Friday was short run

Had a late start on Friday morning with my canine running partner... we barely had time for 30 minutes including warm-up and cool-down... Once again Chyenne proved to be good companion on the road. She is loving it, she can barely contain herself when she sees me lace up my sneakers first thing in the morning.

Go Dog Go! (or runs with canine)

Another runing day today... again with my canine training partner. Went pretty well, it was cooler this morning and I started with a light jacket. About 15 minutes into it, I tied the jacket around my waist. There is one issue I need to figure out, lighting is a problem - in my neighborhood less than half of the streets have streetlights so I have to bring some sort of lighting with us. I have a headlamp but it gets uncomfortable after awhile I guess I need to wear a headband or something for the lamp strap to go over. Also, I need to get a blinkie to attach to the dog's collar. I am enjoying her company and I know she enjoys getting out and having fun with me. A win-win situation!

different running partner today

Today I ran with Sam's dog -- 90 pound labrador retriever named Chyenne. She loved it! Was nice having such a big dog with me at 5am. It is very dark but I just felt a little safer with Chyenne by my side. She has to learn how to give me a little more space when she 'heels' -- she is so close it is hard for me to get my stride. She got better and she was very tired when we got back ... she did not even ask for her breakfast right away. (There's a reason she's 90 pounds) I will try to work with her more often and we can get in shape together. :-)

rainy day workout

Today is a running day -- Raining cats, dogs and more this morning so off to the gym to find an open treadmill. As I usually arrive before 6am I have no trouble finding an open machine. I dialed in the treadmill fairly steep for over half of my run... gives some semblance of an outdoor run. Sweating pretty good by the end. My energy levels were great for the class I taught this morning... workouts really do help fight fatigue!

Running partner

well, I now have a running partner once a week -- T & I have run/walked a few times but called it off with scheduling conflicts... we are going to try Monday mornings and see how it goes. I really want to build up some stamina and maybe a little speed. I may always be sloooow but I am willing to try. T is getting married in January so this partnership is short-lived for now. That's okay, I hope with a few more miles under my feet I will get the confidence to meet up with the local running club. I know I am not the only 'turtle' out there :-)

My Next Race...

Well, looks like I am going to try another 5k in November — on the 17th is the Draggin’ Tail in Sunny Hills — Supposed to be pretty challenging. Actually, the main race is 18 miles — I am nowhere near ready for that many miles — I still find 5k tough enough. The weather in November can be pretty decent for running so I guess I will give it a shot.

Last night I had dinner with friends @ Beef O’Brady’s (wow, what a loud place during Monday night football!) One of the group is a runner — she & I could talk about it, but the others found it boring — oh well. Running is hard work and I like being able to share that with someone. I really need a running partner.

Happy birthday to me!

Well, I finished the run for the cure 5k and this time I ran more than I walked... I actually placed 3rd in my age group. I'm happy with this, this race thought me some important lessons --- Drink gatorade at the end of the race... listen to my body -- terrible stomach cramps through the second half of the race... so much pain! Tylenol at the end of a race and better stretching... I am so stiff right now.
All in all pretty decent way to celebrate my birthday! I have decided to keep going with it, try to run couple more 5k races and then next October go for the 10k! Should be a interesting path!

race postponed --- bummer!

Due to TD 10 Sundancer Adventure race was postponed to Oct 6... unfortunately, I am already booked to run 5k for Run for the Cure at PC marina. My registration has been moved over to 2008. I am looking @ Niceville Adventure Duathlon in November... if Sam is willing we do it as a team --- this race is different 1.5 mile orienteering section/ 5 mile bike /2 mile trail run. One of the challenges is to change a bike tire. Hmmm... could be fun. If Sam decides not to participate I will prob do it by myself. Livestrong!

6 days to go

Sundancer is now just under one week away now. I have been training, I missed yesterday but I will be on the bike this afternoon with a brief run afterwards. Sunset is a good time. Tomorrow I will take my bike in the morning and ride around the cove early a.m. I have appt after work so must drive the car. Tues and Thurs will be running mornings. No workout Friday. Hopefully, this plan will keep me together for the race Saturday. I just want to do well.

Sundancer is getting closer

Just over two weeks to go! Sundancer Adventure race in Santa Rosa Beach should be fun! I have signed up for the biathlon. Not a long race but should be challenging enough. The bike ride is off-road and the last half-mile of the run is on the beach! Training is tough to get in, I seem to be fighting a cold. Just have to keep pushing ahead.

Busy lately - no excuses

not too busy to post -- just forgot I guess.
We went on vacation couple weeks ago... I was great! Went to Point Clear, AL and stayed @ Grand Marriott resort. We biked, swam, kayaked, hobie-cat sailed, took a segway tour and even went horseback riding.... what a terrific vacation.

Another weekend is here

Well, this has been a Very VERY hot week, Temps have soared into 3 digits with the heat index almost every day. I was so tired this morning I did not ride my bike as I had planned.

Thunderstorms and Bike

don't mix too well. Yesterday as I prepared to leave work a crazy storm came up! Rain pouring horizontally, Thunder & Lighting generated a wild show. I decided to take up co-worker's offer and accept a ride home. Sure glad I did, the roads were flooded everywhere! Brought my bike home today in our van. I noticed this morning during my run/walk segment my feet hurt! I think I may need new shoes. I managed to keep going and finish out my workout but my feet have been tender thru-out the day. hmmm... I may be slow as molasses but I still need happy feet. :-)

Getting Stronger

This week has been very successful -- M/W/F worked the Run/Walk program. T/Th I commuted by bike to work and back... very hot Thursday - heat index 100+ on my route home. Very hard to pedal in such heat but I managed by drinking lots! of water. Took a longer route home to stay on the shaded streets as much as possible.

LiveStrong!

main street striders

This morning we are going downtown with the dogs for Main St. Striders walking club... after that we are shopping for new snorkeling gear, esp new masks. Hopefully, the weather will hold long enough for us to get in the water today.

Benign!

What a weird word... defined as "of a mild condition that does not threaten harm of life... having no significant effect" but so significant when you hear this word in person. What a relief!

Life is GREAT!

medical issues suck too

having to deal with doctors, nurses, and needles oh my!
pre-op today -- biopsy tuesday -- hopefully all goes well.

June is here!

This is the month Summer officially begins... along with hurricane season.
My ankle seems to be healed enough finally to get moving again. Hooray!
I have decided to go for it -- my goal is the Beach Blast 2 sprint triathlon Sept 22 in Mexico Beach, FL.

Sprained ankles suck too

Can you believe it? I got a sprained ankle missing a 2 inch step! I have not run in nearly 2 weeks now -- starting to get really squirrely. I hope to visit the gym tomorrow and try the treadmill to get back on track.

Survived the sunset 5k

Actually, I did ok... got a side stitch early -- had to walk it out then get moving again. I was not last but I was definitely not fast, either. But I did finish!!! Immediately after the race I had to start preparing for a trip to Washington, DC -- no rest for the weary. Now in DC for CIL 2007 conference (Computers In Libraries 2007). I know I can do better -- I need to commit myself more to training and training harder consistently. So much going on @ home & @ work my workouts are going to take an extra effort just to get going. Somehow I will find the determination to make it happen. LIVESTRONG!