tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59188022350808289522024-03-05T03:12:12.323-05:00My So-Called Running LifeRandom musings and experiences
from the roadBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-16440444987474463652009-05-13T08:58:00.003-04:002009-05-13T09:14:40.152-04:00Long time no blog...Well howdy! Yes, I realise it's been nearly 3 months since my last entry. Such is life... Some updates- I ran the 10K mentioned in the last post and had a blast. I did pretty well and enjoyed the course. I would do this race again next year in fact! I also had fun afterwards with friends. I will post a photo or two once I get home.<br /><br />Sadly, training was spotty up until the ING Half on March 29th. I did not do as well as I had hoped, but in the end I did enjoy the run/sights. It was windy and cool at the start (pre-dawn) and actually continued to get colder as we went along. That part was tough. By the end, I just wanted a big coat. It was chilly while waiting for my friend Stuart to finish the full, but we went quickly to Stats nearby for lunch and beer, so it was well worth the chillbumps!<br /><br />Since the race, I've been less-than-motivated to start training full time again. I have done a few shorter runs here and there, though. School and tutoring have just been way too busy to work in runs. However, this past Sunday, I finally got out for 3 miles on the Greenway. I did a few miles the weekend before as well. Monday, I was off school for a couple of doctor's appointments so I took advantage of the time to get another run in. The miles weren't pretty, but I got them done! This morning, I was up at 5:15 to do another 3 miles. It's been a while since I've done a pre-work, early morning run. I'm sitting at my desk at work now, trying to fight off a nap. Luckily today is field day, so I don't have any students in here! The weather this morning was just about perfect for running- upper 50s/lower 60s with a bit of wind and a bit of humidity. I can feel myself getting back into shape- going farther each time without my lungs wanting to explode. Hopefully by the weekend I will be able to do the 4 mile "long run" I've got planned for Sunday. Tomorrow is another pre-dawn 3 miler. I definitely predict a nap happening this afternoon once I get home from school!!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-25802362122459810392009-02-18T08:58:00.001-05:002009-02-18T09:12:37.398-05:00RecoveredAfter battling a sinus infection all last week, I finally was well enough to get in 2 longer runs this weekend. I was able to get in 7.4 miles last Sunday. This was my longest actual run in many months. It felt great in fact! Then Tuesday, despite waking up with a sinus headache, I went out for 4.5 miles. Thursday, I got in a 5k. Friday and Saturday I just felt too crappy, so I waited till Sunday. I was so happy to wake up infection-free. I got in 6.3 on Sunday (another good run!) and 7.5 on Monday. I wanted to go 8.5 but ran out of time (I was a few minutes late to work as it was). I took Tuesday off (obviously) and woke up early this morning to go out for 6. Unfortunately, the rain was coming down hard and in the dark, it would not be safe for me to be out there. It is looking like this will be thunderstorms by the afternoon, so likely no run after work either. <span style="font-style: italic;">Maybe</span> I can get them in tomorrow morning before work if it's not in the 20s like they said it might be. Cross your fingers it is warmer.<br /><br />I've been noticing a trend where I am really warming up the first mile, but then the rest of the run goes fine- breathing gets easier, legs just <span style="font-style: italic;">go</span>, and I'm enjoying it. I'm happy about that. Only a little over 5 weeks left till the race. I've got a<a href="http://www.charlesharrisrun.com/"> 10K</a> this Saturday, so hopefully that will go well enough!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-83529329848350201132009-02-07T10:32:00.003-05:002009-02-07T10:39:59.470-05:00Morning runners are friendlierOr at least so they seem! I lost count of how many nods, smiles, "mornin'"s, and half waves I got this morning from fellow runners (probably at least 15!) Oddly, that was quite encouraging. I got out on the Greenway this morning for an intended 5 mile run. It was probably about 8:45? After the initial 1/2 mile of lungs rebelling against me, I started to glide. It was a really nice run on a cold, sunny morning. In fact when the nike+ lady said "1 mile to go" at the 4 mile point I was kind of sad! If I didn't have to go to work this morning, I would have gone ahead and done tomorrow's 7 miles instead. It was nice to realize at that point that I had finished those 4 miles fairly effortlessly. (yea me!) I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run for sure. I was planning on enjoying the warm weather later in the day, but *might* be motivated to go out earlier..... It just goes to show I guess I am a morning runner as long as I can do them without getting up at dark o'clock.<br /><br />Oh, and I ended up going 5.5 instead of 5. :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-15167566848270421592009-02-01T21:52:00.003-05:002009-02-01T22:33:24.313-05:00Eek!Well, I got in a 6 mile run this afternoon in 60 degree sunny weather! That was a treat since it's about to become super cold again tomorrow. Yippee. This week will be challenging since it will just be freezing (literally) even after work. Blech. However, I definitely was able to appreciate today's weather! After today's run, I feel sure I will be able to do semi-well in the 10K in a few weeks.