Weekend Ramblings

The largest 25K road race in the US

I can't believe the 25K is 2 weeks away!

Where did the time go?  I remember when training officially began way back in January in the cold and snow.  Now we are into May and the race is almost here.  Last year at this time if you would have asked me if I was ready my reply would have been no.  This year I feel I am a stronger and more confident runner.  I am excited for this race as it will be my first since the Chicago Marathon.  Let's hope the weather cooperates for us.  May in Michigan can be kinda iffy.

I ran a 12 miler on Friday with my occasional running buddy (L) and another runner from our Saturday morning running group (B).  We met at B's house since she had a pretty 12 mile route planned for us out along the country roads.  The sun was shining and the temperature was 35 degrees.  Perfect!  We started off strong with the first few miles in the 9:30's.  That was a little fast for B as she tends to run 10's.  I knew we probably would not be able to run like L and I usually do because the pace was too fast for B, and that was fine with me.  My intention was just to have a nice run to get in 12 miles.

Around mile 6, B started having issues with her feet which caused her to stop several times in the next few miles.  I stopped with her, but L continued on with no hint of wanting to wait for B.  I figured I wouldn't want to be left behind if I was having a hard time so why should I leave her?  We all started together so why not encourage one another to the end?  By the time L looked back to see where we were, we were at least a mile behind.  She just continued on the route and was waiting for us at the end.  I was kind of disappointed in L's actions.  What do you think?  Our pace was 10:30 even with stopping and walking so it still wasn't all that bad.  Anyway, it was nice to get my long run done on Friday morning, especially since I had to work Saturday.

In other news, this was our driveway on Sunday at 9:30am

5 yards of mulch.....

and this was our driveway at 11:30am

and this is where it went

It is so nice to finally see flowers in my yard!!!

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.  Can't wait to read race recaps from this weekend.

Oh, one last thing....I ran a total of 109 miles in April!!  Woot....Woot.

• What is your next race?

• Is there proper etiquette when running with a partner, i.e. leave no man behind?

• What is the most you ran in a month?

A Public Service Announcement

Just a reminder....

On Saturday, April 30th, the DEA is sponsoring a drug take back day.  This is a chance to get rid of your unwanted medications SAFELY.

To find a collection site near you click HERE.

If there is not a collection site near you follow these federal guidelines put out by the Office of National Drug Control Policy :

Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.  For information on drugs that should be flushed visit the FDA website.

If a drug take‐back or collection program is not available near you:

1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers
2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash

Thank you for doing your part in helping to protect the environment and preventing diversion!

I feel good...said in a James Brown sort of way

16 miles.  Done!


I always get so nervous about long runs.  I think about them all Friday evening and wake up Saturday with dread upon my shoulders.  This morning was no different.  I had my pre-long run fuel (steel cut oats (and I didn't gag this time), string cheese and a glass of milk).  I made no less than 3 trips to the bathroom before I left my house.  I did some foam rolling and rolled the ol' hip on a tennis ball.  I contemplated wearing shorts today since it was going to be 54 degrees towards the end of the run.  I decided against it, and I was glad in my decision 'cuz it never warmed above 42.  I did however transform my running jacket into vest mode (the sleeves zip off).  I <3 this jacket/vest.  I also wore my visor today in case the sun came out (HA!), which we have not seen around here in a few days. :o(


I headed on over to our starting point for this week's route and did some warmup exercises.  I looked at the route that was planned for us.  I was glad to hear that water was set out for us at about every 3 miles!  Score.  I didn't have to bring any with me.  


The first 0.4 miles consisted of a 125 ft elevation gain.  Ugh.  Soon enough I settled in and caught stride with two other runners.  I chatted which is way out of the ordinary for me.  I am a pretty quite person in general but especially during running because I am so focused on breathing and not dying.  By mile 3 one of the runners had to stop to remove her jacket.  I felt like I should have stopped with her, but I knew if I did I'd have a hard time starting again.  


I stuck with the other guy until mile 6 when I got caught up waiting for a car to pass a busy road we were crossing (I wasn't interested in playing chicken today).  He then slowly gained speed and left me in the dust.


I was plodding along on my own when around mile 8 all of a sudden there were two dogs that came barreling towards me from a house I was passing.  Luckily, they stopped at the end of the property, but this is my biggest fear running --- getting bite by a dog.  It scared the crap out of me.  As a side note: there is a pitbull that lives 3 houses down from us that HAS bitten and lunged at walkers and runners in our neighborhood.  It was reported and was the dog taken away but  for some reason the owners got the dog back.  I never go by that house when I see that dog outside.  The owners are so irresponsible in my opinion.  How can you leave your dog outside knowing it has a past history of biting people?  Another side note:  I was running my last run before the Chicago Marathon last year.  I had an easy 3 miles planned around the my neighborhood.  It was 5am and I just hit the 3 mile mark.  I stopped and incidentally it was right at the house where this dog lives.  I saw the dog was outside (I had done numerous early morning runs around my neighborhood prior and had never seen it outside before at that time of day).  There was NO WAY I was taking any chances, so I slowly and quietly turned around and proceed to go the long way back to my house.  I had to run because I was supposed to meet someone at the gym in 30 minutes.  It added another 1.5 miles onto my run, but that was probably the fastest 1.5 miles I ever ran.  It was uphill, too!  Sorry to digress.


I said a little prayer and thanked God that those dogs let me be.  The rest of the run was pretty uneventful.  There were a few runners not part of our group that were out so that was fun to see.  There was a speedy girl that came behind me and zoomed in front of me.  She was so fast.  I wonder how far she was going.  The best part was the last 5 miles were ever so slightly downhill.  :o)


I haven't been using GU during my long runs but I did at miles 4 and 8 this time.  I intended on doing it at mile 12 as well but forgot.  Perhaps that is why I had a tough last 2 miles?  


Overall I finished 16 miles in 2:38.  I didn't walk at all and only stopped to get a few drinks along the way.  


On my way home I stopped at Starbucks and bought one of these as a recovery drink.  Yum.

Orange Mango Smoothie

Total miles for this week = 31!  

• I have noticed that my hamstrings and calves cramp on long runs after I stop.  This is new to me.  Any ideas?  
• I am thinking I want to start carrying some dog repellent.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Good idea?  Bad idea?
• Do you use GU or something else?  How often do you use it?
• Do you make your bed every day?