm thinking of driving over to the indoor track first thing Tuesday and Thursday mornings to run/walk.

Will and I biked to the park today--about five miles round trip.  The first time I stood up as we were climbing a hill, I had some crazy stretching pains in my lower abdomen.  Those aren't my favorite.  They tend to happen when I stand up too quickly.  Overall, the hilly bike ride went well.

I am very excited about tomorrow's race!  I know I can run four miles and I know the view will be beautiful.

I got to the race only eight minutes before it started.  I ran down the hill to grab my bib and run back up.  By the time I made it back up the hill, I had time to hand my shirt to my husband, chat a second with a friend while I pinned my bib, and then... we were off.  (Lars said he and Will "ran" after us for about five minutes.  Will loves to run.)  As soon as I started running, I knew I was in trouble.  I had to go to the bathroom.

The first two miles I spent watching runners and looking for a good patch of trees.  The two miles went by quickly and at the turn around there was a port-a-potty!  As I made my way towards it, I asked the volunteers if anyone was in it.  No.  I was excited.  This won't take long!  But...it was LOCKED!  Ending up a fisherman was using it.  So the stop took a bit longer than I thought.

I lost the runner I was gunning for.  "Pinky" I called her.  She had a pink shirt and ended up being a ten miler.  While I was looking for another runner to try to catch, I passed a few people.  And then I found her, "Greenie."  She was wearing a green shirt.  I finally passed her about a half a mile away from the finish line.  "Greenie" made me smile when she cheered when we made it to the top of the hill.

The last half a mile was tough.  I started to feel incredibly sick.  I even thought, "I don't think I've ever felt this sick during a race."  But once I saw I was 200 yards way from the finish, I didn't worry about being sick.  I knew I was almost done.

As I crossed the finish line, I saw 37:06.  I figure the port-a-potty trip took at least a minute. So, I was very pleased with my nine minute miles.

The race was so fun.  During the last mile and a half, I thought about my Thanksgiving race.  Why should I decide now to walk it?  Why not try to keep running through the rest of October and November?  Six months between races is too long.

Today was not a fun run.  Will and I were running up to a friend's house to pick up some cookbooks.  I called up the friend and told her to expect us in twenty minutes.  I shouldn't have called until Will was in the jogging stroller.  I couldn't get Will to get into the jogging stroller for twenty minutes.  When I finally started running, my shins/ankle/calves were sore from the race.  Because I was late, I ignored the pain and ran as quick as I could up the hill.  Will complained the whole way.  It wasn't fun, but I got the cookbooks.

Today was a successful day!  I got in my workout, although I was fighting it.  But, I did it and got it over with and felt great.

I also started sewing together a Double Irish Chain quilt top for my mom!  I've had the pieces cut for months.  I've been procrastinating because I've dreaded pulling everything out, ie sewing machine, ironing board, cutting mat, etc.  And then putting it all away.  I hope to get it done by Thanksgiving.

I got out the door and ran 3 by myself this afternoon.  And I actually felt normal during my run!  I've only had two normal runs since the beginning of August.  By "normal," I mean how I felt when I ran and wasn't pregnant--not extremely tired, not extremely slow, no terrible nausea, no achy hips, knees, and stomach muscles, and I didn't have to go to the bathroom the entire run!

It felt wonderful to have a normal run.

Today was a harder run.  I felt my stomach stretching the entire run and the achy hips and knees were back.  However, the run was worth it.  The bright yellow trees in the woods were beautiful and the weather was great: sunny and breezy.

I ran with Katrina on a route through all the tailgaters.  We got quite a few comments like, "Why are you running? You're supposed to be tailgating!" or "You're off to your tailgate in a hurry."  And we received quite a few honks.  Silly tailgaters!  We ran at seven in the morning!  The tailgaters were out in full force--already drinking and throwing bean bags.

Will and I had a much more enjoyable run this Monday verses a week ago.  Will cheerfully got into the stroller.  We had enjoyable conversations about the leaves falling and the round bails of hay we saw.  What a wonderful jogging stroller to end on.

With the weather getting colder, nxt Monday Will and I are going to the indoor track.  I am not taking the jogging stroller.  He'll be able to run and play.

So, thanks Will, for over two years of enjoyable runs.  You are a great training partner.

I did a half an hour of yoga.  I always feel like I am showing my body tons of love when I do yoga--especially lately.