<br /><br />I've been planning ahead for the summer this weekend, too. I've found two races I want to do in London! This is going to be fun! The first one is a 10K on July 4th. The 4th happens to land on a Saturday, so that worked out well. I was kind of sad I wouldn't be able to do the <a href="http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/at02001.htm">Peachtree Road Race</a> again this summer, so it will be nice to still run something organized on the 4th. I'm thinking I'll have to wear some goofy red, white and blue! Heh. Here's the <a href="http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=48354">link</a>. I may end up doing another race this day, but I definitely want to run a 10K on the 4th.<br /><br />The other race I will definitely be doing this summer is the <a href="http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/Frameset/British10K2009.htm">London 10k</a>. In fact, since it seems to fill up pretty quickly, I went ahead and signed up today. No expectations except to have fun, since the course will be going by most of the cool places in London. I love it when plans start to come together. Now, I just need to look for something in Paris if I'm lucky!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-10757960596545008592009-01-26T09:40:00.003-05:002009-01-26T09:55:05.480-05:00Hills and more hillsWell, this morning I got up early early and did my longest ever pre-work morning run. I set out for 5 miles which I really needed to do yesterday, but just got too busy and eventually too tired to do. It was low 40s and fairly humid since it apparently is supposed to rain today. I started out down Old Milton/State Bridge. The first mile was ok and I could tell I was feeling pretty good, despite the early hour and weather. I continued to the half way mark (which was on the down side of a large hill way past the Shell station) and diligently turned around to make my way back up that hill. At this point, it was maybe the 4th hill I'd gone up? 5th? Sheesh. Somehow, my little legs carried me back up till I was rewarded with a nice downhill (then more up hill/down hill all the way till the final .5) As I got to that last .5 of the 5 miles, I was feeling pretty good still and happy with my hill climbing! So, I decided to go ahead and continue the run back to the apartment, instead of finishing at the corner as usual. This got me to 5.46 so I ran just a little longer to get to an even 5.5. If only I didn't have to go to work, I would have probably gone for 6.<br /><br />It seems that these early morning runs are good for me. I usually try to run late afternoon when I have the chance on weekends, but I find my energy is surprisingly high in the mornings, too. Of course, I'm sitting at my desk at work typing this at 9:45am and wishing I could just take a nap. I'm working at the running shop tonight, so it will be a long day ahead still. Oh well, at least I didn't compromise my run! I feel good about next month's 10K on Feb. 21st. Should be a nice race in fact.<br /><br />Here's the nike+ graph for this morning (though I'm not sure why it shows so hilly. My speed didn't vary that much and the original graph looks flatter! I think the small box skews the actual graph.):<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="Nike+ Runs" align="middle" width="198" height="145"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="FlashVars" value="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=mi&screenName=maccabeth&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1546183166&userID=817438188&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us"><embed src="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Nike+ Runs" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=mi&screenName=maccabeth&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1546183166&userID=817438188&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" width="198" height="145"></embed></object>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-49571037016609260782009-01-19T10:27:00.003-05:002009-01-19T10:59:59.501-05:00Running with FriendsA friend from Indiana was in town for the week for a business training class. Luckily, we were able to arrange to meet up a couple of times while she was here. The first night, we just had dinner since it was too late for a run (already dark). But we planned for a run on Friday afternoon. We headed to a nearby park that I knew of, but had never run in. Luckily there was a bit of a running trail, so we decided on 3 miles and started out. The trail was a bit convoluted with some false trails leading to dead ends. We did eventually get going the right way and had a nice, mildly hilly run! Here's the Nike+ graph for it. I have to say, this is one of the first times in my life I felt faster than someone! I don't run with others very often and it was quite odd to feel like I needed to slow down! I could have gone farther for sure.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="Nike+ Runs" align="middle" height="145" width="198"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="FlashVars" value="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=mi&screenName=maccabeth&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=2083037483&userID=817438188&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us"><embed src="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Nike+ Runs" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=mi&screenName=maccabeth&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=2083037483&userID=817438188&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="145" width="198"></embed></object><br /><br />You can see where we had to turn around after the first mile or so, due a dead end (led out to a regular road!)