Getting Lost

In spite of leaving plenty early, I'm finding it difficult to make it to running spots on time. Why you ask? Well, each of these runs have been in a new spot and my Google map directions slightly switch the ending address to the point that I arrive at a different and undesirable location. Saturday I ended up in the middle of an industrial park instead of St. Peter's city hall. Yesterday Josh and I ended up at  Creve Couer park instead of the JCC. He had the patience of a Saint- and thanks to Brandi for getting us on the right track!

So how do these detours affect me? Well I'm coming to realize I have a 6th sense for the wrong direction. It doesn't mean I know where to go to make it right, but I do have a gut feeling when I'm going the wrong way. Feeling lost gives me an upset stomach and I feel frazzled starting my runs. The good news is that pent up energy is quickly released and I settle in to the run.

Saturday I ran 14. This was a pretty good run in spite of the humidity and warm temps. Luckily I think I've survived the crazy hot summer temps and now we're on to cooler mornings. I'm going to have to re-evaluate my wardrobe. It was only 54 degrees as I prepared to head out on another run this morning. That is about 30 degrees cooler than I'm used to.

My legs and body were not as tired after the 14 mile run but the day's schedule of events made it difficult to stay properly hydrated and nourished. That left me tired and sore the next day. I think I've made a decision that I'll have to be selfish and make this month about me. As much as I would love to have a social life and partake in an adult beverage or two, I also value my rest and proper nutrition/hydration. So if I don't return phone calls or respond to e-mails in a timely manner, I'm sorry. It's nothing personal. I'm just tired and worn out. For example, tonight I took a 45 minute nap after dinner. I had every intention of walking the dog, but I decided to just sit and relax instead.

To celebrate the Labor Day weekend, Josh and I ran in the JCC 10K race. We almost missed the race, remember we ended up at the park, but the wonderful ladies at registration made an exception for us since I mentioned we got lost ;). We walked up to the race pack right as they were saying "Runners take your mark". That was one hilly course. I heard it was tough and they weren't kidding. At one point I was side-by-side with a very funny gentleman; he was probably in his 70s. I quote: "The last mile is a b****. I think I'll catch the next bus that comes by." Hilarious. But he wasn't kidding. That last hill was a doozy but then again I do love hills. In spite of the hills I ran super duper fast. Could I have run faster? Sure. But I'm there to just enjoy the scenery. And let's be honest, I'm not fast compared to Josh's 7:30 min./mile. Then again my legs are like 12 inches shorter. Even though I'm at a height disadvantage, I did run an impressive ~9:00 min./mile. Now I don't think this will be the case for 26 miles but it does show that I'm faster than I was a year ago :)

Tomorrow I'll update you on the fundraising efforts.

Until then, enjoy the lovely weather and take it easy. At least that's what I'll be doing :)