The Whole Way

For some reason it felt like I hadn't run in weeks, even though it's only been since Tuesday. I laid around in bed for longer than I should have, but I figured it was going to be cloudy and humid all morning. Imagine my surprise at being correct.

I decided that today's run would be limited to 4 miles, and if I needed to walk I would. The difference between today and my last run was that there was a slight breeze. That made me realize I could go the shorter distance but without walking. My 10:30 or so pace was perfect, and I did indeed run the whole way, including the big hill. At one point I thought about going an extra mile but realized that might take me out of my ability to run without walking, so I settled for the four. Looks like the rain is moving out for at least the next week. I don't expect the humidity to go down much, but at least I won't have to worry about dodging storms.

A Good Half Run

This morning was my first time to run since last Tuesday's horrible run in Austin. I got up early, hoping to beat the sunshine. I did. But I didn't beat the humidity. Apparently it followed me north. I ran 2.5 miles with mostly no issues, but at the turn I walked and then three more times in the last half. Not one of my better runs, but man, that humidity just kills me. One thing I've learned over the years is to not push it if I don't need to, and today I didn't. Once again it was like being out in a sauna. With rain forecast for the next several days I have no idea when the humidity will decrease. At some point I guess the heat will take over and the rain will move away, but for now it's going to be tough going. Glad I'm not training for a race.

Even Humider

I ran Tuesday in Austin and that might be the humidest weather I've ever run in. About five steps into the run downtown I was ready to turn around. I made it through 4 miles, with plenty of walking and lots of sweating. Humidity usually kicks my butt, and this time was no different. Austin is one of my favorite places to run, but wow, that was brutal.

I was so worn out when I got back on Wednesday that when my alarm went off on Thursday morning I decided I needed the extra 1.5 hours of sleep as opposed to a run. I think it was a good choice.

Extra Humidity

I should have taken a towel with me on today's run. I was wiping sweat off my face and head from the beginning. We've had humidity the past few weeks, but this is by far the worst. I know right away I would be walking some, and I did so at mile 2 and 3, and then every half mile from that point. I kept my pace slow and easy. I wanted to go 7 miles but quickly downgraded to 6 miles once I realized the humidity level. It wasn't the best of runs, but at least I sweated a lot.

Probably the Last Afternoon Run for a While

I knew it would be raining this morning so I slept in til the usual 7:30 with a couple of taps on the snooze button. The rain moved off to the east and even though it remained cloudy I figured there was a chance to run in the afternoon. I went out at 3:30 and ran my 6 miles through the lovely humidity. Once again I ran without a break, including the big hill. This could be the start of a nice trend. Anyway, I was glad to run while the temperature was in the low 60s. I think the weather pattern is about to change and it will probably be a long time before I can run in the afternoon again.

Almost Raining

I got up early to run this morning, and it wasn't until I made it downstairs that I realized it was raining. Fortunately it wasn't too bad, and the weather map showed it was moving away. Even though I was strongly tempted to go back to bed for an hour, I went ahead and ran and I'm glad I did. Of course it was humid, but once again I ran the whole 6 miles without stopping. With my timing I missed the rush around the school, which was nice. I only saw three other people out on the path, two regulars and some other gal. Usually I see about four or five times as many people, but I guess they gave into that temptation and stayed in bed.

Saturday Six

Slept in on Saturday morning and then took the dogs for a walk before my run. I could tell it was a little humid, but not as bad as in weeks past. I did 6 miles and ran the whole way, even though a couple of times I felt like walking. Even ran up the big hill on Lake Forest. It's nice to be back home and running the usual paths.

Oakland Runs

Apparently one of the major pastimes in Oakland is graffiti. We're staying downtown and ran over to Lake Merritt, where we ran once around the lake and back. Plenty of nice building art along the way. Both Monday and today it was a 4.7 mile run, and not bad. Got up early both days, although in Central Time it wasn't as early as local. Lots of people out running and walking, great weather, and a little exercise. It was a good start to the day both times.

