ShufflingSista

Happy Monday! I'm thrilled to start this week (believe it or not!) I finally feel like I can get back into a groove. (And shed those 3 holiday pounds!) My family was visiting for the holidays until this weekend.  So while some of you bloggers may have gotten back to real life Jan. 2nd, mine was still topsy turvy.  I had a GREAT visit w/ all my siblings and their families & my parents & grandmom.  But I'm suprising myself that I am somewhat of a scheduled person.  I am happy to get back on one.  I got lots of sleep last night, but didn't get the early run in.  I'll run this afternoon from 4:30-5:30.  I've already put in 5 miles in advance.  Hopefully I can come back and edit that to a little longer. We'll see!

UPDATE:

So I started the day feeling really good and have deteriorated! I was coughing a lot the past few days and today the doc told me I have an infection.  So I start antibiotics today.  I'm anxious to beat this thing and get back in the swing.  I've had good days & bad days, but bascially I've been sick since about Dec. 18th and I'm really ready to kick this thing! Still debating about my run today, I feel really cruddy at the moment.  But I think I'll put on my running shoes and head outside.  If I have to walk, so be it- but at least I'll give it a try!

Happy day! I got out of bed this morning! That is QUITE an accomplishment for me lately. I have had one seriously UNMOTIVATED and SICK winter!! I went to the 6am pump class at the gym.  It kicked my butt, but some parts of the class were actually enjoyable.  I have started to fulfill one of my New Yrs. resolutions and I have already gotten my workout for the day in, I feel great! No miles yet this week, but I know they'll come.  Plan to run w/ Heather tomorrow.  I'll get in 6 mi. tomorrow- hold me to it.

Beautiful day in St. George! Sunny & 50's (my guess).  Glad I made myself get outside to enjoy it for an hour.  Took me 1/2 the day to get my run in- but I did it! (Heather cancelled on me for the early morning run)Ran the neighborhood loop, very slow (10:04 av. pace).  Goal today was just to get in 6 miles.  I played a little game with myself "don't look at the Garmin".  This was cool 'cause it forced me to listen to my body.  Basically my body said its lazy when not under the clock- it also said its quads & calves are sore from the weight class.  I think it also said I didn't eat enough breakfast or lunch to give me good energy for the run.  Next time I'll watch the Garmin so I don't have to listen to my body complain so much! Oh- and let me clarify my 2 hr. nap that I filled in for today- I actually went to bed at 11pm last night and up at 5am to run w/ Heather.  She cancelled so it was back to bed until 7 for me (that was the 2 hr. nap...I know you were DYING to know)

2 questions for my smart bloggies:

1.  What do you do about water on runs over 6 miles? (or what is your personal limit - time or miles- when you feel you need water?) I thought about this because the water fountain that I stopped at 1/2 way through my run was turned off- so I was thirsty!

2.  What are some of your favorite YUMMY 200 calorie or under snacks? (I need to revise my late night binge patterns)

Happy Running!

My thoughts on Painter's 1/2.... I'm confident I could DO it.  But I've never ran a race where I haven't run the race distance in recent training. The longest I've run in the last month is 9-something.  I hate to go out and race when I'm not prepared.  BUT I think I may regret not taking the opportunity to run w/ you dear bloggies.  SO- should I go out and just treat it as a fun run? I'm afraid I'll sorely disappoint myself w/ my time.  Can I mentally tell myself its just a fun run and not get too bent out of shape when my time sucks? Tomorrow is the registration deadline for the reduced rate.  I will decide by tomorrow!

UUPDATE:

YOU GUYS ARE THE MOST SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS IN THE WORLD! Thanks so much for your encouragement! I'm gonna do it!!! I'm gonna run the half!! I'll register tomorrow! So who all will be there girls?! Michelle, Lybi?Marcie? Ruth? Amanda? Kim?Mik'L? I know I'm forgetting people... the more the merrier!

Sorry Michelle, didn't get my 1.5 hr. in.  BUT I did get out there for an hour.  6 miles, 9:43 average.  I forgot my IPOD- thought it would be grueling to run without it, but it was fine.  I kept my mind busy by throwing in a few strides.  I'm getting blisters?! Don't know what's that's all about? I definately need new shoes.  I'm thinking about getting some tomorrow and running long in them Saturday.  Am I crazy to attempt that? I usually wear Asics and they never give me blisters.  But current pair are Saucony's.  I thought I'd buy Asics again... So question:

Have any of you bought new shoes a week before a race? Did it work out for you?

Steve Hooper has offered to host the FRB Painter's pre-race party at his house! I think this would be a great alternative to Pasta Factory.  Check it out on the discussion forum.

Plan for today & tomorrow.. run easy this afternoon w/ Sara.  Run long tomorrow w/ Sole Sisters.

UPDATE:  Ran & walked 2.85 with Sara in evening.  Nice time- haven't ran with her since before the holidays so it was good catch up time.  Also it was fairly mellow- just what I wanted to stretch the legs and rest up before long run tomorrow.

12 miles w/ Buff, Heather & Tammy this morning.  I ran in my new shoes.  Steve hooked me up w/ Mizunos and some great socks.  It was scary running 12 in brand new shoes- but NO problems- it was great!  The run was tough for me today, esp. at the 6 mile mark.  Once I got to 7 miles I was OK for the rest of the run.  I just have a 6 mile block lately. At least I know to be mentally prepared for that Saturday.  Our average pace was 9:55, which seems kinda slow- but oh well.  At least I know I can run the distance for Painter's next Sat.  Hopefully I won't be too sore this week.  So far, so good!