Midwest Wind

I'm in Kansas right now visiting family, and yesterday a group of us decided to go to the park and walk or run as each saw fit. I ran with my sister for a couple of miles, with a few walks due to 30 mph winds with higher gusts. It was quite the day. Overall I went 4 miles with a level of effort that seemed higher. It was good to get out and sweat a little bit, though, so I can't complain too much. My back is feeling better. Now if I can just keep from eating and drinking too much this week.

Back Again

While working in the yard last weekend I tweaked my lower back, which while not the worst it's been was still very painful at times. All of Sunday and Monday I walked gingerly and re-tweaked it both days. On Tuesday it felt better and I got all dressed up to go for a run, but when I bent over to put on my shoes my back chose that moment to seize up again. Ugh. It wasn't until Thursday that I went a whole day without re-injuring it. I decided I wasn't going to chance it with a run, and therefore waited until today (Saturday). 

Today is a little more humid than recent days. I went 5 miles with several walks. I would say those were planned, but in reality I stayed out too late last night and also was very sensitive to not injuring my back again. It was good to get out and sweat, though. Here's hoping I can keep my back from any further complications.

Saturday in the Park

I've probably already used that title for a post, but over the course of all these years it was bound to happen. Yesterday was indeed Saturday, and a really nice day for a run. It was about 55 degrees, sunny, and a nice breeze to keep me cool. I went the usual 5 miles and felt good the whole way. Not as many people were out as I expected, but maybe it was just timing since I went later in the morning. Regardless, not only was it a good run but I also had smoked a really good brisket. The rest of the day was focused on relaxation, and all I can say about that is mission accomplished.

No Music

I walked out the front door and hit play on my iPod (yes, it's still around), and it immediately went dead. I hadn't charged it in too long, apparently. Which actually turned out to be good timing since then I just took it back inside instead of wearing it on my waistband for an hour. I considered taking my phone but decided to go without accompaniment today. It was refreshing. I ran my 5 miles and even though it was 80 degrees there was a nice breeze and I ended up walking only once after the fourth mile, and that for only about 45 seconds. Oh, and the big hill, too, but then I sprinted into the neighborhood and to the finish line. All in all a good workout with nothing but the sounds of nature. And cars. And people talking. And my shoes hitting the pavement. But other than that, nature.

Mostly Fine

Today was a little more humid than recent days, but it still turned out okay. I did another 5 miles, and walked at 3.5 for a minute or so. I think at that point I was probably running a little fast, and the wind was at my back instead of cooling me off. Other than that it was a pretty good run. I thought about waiting until tomorrow but decided today was just fine.

Average

Today's run was just average. Didn't feel great, didn't feel horrible, but managed to make it through the 5 miles without walking. It was another breezy day, overcast, with a temperature in the low 70s. Humidity and heat will be here before we know it, so I'm trying to run regularly and build up my foundation so I can get back to six-milers as a matter of course.

To Mexico and Back

Okay, so I didn't run to Mexico last week. And I didn't run while I was there. But I did walk on the beach every day and enjoyed some relaxation. The hotels were at 50% capacity and package deals were insanely cheap, too much to resist. Even though there was plenty of food, I didn't eat myself into a stupor. Now that I'm back it's time to bear down and get consistent with running again.

Today's weather was overcast and windy, but mild temperatures. I ran 5 miles, just like last Tuesday. It was a good run, with no walking other than the big hill. A good first outing to re-establish a good cadence again.

Inconsistency

With rain for several days and a trip to Oklahoma thrown in partway through the last week, my running has been quite inconsistent. At least today was really nice. The sun was out, temperature around 60 degrees. I went 5 miles with no walks other than the big hill. Probably due to fresh legs and not running in a week, but also a little surprising considering that I had a major allergy attack starting Sunday afternoon. Today was marginally better. We'll see if this little outing today causes it to flare up again.