Before Easter

Next week it's going to be tough to get in a run due to the Easter rehearsals and performances. Today I cranked it up to 6 miles (seems sad to say that) and it felt good. I didn't even walk, even by the golf course. It was just one of those good runs where my brain was lost in thought most of the time. I seem to have lost my iPod case, which means my runs have been of the contemplative sort. Hopefully I can find it as we pick up stuff on the way to our move. I don't know if anyone sells stuff for that version any more. And as I sit here and type this I look up and see it falling off the back of the top shelf of the computer desk. Looks like I'm back in business. Talk about timing.

Spring Lull

Felt more like Fall or late Winter today. The temperature was in the 40s, and the sky was overcast with a little mist by the time I finished. I put on the stocking cap and knit gloves and stayed warm for the duration of 5 miles. I was thinking how weird it seems to be running such a "short" distance and feeling like it was a big deal. Makes me think I need to get back in race shape. Over the next few weeks (or months) we'll be selling our house and moving to Texas. Running outings are going to be at a premium and I need to make the best of each one. On the other hand, it will also be my outlet valve for stress. The outings need to be a priority.

Busy Saturday

Stayed up too late last night and slept late this morning. The quality of sleep was not good, which usually means a low-quality run. I knew if I was going to get in a run today it would have to be before I started working around the house. I ran 6 miles on a nice sunny morning that warmed up slowly. I walked a couple of times near the golf course because it seemed the right thing to do. Plenty of people out, including one guy on his bicycle wearing just a ridiculous outfit. It made my smile but I didn't laugh since I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

I stopped on the way out and back by a drainage area where I discovered some beavers had built quite a sizable dam. I'd seen the evidence previously of their presence from trees felled by their work along that stretch. I wonder if the landowner will let the dam stay since it backs up the creek into a nice big pool. I suppose we'll see how bad it gets when we experience a decent rain storm.

Misty

It rained yesterday and most of today, but by the time I got home from work it had mostly stopped with the exception of a little mist here and there. I missed my Tuesday run due to allergies, which pretty much knocked me for a loop for a couple of days. The rain took the pollen out of the air, and I was determined to get out for a run while I was in temporary remission. I ran 5 miles and felt pretty good afterward, although my right calf feels tight and has cramped a couple of times. No complaints, though. It was good to get out for a run.

Still Going

I thought it was going to be warmer this morning than it actually was. I stepped onto the deck in shorts and t-shirt, and it was cooooold. I checked the temperature online and found out it was 45 degrees. That would have seemed warm a month or so ago, but now it feels cold. I put on a long-sleeved technical shirt and kept the shorts. It still felt cool at times but not too bad. The wind was blowing from every direction, as usual, and I walked up the golf course hill. Sad that 6 miles seemed like a long run, but after the last several weeks I was glad to get it in and persevere. This was my first week in a long while where I was able to do all my strength and running. Even with all the stupid allergies.

Yes Again

Another gorgeous day, this one topping out at 76 degrees. I even had to get out the shorts after showering since it's already that warm. I ran 5 miles today, and felt pretty well. A couple of times it seemed to drag and my legs felt not-as-fresh, but other than those few moments I enjoyed it. Lots of people out running and walking, and four - count them, four - people riding bicycles on the sidewalk. Not my favorite thing.That's what the street is for. Anyway, I feel like I'm getting back into the swing of this running thing and look forward to Saturday's outing.

Yes

Today was darn near perfect for a run. Sunny, 70 degrees or so, and just a hint of a breeze. I would have run on a day like htis even if I had two broken legs. Fortunately that's not the case, and I got in a nice 4-miler. I felt no sign of wekness or swelling in my knee, which means my time off was apparently worth it. As any inhabitant of the Midwest U.S. knows, days as nice as this are few and far between. I enjoyed it appropriately.

Trying to Run

Twice this week I've tried to run. Tuesday I started on the treadmill, and very quickly it was apparent I had a problem with my right knee. After a couple of minutes I decided to stop since I didn't want to make it worse. It felt like my knee was weak, a weird feeling.

Today I tried again, except outside this time. It was a nice day, and I really wanted to get in at least 4 miles. Within the first 20 strides I felt the same pain. It went away after that for a short time, but after a quarter mile it reappeared. I felt like my knee was mildly swollen. I thought it would go away again but no dice. I turned around and once again cut the run short. This time I was really bummed since I wanted to run on a nice sunny, almost windless day. I will probably skip Saturday and try again next week. This is one of those times where the "injury" is nothing major, but the most prudent course of action is to keep from pressing so that I live to run again another day.