<br /><br />Here's a photo of us post run and post dinner in the lobby of her hotel: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3_CcrvUFOTNWZXbo2NgPSHmaht0RUq78OBP5nAQi9TxPYJlSYDISWLE9OZMV_j7hBg8Vxr2iYRmgOdeqKH6IN2MNJDZzKAx1Xwsc4cAH0QxO6F1fyyuLguL_HdRlrZeg4bwdEZ1eTdc/s1600-h/136+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3_CcrvUFOTNWZXbo2NgPSHmaht0RUq78OBP5nAQi9TxPYJlSYDISWLE9OZMV_j7hBg8Vxr2iYRmgOdeqKH6IN2MNJDZzKAx1Xwsc4cAH0QxO6F1fyyuLguL_HdRlrZeg4bwdEZ1eTdc/s400/136+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293032971742681730" /></a><br /><br />I had a few other good runs that week, as well. It's amazing what a little consistency can do. I'm trying to take advantage of any days I don't have to work 2 jobs to get in some afternoon runs when it's warmer. I will be doing some more pre-work freezing runs, though. It's just January, but I'm already looking forward to Spring!! We've still got many weeks of cold weather ahead, though. <br /><br />I ended up not running for a week due to crazy scheduling/extreme weather (sorry, 12*F is too cold for me and the asthma). I had a nice run on the Greenway yesterday, though. It was great to make it out to that trail. I know every turn so well, that it's very comfortable to run there, despite the weather. Plus, with all the other folks out riding bikes, walking, playing with their dogs or running, there's plenty of scenery to take in. I've got 5 miles on deck for today. It's cloudy and still cold, so I'm not sure where I'll run them. Maybe I'll go back out to the Greenway?Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-18525468529556968502009-01-04T23:07:00.003-05:002009-01-04T23:46:30.215-05:00ATC Resolution Run, January 1, 2009 and Marion,VA!Well, I knew I couldn't start the year off without having some sort of run on New Year's Day. A fellow runner friend suggested we meet up for the Atlanta Track Club's yearly Resolution Run and I figured it would be the best way to ensure I get out there on the first day of the year, no excuses. They offered a 5k and a 10k, which did turn out to be two loops of the 5k route. I haven't run an honest 6 miles in a loooooong time, so I went with the 5k. I had arrived way ahead of start time. I thought we were starting at noon, but it turned out that was the kids' 1 mile run. We weren't off till 12:20. In fact, we were all waiting around near the start and with little warning or fanfare, everyone just started running! We almost missed it!<br /><br />I'm pretty sure I started off a bit too fast, but the crowd pulled me along. I really wasn't out to prove anything (except that I could actually wake up on New Year's Day and run!) and aimed to keep a fairly even pace. The course was through an industrial office park near Town Center Mall in Kennesaw. It was cold-ish (mid 30s) but sunny. I pulled off the gloves after mile 1. Luckily, no issues with asthma. Here's the Nike+ graph of the run. You can see the hills pretty easily!<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="Nike+ Runs" align="middle" width="198" height="145"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="FlashVars" value="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=mi&screenName=maccabeth&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1613375499&userID=817438188&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us"><embed src="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/swf/scrapablewidget/rundetail.swf" quality="high" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Nike+ Runs" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" flashvars="type=individualRun&userDefaultUnit=mi&screenName=maccabeth&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY&id=1613375499&userID=817438188&region=us&language=en&locale=en_us" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" width="198" height="145"></embed></object><br /><br />Overall, I'm pretty happy with my final time- 33:11 or :12 (gun time was 33:14, I think). I haven't even run a formal 5k in a while. This was well worth the drive and the $5. Plus, I had a great time with some friends with a nice lunch afterwards. Here's the photo I posted on my 365 of Elizabeth, Heather and Charles at TGI Friday's post-race:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6hvv2tVZNp-LY5SpXsf_uOacmA_IeGjsGhDV89DOS2vGif8Tv63hky24VwjA5F0hatp99xOj6hRNEMYmfxNmHJ3Hm33NUTr-Tap3cfo9wvVWf_4ZUpb2gfVV7wHnIklp4CU2jHxqduk/s1600-h/day+128+ATC+Resolution+Run+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6hvv2tVZNp-LY5SpXsf_uOacmA_IeGjsGhDV89DOS2vGif8Tv63hky24VwjA5F0hatp99xOj6hRNEMYmfxNmHJ3Hm33NUTr-Tap3cfo9wvVWf_4ZUpb2gfVV7wHnIklp4CU2jHxqduk/s400/day+128+ATC+Resolution+Run+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287661892475869330" /></a><br /><br />And here's another photo Elizabeth took of Heather and me in the restaurant....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-HM1i9tXFCrh3DPV_BNIj1c3xIH1wT72PwdBeoavCjcO_7BiaAYVsfEQbNIFl8MY7KiEHh5O1eL1paz5Dym9lNNm3EW00XziRytSHIO7n_Y8zvggOZFQRbsni5uVGWvVpRQzSiLz0Og/s1600-h/ATC+resolution+run+with+heather.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-HM1i9tXFCrh3DPV_BNIj1c3xIH1wT72PwdBeoavCjcO_7BiaAYVsfEQbNIFl8MY7KiEHh5O1eL1paz5Dym9lNNm3EW00XziRytSHIO7n_Y8zvggOZFQRbsni5uVGWvVpRQzSiLz0Og/s400/ATC+resolution+run+with+heather.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287663045119367314" /></a><br /><br />All in all, it was a great start to the new year! I will definitely be doing this run again next year if I can!