Sweaty Run

I went 8 miles today, the first five of which was good. The last three, not so much. It was very humid today, and I could tell early on I was sweating nicely. By the time I turned around at the midpoint I knew I would probably have to do some walking. The other problem was that on the return part of the route the breeze was at my back, which didn't help in cooling me off. By the time I was in the last mile and heading south into the breeze it felt really nice. All in all I probably walked over half a mile combined, but I figured that was fine since I live to run another day.

Another Nice Day

This morning was much like Tuesday, just a few degrees warmer, and humidity was low again. It was a nice 6-miler. Very few people out, which was somewhat surprising. I ran up the big hill again. I guess it's a little easier when the temperature cooperates. I'm enjoying these mild days while I can.

Tuesday Morning Run

Got up at 6:30 this morning and out the door by 6:45 for a 6-mile run. The temperature was in the 40s and nice and cool, still with a little humidity. It was a good time. My pace kept picking up and I finished at 59:30, which isn't too bad for as little running I've done lately. The sun is also coming up earlier and I'm going to have to start getting up earlier soon.

Family 5k

Saturday morning was great for a run - overcast, cool temperature, and hardly any wind. We all ran the Run Baby Run 2016 5k, and had a good time. I ran with The Wife and she did a great job walking even less than the week before. The kids ran on their own, and Daughter #3 actually got second place in her age group. We left before the awards, unfortunately, but she was still proud when she found out about it the next day at church. Speaking of which, we had a large contingent from Genesis, and they even announced it before the race.

It was a very well-organized event, with several tents for exhibitors, and some good snacks afterward, including a donut for yours truly. Several groups of kids were out with signs along the trail, which was pretty cool. The signs read like a 'best of' from other races I've been in. For me it wasn't the most strenuous of outings but it was good to have fun with the family. Looks like something we can do again next year.

Cool but Still Humid

This morning's run was almost too cool at the start, just as the sun was rising. A couple of miles into it the temperature leveled out in the 60s and the humidity rate stayed high. The coolness helped but I still sweated a lot because of the moisture in the air. 'Tis the rainy season and we pay for it with high humidity. I ran the whole 6 miles except for the big hill on the way back.

We picked up our packets last night for Saturday's 5k. At this point I think I'll run it for fun. I haven't had the opportunity as I wanted to for speed work. This Tuesday was The Boy's birthday, and between taking him out for breakfast and making dinner I just didn't have the time for a run. That leads me to the conclusion that I'll take it easy on Saturday instead of trying to run fast and causing myself an injury. I wouldn't do well in the humidity anyway. Maybe I can find another 5k in the near future where I can get in some better training.

Lunch Run

Today I did a little speed work and more walking than I intended. When I first woke up it looked rainy outside, but once I put in my contacts and walked downstairs it appeared I was mistaken. Even so, I waited until lunch time to run, by which time it was sunny and approaching the warmer range. I ran a two-mile warmup and then a mile at 8:50 pace. Then a walk. Then finished out the next mile and picked it up for another half-mile. Then a walk. Then a slower run. And another walk. Then more runing. And another walk up the hill. And finally a slow run to close it out.

Not my best outing, but I concentrated on the speed part of the 6 miles. Walking was necessary. Still unsure how the 5k will pan out in nine days, but at least I got in the work.

Is It Humid Out Here or Is It Just Me?

Went out this morning for my run since there was a possibility of rain later in the day, and as I expected it was plenty humid. I ran my 6 miles, and it went way better than Saturday's run. Miles 2-4 included a pickup, although I walked briefly at the turnaround. My pace got down to the 9:00 range, and a few times a little under that. For the most part it hovered between 9:15-9:35, though. I'm trying to get a little speedwork in before the 5k, but I'm also thinking the conditions might be this humid then, too. If that's the case my hopes for a fast race will go right out the window.