I lifted again.  I focused on the core, arms, shoulders, and abs.  I did the plank instead of the laying on your belly part that was talked about on the video.

I enjoyed looking at all the beautiful colors, which was nice.  Because there were tons of slugs on the side walk.  It was better to try to think about them. 

When I got home I grabbed the camera and took some pictures of the leaves.

Erin and I ran this afternoon.   It was pretty windy, but still in the low 50s.  Today's run was tough.  I am going to have to slow it down a notch again.

Today was our first outing to the indoor track of the 2008-2009 winter season.  It went really well. Sarah N. and I were able to get in a good bit of running while our kids ate a snack.  But, I don't think we got in three miles.

I did another half an hour of yoga.  It felt good and it felt even better that I got it done.

We were back at the indoor track today.  I ended up walking the whole time.  Later while Will was playing at the playground, I did 72 lunges and some calf raises.  (It was a beautiful fall day.)  I felt better about my workout.

I ran three miles in the afternoon.  I felt okay.  There were lots of slugs on the sidewalk.

Erin and I ran the same route as last Saturday.  It was a little easier for me--I think because it was in the morning.  Runs seem easier in the morning.

Walked again at the indoor track.  Well, Sarah N. and I did run a little bit, but the kids needed more attention today.  I did lunges again later.

Sarah N., the kids, and I had a great time at the indoor track.  Sarah and I were able to get in thirty minutes of running!  I brought the jogging stroller for Will.  That seemed to help keep Will happier and me running.  I guess our stroller days aren't over yet!

I ran slow and steady.  There was a lot of wind, but it didn't bother me.  It wasn't like the cold bitter winds of last winter.  I'm sure those winds are coming. 

I did an hour of yoga today.  It was harder today than ten days ago.  My belly has grown a lot over the past week.

Erin and I had our first chilly Saturday run.  With the windchill, it was 25 degrees.  It didn't feel too bad if you weren't running into the wind.  We still enjoyed ourselves.  I did have to walk for a moment.  I was just over a half a mile into the run.  I had some muscle pain on the inside of my hip.  Luckily, it went away.

I walked at the indoor track for fifty minutes.

I'm not sure how far Sarah N. and I run at the indoor track.  We ran for just over thirty minutes--so probably two and a half miles at least.

I only lifted for twenty minutes.

I baby-sat a family of five kids while there parents went to Chicago.  Will had a great time playing with the other kids.  Overall it was fun, but I was exhausted once it was just Will, Lars, and me again.  I'm glad your own kids come one at a time and that they start so small.

I ran outside this afternoon.  I ran the whole time.  When I was pregnant with Will and 19 weeks, I couldn't run the whole time.  But, this pregnancy I can!  It's always nice to feel stronger.  I am looking forward to my race on Thanksgiving.

I caught Will's odd stomach bug.  I threw-up a bit and didn't run much.  I just wanted to sleep.  We delayed going to my parents for Thanksgiving by a day.  My husband got it, too.  The stomach bug turned into a nasty cold which lasted the whole time we were at my parents.  Hopefully, next time we go to their house we won't be sick.

I went with my parents to the Y.  I ran about 2.5 miles on a treadmill and then spent 10 minutes on the eliptical machine.  Eight of those minutes I got to hang out with my mom.  She was on the machine next to me.  I lifted, too--shoulders and triceps.

This run was tough.  I stopped to walk off a bad side ache.  I felt very slow.

I had a blast.  My husband, Lars, and dad also participated in the race.  Lars was going to "run" the whole race with me.  After the first mile, I finally convinced him to take off.  (He was much happier running faster.)  I only know my first split--11:19.  I didn't want to run that slow, so I picked up the pace.  I did have another side ache during the first mile, but I "ran" through it.  I was very happy that I could run the whole race especially being so sick the week before.

That afternoon, I played basketball and soccer with the family.  (My brothers and their families were in town, too).  I over did it a bit.  Lars reminded me that we didn't want to have the baby that afternoon, so I sat down and took it easy the rest of the day and weekend.

____________

I'm signing off for a while.

My husband and I are pleased to announce that our family of 3 will become a family of 5 this spring. Our ultrasound yesterday (December 8th) revealed not one, but two healthy, identical twin boys.  I plan on continuing to exercise (water aerobics?), but this race was my last run for this pregnancy.  I hope to deliver the babies as close to their due date (April 12th) as possible.