<br /><br />And, I've already had my second run of the year. Friday, Mandy and I headed up to Marion, VA to visit the brother, sister-in-law, and baby Willow. Saturday morning, I got up and did 3.5 around the small town of Marion. It's also a bit hilly there, but I enjoyed running in a different location. I have to note, though, that apparently NO ONE in the ENTIRE town runs! I noticed most everyone staring at me through their car windows as they drove by! It was a bit creepy at times (like the pervy guy in the back seat with his face pressed up against the side window!! No joke!!), but most of the time I just ignored them. I did get one friendly hello from a guy on his porch as I passed. Ah, the joys of small town life! Most I get around here in Alpharetta is a honk or two as they pass by! <br /><br />I did want to say, though, that with just a week and half of consistency, I already can tell a difference in my endurance. (yay!) Lungs are better and runs seem easier. Don't want to jinx anything, but I feel good! Looking forward to a nice run tomorrow after school in the warm winter weather.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-52798565298227744022008-12-29T15:59:00.003-05:002008-12-29T22:32:09.629-05:00Beautiful!Second run in the new shoes. Still some breaking in to do, but the pain (if that's the right word...) in my right foot along the outside was less. I think it will just take a few more runs to get used to the Superfeet inserts. I went 3 miles again. Asthma only got angry twice! Yay! It was windy as all get out, though, and my throat was getting dry which seems to irritate it. Hopefully tomorrow's run will be even better!<br /><br />Thursday, I've agreed to run the yearly <a href="http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/at01009.htm">Atlanta Track Club Resolution Run</a> with some friends. There are 5k and 10k options, but I think I'll go for the 5k. Knowing the track club, the 10K is probably a double loop. I hate those kinds of routes because you get to the finish line, yet are only half way there! Kind of discouraging, really. We'll get to go to lunch and catch up afterwards, too. I'm looking forward to it! 5k is definitely doable at the moment! Plus, it's a great way to start out the new year. I missed running on New Year's Day this year, and maybe that's why I didn't have such a great year, running-wise. Either way, I'll be starting out 2009 running! :)<br /><br />Oh, and I meant to add... Guess <a href="http://kensington365.blogspot.com/2008/10/day-50-of-365-no-i-promise-i-wont-wear.html">what</a> I finally got to wear for the first time today! Yay! It fit perfectly, too! Didn't ride up at all and wasn't too loose or long.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-73958769744049600252008-12-26T19:39:00.003-05:002008-12-26T20:03:56.419-05:00Hey! I put my new shoes on!After a week delay due to illness ($#%#!!!!!) I was able to get out today for 3 miles on the new shoes. I didn't want to push it for several reasons- new shoes (need to break in), cautious in case the knee pain thingy was still lingering, and because it'd been a while! My asthma was not happy with the strong head wind, either. I had to stop once to use the inhaler (yum!) and a couple of times in the first 2 miles to catch my breath (I hate the inhaler so I was resisting). By mile 3, I was feeling much better! The breathing was steady. I had turned around earlier than the planned 1.5 point (approximately 1.4?) just because I wasn't feeling it in mile 2. I was starting to think I'd been too ambitious! By the time I got back to the normal corner stopping point, my nike+ ipod lady announced "400 meters to go." *Sigh* Doesn't she know I can <span style="font-style: italic;">never </span>stop once I hear that? I <span style="font-style: italic;">have to </span>finish!!<br /><br />So, I ended up finishing the 3 miles after all, running right to my building to finish. I really could have gone farther by that point. I will save it for the run I hope to get in tomorrow before the thunder storms come in. It's going to be 70 degrees tomorrow! I can't let that pass me by.<br /><br />Best part? The new shoes (Mizuno Inspire 5s)! I also put in some blue Superfeet we got free through the running store. I figured I'd try them out with the new shoes to see how they treat me running. So far, they were fine. Supportive in the arch, but not annoying like most products can be. To be honest, they didn't feel much different than I'm used to with the custom orthotics. This is good since Superfeet are only about $20 vs. $300 for custom ones! I'll keep you posted as I put more miles on both the shoes and the superfeet.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-88774512074120673222008-12-19T23:11:00.003-05:002008-12-19T23:16:07.819-05:00Finally!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGANxCtaUDKNOJpZGndDiqClGQG0KjJbe4pIjUskpZVXjlBwRY1pSSeNxZlVTzPbtAm7xKqgsZ6yD_h5jftHZEB98wWBfHpxMZtW5KeJsTMXVVwZhKg7xX3hIjVvMnXfc0v4zsI56ewqw/s1600-h/day+115+003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGANxCtaUDKNOJpZGndDiqClGQG0KjJbe4pIjUskpZVXjlBwRY1pSSeNxZlVTzPbtAm7xKqgsZ6yD_h5jftHZEB98wWBfHpxMZtW5KeJsTMXVVwZhKg7xX3hIjVvMnXfc0v4zsI56ewqw/s400/day+115+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281720149474381426" border="0" /></a>I'm completely cross-posting this photo from my 365 blog. But here they are! Yea!! If only I weren't freaking sick. I really can't believe it. Stupid timing! I've got some new nike running capris to try out with them, too. As soon as my head stops sloshing and my nose dripping...Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-23288970288745067522008-12-16T22:25:00.002-05:002008-12-16T22:28:41.954-05:00Yippee!I got word today from my coworker at Fleet Feet that my shoes have come in at the Lawrenceville store! She is going to bring them over to our store tomorrow for me. Sadly, I can't even go pick them up till likely Friday. Stupid tutoring! Taking all my time after school. At least they have come in time for me to get a nice warm run in on Friday. It's forecast to be 70 degrees!!! Is it really December and just a week away from Christmas? Welcome to Georgia!