4 from 6

I set out this morning with the intent of running 6 miles nice and easy. From the start I felt out of whack, and in less than half a mile felt the humidity. By the time I reached the 1-mile mark I'd decided 4 miles would be enough. I walked at that point and a couple more times. I was right - 4 miles was definitely enough.

Lost in California

I spent the week in the Bay Area, which was not too bad. The food was good, and the weather mild but pleasant. I stayed in Redwood City, south of SF and north of Palo Alto. I went out for a 6-miler on Tuesday after work, which unfortunately turned into 8.5 miles.

Since I have the Garmin now to track my run I left my phone at the hotel. All was good along the first three miles, and I made the turn feeling strong. My pace was also excellent, around the 9:15 mark or so. As I headed south and then back to the west along my return route I came upon a sort of traffic jam: a guy running ahead of me who I'd been chasing for a quarter-mile or so, a couple walking a dog, and a lady who just kind of wandered. This was the point where I was supposed to bear right, but instead I got caught up in the mix and didn't pay attention to the street signs. By the time I recognized several blocks later that I was on the wrong street, I made another bad move. I turned left instead of right, thinking I'd stayed right at the previous miscue and my return route was still to the left. It wasn't.

I realized as I encountered some steep hills that I was way off track. This is the point where having my phone would have come in handy. I made some turns, did some walking, and after about 15 minutes or so finally found a street where I could see the bay. Now I knew which way to go. I made it back to the hotel as darkness was falling.

I also quickly decided this was going to be my long run for the week. And my only run while away from home. I still finished pretty strong but knew I didn't need to push it with another run. I enjoyed the scenery, but next time I think I'll take my phone.

7 on Saturday

I didn't know there was supposed to be any rain today, but indeed, I was sprinkled on a couple of times. Rather than an actual distance goal I planned to go my regular route plus a side trip up to the middle school where our 5k starts in a few weeks as well as going beyond the dog park to the circle turnaround. All of that added up to almost 7 miles, which I actually achieved in my cooldown walk. 

My new(ish) Garmin informed me I set personal records for both the 5k and 10k, neither of which were very impressive. I'm hoping to do quite a bit better in the 5k race on April 30th. I'm shooting for 8-minute miles, which might get me close to placing in my age group. The next several weeks will see an emphasis on speed work.

A Fall in Spring

This morning I got out early(ish) for my 6-miler run. It was a great morning, temperature in the low 50s with sunshine. Everything was going well until...the fall.

I was almost 2.5 miles in when one shoe caught in the shoelace loop of the other, and down I went. Fortunately I know how to fall, and I rolled and came back up pretty quickly. All I suffered was a scrape on my right knee and a left shoulder that's a little sore where I impacted, but other than that it could have been worse.

Naturally there was a lady walking toward me, and as I recovered and ran past her she asked if I was okay. I told her thank you and yes, and that I've done this several times before by catching my shoe in a loop. On the return route I saw her again and she wished me a nice day, while she stared at my shoes, no doubt to see how bad they were laced.

Just another day in the ongoing embarrassment I bring upon myself.

Back in the Game

Opening Day was yesterday with the follow-up today (and should be a national holiday, I believe), and I'm also back in the game running-wise. I got new shoes last week and hoped to get out earlier in the day, but work kept interfering. I finally made it out the door about 4:30 p.m. when the temperature was 80 degrees. A little warm for running, clear skies and sunshine, but not as bad as it'll be in a few months. I ran 5 miles and sweated a lot.

I was thinking about running a half in early May and an attempt at a PR, but I just don't have the time to train properly for it. On Saturday I thought a 5k or 10k would be a good idea, and I would have the chance to train for running a 5k fast. On Sunday at church a new friend gave me a card about a 5k/10k that will take place on my regular running trails on April 30th. Talk about perfect timing. I registered for it, and the whole family was interested as well, so they're going to be running with me. Looks to be fun before it gets really hot.