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-71004688011306055172008-12-11T01:26:00.001-05:002008-12-11T01:27:35.022-05:00Still waiting on my new shoes...I hope they will be in tomorrow (likely). Will hit the pavement after work for 3 miles if so. :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-85463807862003225592008-12-07T22:15:00.000-05:002008-12-07T22:15:16.514-05:00Thanksgiving Atlanta Half Marathon, Nov. 27, 2008I will start this race report by saying, I probably should NOT have done this run! I did not train anywhere near the way I should have. In fact, I didn't even get a chance to run for about six weeks prior to the race. Oops! However, I'd paid for the damn thing! I debated a while about whether or not to even try running. As soon as I talked to a friend who was also doing this race (her first half, along with her husband), I figured, maybe I could do it. Couldn't hurt that badly right? I've run a half marathon before. So, I knew what I was getting into. Plus, I'm not *completely* out of shape (like if I'd not run in a year or something....) So, I figured I'd give it a go.<br /><br />So, I worked it out with my friends that since it's a point-to-point race, they would park their car at a friend's house at the finish and I would drive us in the morning to the start. Here are Beth C. and I before the start. Please keep in mind that approximately 60 minutes earlier, I was sleeping! Plus, it was below freezing. I know I look like total carp.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUlq6zRgWl3ejzIAUzOuG8YFjYBLKiCJRdWBXB3q8F77UVFTjzrdtZ8iH91LuADfpLvX8wPWE_NGcufBz_vnr0mV4_yRMcpHeuILOz4b-RIut7I2nTfMyR8xLwEzwHZ08zIgGY4a8wa0/s1600-h/ING+with+Beth+crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUlq6zRgWl3ejzIAUzOuG8YFjYBLKiCJRdWBXB3q8F77UVFTjzrdtZ8iH91LuADfpLvX8wPWE_NGcufBz_vnr0mV4_yRMcpHeuILOz4b-RIut7I2nTfMyR8xLwEzwHZ08zIgGY4a8wa0/s400/ING+with+Beth+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277218879436693810" border="0" /></a>We walked the half mile or so up to the start (along with Beth's husband). We squeezed into our numbers' corral and tried to keep warm! They started the race in two waves. Ours started at 7:12 or so. By this time, the sun had started to come up thankfully. Once we got to the starting line, I immediately lost sight of Beth and Ian. There were lots of people and I was just trying not to get stampeded. That was fine, since I knew they would be going a little faster than I was, and I wanted to just zone out a little and get into my groove.<br /><br />The first mile went ok. I had some asthma crap, which I took an inhaler puff for. In fact, the second mile was ok, as well. By the third mile, I had to start doing some walking. I was able to run a mile or so and walk a bit (a few minutes- not sure how far really). I tried to stop and stretch along the way, as well. I could feel my hips getting tight. By mile 7, my knees started aching. I knew this was my typical "shoes are completely shot" ache. Unfortunately, I still had 6 more miles to go! Due to this, I walked much more than I would have normally. My breathing, etc, was fine, but I wasn't going to injure myself to the point where I wouldn't be able to run for a while.<br /><br />There were lots and lots of hills in those final miles. Normally they wouldn't have been more than a challenge really, but I definitely was walking the hills.... I was happy to make the final turn and see the finish line! Of course, in the final minute, I was passed by the men's marathon winner. That was a bit depressing! Oh well, either way I was finishing!!! At that point, that was all I cared about. I made my way over to the food tent and then found Beth and Ian where we'd planned to meet. We walked over to the car and they drove me back to my car.<br /><br />Unfortunately, in all that, I didn't do my normal post-race stretching and could feel myself getting stiffer and stiffer as the minutes passed! By the time I had to walk up the stairs to my apartment, it was almost impossible! Coming back down them a couple of hours later to go spend Thanksgiving with my parents was also fun. I found that if I was moving, it wasn't as bad. Only after I'd been sitting a while did it get tough to stand again. This lasted through Saturday!<br /><br />I was able to get out for 2.75 miles on Sunday, though! At exactly 2.5 miles, the knees starting aching again. I finished up the last bit, but iced them when I got back home. I went out again on Tuesday. Same ache right at 2.5 miles (luckily that was the end of my run!!) I definitely know I need replacement shoes, so I haven't run since then, while waiting on them to show up at the running shop. Let's hope they are there tomorrow!!! If so, then my next run will be Tuesday. I have one hour of tutoring to do, but after that can run. Or I might run straight after work. I haven't told him that we can reschedule to 4:15 so I may take advantage of that to run in the warm sun. Might be able to pull it off.<br /><br />So, lesson learned? Proper training is a good thing, but that I'm not entirely incapable of getting though it if necessary! Next up is the Georgia ING half. That's March 29th, so I have plenty of time to train now. NO slacking!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-68930429718283669832008-10-20T23:36:00.003-04:002008-10-20T23:42:29.136-04:00So I signed up..And it wasn't even a drunk registration! I signed up for the Atlanta Half. It's on Thanksgiving day. Last year it poured rain (I heard it from inside my covers in my nice warm, dry bed!) I needed to do something to force me to commit a little more to my training (which has been total shit lately). I know that I'm stretched way too thin these days, but I need to keep this for myself. Plus if I want to have a decent race at what will be my Spring goal race (ING) in March, then I need to keep training.... I'll figure it out somehow. I usually do.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-41086447005747214282008-10-09T19:28:00.002-04:002008-10-09T19:44:17.544-04:00So things are just super...I'm so busy that even running early morning has gone out the window. I am so sick of this non-stop schedule, especially since it's mainly school stuff lately. Parents who just don't let up and want my full attention at every moment (despite having 120 students! Grf!) I was able to get 3 miles in Tuesday morning, though. Yesterday I was off of work for a doctor's appointment (and maybe a little <a href="http://kensington365.blogspot.com/2008/10/day-43-of-365-practice.html">Thrashers' practice action</a>!!) and planned on doing the 7 miles I didn't get in this weekend. Sadly, it was pouring rain when I woke up at 6:45 and didn't let up till last night. I was going going going all day, though, so that was my only opportunity. It was raining again this morning, as well!<br /><br />Plan for tomorrow is 5.5 after work. I have a teachers' workday/conference day, so I should be able to get away with leaving at 3:30 or so. I'm going to the Thrasher's season opening game tomorrow (vs. Caps! Woot!), but I think I will have time to get a run in, then shower quickly....<br /><br />Mandy wants me to do the Zooma Women's 5K with her in November. I was originally going to use that as my goal HM, but then the training just wasn't going like I'd hoped due to everything else going on this summer. Well, I looked at my current training schedule and I have a 13 miler scheduled that day... should I do my LR the day before and still run the 5k with her or should I run the HM and treat it like a LR? I don't have to decide right away, but I will be thinking about it as I see how training continues....Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-78666797526376292702008-09-30T20:33:00.003-04:002008-09-30T21:10:13.774-04:00Second daySo I got up early again today! Yea!! I was so tired and really dragged myself out of bed to get ready. I definitely have to build in an extra 20 minutes or so of wake up time once I'm up.<br /><br />I've started a routine of:<br /><ul><li>getting up<br /></li><li>taking my first inhaler dose<br /></li><li>getting something to drink<br /></li><li>taking the second inhaler dose<br /></li><li>playing on the computer (of course!)<br /></li><li>then getting coffee ready<br /></li><li>getting dressed<br /></li><li>taking the other inhaler doses<br /></li><li>more computer ;)</li><li>doing my hair routine of all those dang barrettes!</li><li>getting the ipod and hat</li><li>getting out the door</li></ul>I've been hooked on my London playlist since I've started running early mornings. I usually start with Paolo Nutini's "Rewind". I like that it's so early because I can sing aloud (quietly of course! Don't want to wake anyone) as I walk up to the street corner. It's such a perfect walk since it's just about 3 1/2 minutes long- just enough for a warm up song!<br /><br />It's a pain to get across the street with the short (5 seconds or so) light. Which is not enough to cross about 7 lanes. Today, I passed a couple of (girl) runners coming at me on the sidewalk in front of Publix just as I had started out. I didn't see anyone else (running at least) the entire time. It wasn't as humid as yesterday, but still a bit breezy. I was fighting some asthma today and stopped again at the top of the hill at Kroger (no gas lines today, though!)<br /><br />I only did the planned 3 miles (well a tad more just to get to the end of the sidewalk!) and I was glad. However, by the end, I felt I could have gone farther. Tomorrow, the plan calls for 4. They will be tricky to do before work (getting up about 15 mins earlier! Yikes! 4:45???) I think I will go straight on State Bridge and tackle that next hill! Will be a breeze going down, but the reverse leg will be extra fun. I've got the Maroon 5 concert tomorrow night, which means I will NOT be getting up early on Thursday to run! Just being realistic! :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-16618799676895034572008-09-29T21:41:00.004-04:002008-09-30T05:44:06.622-04:00I did itYea!! I got up this morning and ran! :) I did 3.25 humid miles. It was a bit breezy, and approximately 64 degrees. The run wasn't too bad. Had to stop at the top of the big hill past Kroger and then after I turned around at the halfway on Jones Bridge. <br /><br />I knew I'd be a bit huffy and puffy due to not running for two and a half weeks. However, it wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run. <br /><br />Just a small side note about something I saw this morning. The gas stations everywhere around here have been empty for weeks now. Sometimes stations will get a delivery and people just seem to turn up and wait in line for gas! It's really been unreal! Apparently the QuikTrip at the top of the hill next to Kroger on Jones Bridge/State Bridge was filled with a huge long queue down the street. Here's a shot of it this afternoon in the same way! On the left, you can see the sidewalk I run on in the mornings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvEoFlUdrsgnvOkTBJfj1l3wsmM20OhrO3XiNvIeVJmtAzp1g0dLIbAARYvgEsSUn474cysigWsyYL4RPYTrMZFv1ySNH92_5kcGFlGDtTd_Ka7LgP30sKUrdgYLpzssSGyB_CFSVqQk/s1600-h/day+34+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvEoFlUdrsgnvOkTBJfj1l3wsmM20OhrO3XiNvIeVJmtAzp1g0dLIbAARYvgEsSUn474cysigWsyYL4RPYTrMZFv1ySNH92_5kcGFlGDtTd_Ka7LgP30sKUrdgYLpzssSGyB_CFSVqQk/s320/day+34+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251631106683764002" /></a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-7569909335037982182008-09-27T22:54:00.002-04:002008-09-27T23:04:44.787-04:00AdjustingWell, it's been a while since I've updated here. I was pretty sick for over a week. Now that I'm well, I've started the new job at the running shop and more tutoring on the other days. It's a bit crazy, but it will all be worth it. Of course, what has been sacrificed?? Running. :( I needed to adjust to the new hours, etc, which I think I am finally doing. Now I need my motivation back- a nice kick in the ass actually!! I am ready mentally to go back out, so tomorrow I WILL run! No excuses. I am also going to start back with my early morning routine. I will have a few difficult days due to the concerts (will likely be quite knackered by Thursday afternoon!!) but I'll work it out. Something is better than nothing. I think the key is to rework my training schedule to align with my new training goal race! Silver Comet trail is out for sure!<br /><br />On a semi-related running note, I ran into my old friend Ruthie at the running shop today! I haven't seen her in at least 10 years! She is a teacher at Wesleyan and living in Duluth nearby! She has started running (this May!) and is training for her first marathon in November (Chicamauga). We exchanged phone numbers and are planning to run together soon! :) That was a nice surprise actually. <br /><br />Ok, so goals for this weekend: re-do the training schedule and to run tomorrow. Wish me luck.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-88735204885121251432008-09-12T09:46:00.002-04:002008-09-12T09:49:21.518-04:00Sick :(Well, after having to skip my run yesterday morning due to too much carp for school, I ended up skipping this morning's run, as well. Probably wouldn't have worked out anyway since it was pouring this morning (and dark!), but I started getting sick yesterday afternoon. I really hope this goes away quickly. All I really want to do is put my head down and sleep. I've heard that it's pretty much a 36 hour thing, so hopefully I will be better tomorrow and can get a run in (at least one!) this weekend.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-31102491910727144952008-09-10T22:04:00.002-04:002008-09-10T22:11:43.803-04:00Yea!I had a fantastic run this morning. I was dripping from the humidity yet again, but it went well. I wished I could have gone farther but I was out of time for the morning (despite getting up earlier!!) I did the Old Milton route to Jones Bridge Road. I've been having to walk at the very top of the hill (asthma, etc). However, today I was able to keep going. My brain was in overdrive, especially for the return portion. I hardly noticed I was going up the lesser hill going up towards Kimball Bridge in the 3rd mile. Was nice to just *go*. I will attempt to get up even earlier on Fri to get in 4-4.5 miles. This means at least 15 minutes earlier. I'll live.... ;)<br /><br />Unfortunately, I won't be able to run tomorrow morning, since grades are due at school and I need to go in early to finish them and also give a whole bunch of make up quizzes and a detention! I've got my interview at Fleet Feet in the afternoon! Crossing fingers that I get the job and that it pays well! Gotta start really building the London savings funds!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-7135699058704509442008-09-04T17:04:00.004-04:002008-09-04T17:25:15.628-04:00So it seems...I've been able to get back into my pre-school morning run routine (say that 3 times fast). I've run Monday (of course it was Labor Day so I had the day off already.. sorta doesn't count maybe?), Tuesday and Thursday mornings so far this week! I do plan on going again tomorrow morning. Yea!! I definitely think that setting the alarm a little earlier helped get me out sooner. Of course, I was still a few minutes late to school today. I'm doing my best. I ran along Old Milton this morning instead of around to Webb Bridge Rd. I had forgotten that I was running there on the dark mornings since there are street lamps along it. Only issue is crossing Kimball Bridge Rd. I never seem to catch the light right. I don't like having to stop during a run, but feel stupid running back and forth along the sidewalk waiting! <br /><br />This morning's run in particular was really nice! It was several degrees cooler than it has been lately (about 63-64 instead of upper 60s to mid 70s even!) and lower humidity. What a difference!!!! My breathing was good and my pace was comfortable. I think it's a combination of my recent consistency and the better weather. I am certainly looking forward to tomorrow's run now! :) Plus it's Friday! Woot!!<br /><br />So, goals for this month? <br />-Continue my early morning consistency (despite it getting lighter later and later...)<br />-Follow my training plan for the HM (Zooma here in Atlanta on Nov 16th)<br />-Not miss any of my long runs!<br />-Continue eating right to lose weight....<br />-increase my walking bits after the long runsBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-36444086795345865032008-08-20T16:17:00.003-04:002008-08-20T17:46:27.451-04:00So I lied (just a little)...I didn't run the 4 planned miles on Saturday morning. I slept in. And didn't even change out of my pj's all day while cleaning and watching movies and playing on the computer in general. I think it was what you could call a mental health day (even this early in the school year!) However, I did feel more energetic on Sunday and went out for what was supposed to be 5 miles in the afternoon. Um, yeah. It was way too hot and humid for any of that mess. I got about 2.25 (painfully mind- could hardly breathe with my stupid heat-aggravated asthma) then I turned around and walked back. I was already planning on walking 2 miles after the run (I'm doing that whenever I have the time), so that was fine. I was pissed I couldn't run farther, however.<br /><br />I wanted to run 3 miles Monday morning before work, but woke up all night long with a terrible headache and ended up sleeping in instead. Tuesday, I was finally able to get up and went 3 miles. It was 68 degrees or so and I was feeling fast again! Felt great! Today, I was up a little earlier and squeezed in an extra half mile. I wasn't quite as fast as yesterday, but it was about 72 degrees and much more humid. Plan is to run the next two mornings as well. I need to experiment with getting up about 30 minutes earlier, though, since I have been late to work the past two mornings (OOPS!) We'll see how this goes......Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-86342947600447829632008-08-15T21:56:00.002-04:002008-08-15T22:36:50.885-04:00Early morning run!So I finally got my butt out of bed this morning at 5:30- actually woke up at 5 before the alarm and just laid there waiting. Got out the door at 6:15 just as I'd planned. Oops. Something I hadn't considered- it was still dark! Well, I was going either way. Luckily I know every single inch of the sidewalk, so I actually was just fine. I was going "fast" for me (about 10:20-10:30). It felt great. It was 68 degrees and 75% humidity (which the weather guy said was "dry air"??!!!) but overall it wasn't bad considering the normal daytime temps for August and it can often be closer to 80s even in the morning. <br /><br />It was really nice to be out running. I'd missed it these past couple of weeks. Definitely beginning the schedule for the Silver Comet HM now. Feels good! :)<br /><br />Tomorrow morning: 4 miles!<br /><br />This weekend: Pt 3.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-47485361047315712422008-08-13T07:15:00.002-04:002008-08-13T07:19:12.324-04:00This is a great article!Just thought I'd share this link here: <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26143460/">Runners live longer, stay healthier.</a><br /><br />Very interesting overall! I especially like the last part that says<br /><br /><blockquote>The study also showed that people cannot use the risk of injury as an excuse not to run — the runners had fewer injuries of all kinds, including to their knees. </blockquote><br /><br />Good news!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918802235080828952.post-28194657982731063472008-08-10T09:27:00.007-04:002008-08-10T21:13:16.939-04:00Running through Europe, Part deux- Spain, Paris and Dublin[again- please note all this is for my own sake, which I guess that's the point of a blog anyway, eh?]<br />We (the students and I) spent about 2 days together in Italy, then they returned home from Milano the next morning. Unfortunately, the place we were staying at (up on top of a mountain basically, with no place to run) and the schedule (arriving late and leaving too early) did not allow for any runs. I spent another day in Milan on my own and left the next morning to Firenze. Firenze was <span style="font-style: italic;">marvelous</span> and has many many nice places for running (through the main squares and along the river around the bridges...) but they were a bit of a hike from my hotel room which was outside of town. I regret not at least trying to get a run in there- sunrise along the Arno river would have been amazing, I am sure. But- I will be returning next year (!) and will definitely make sure to stay closer to town and <span style="font-style: italic;">make the effort!</span><br /><br />Due to travel complications (long story ;) ) getting from Pisa to Barcelona, and then a late night "good bye party" for one of Johana's sister's friends (where I stayed in Barcelona) we did not get up in time for any running. Sadly, I didn't do much of anything while in Barcelona due to time restraints. The following day, we had half a morning in the city before I had to board a train for Alicante to see Elke.<br /><br />I had 3 very nice runs in Spain. The first one was from the teeny tiny town of Busot where Elke lives. We ran down the windy road that had no shoulder, intermittently dodging the huge delivery trucks that passed by! We went down for about a mile and a quarter when we stopped for a little stretching, then ran back up. I had to complete 3 miles minimum, so when we got back and it was only 2.75, I ran up and down the main (?!) street in Busot to make up the difference! I was surprised at how easy this run was compared to what I was expecting (I don't normally like hills!) and given the heat/sun.<br /><br />Later that day, we went to the shore where there is a very nice promenade. I immediately knew this is where I had to do my next run!! I was even able to convince Elke that we should run there together! So Saturday morning, we got up early and headed out to the beach promenade, bringing our bathing suits along as well so we could swim afterwards. We did approximately 3.5 miles. The sun was getting stronger and there was no shade so it was a very sweaty run!! Best part was the amazing breakfast we had at the seaside cafe! We were still in our running clothes, but luckily no one seemed to mind!<br /><br />I wanted to get at least one more run in by the shore, so I told Elke we had to go again. She wimped out this time, but I got in another run while she lounged along the water. I went for 4 miles. We slept in since we'd gone out to dinner late the night before, so it was already well past 10am by the time I started. The temperature must have been at least 80 degrees. It was a bit humid even. However, the view of the sea made up for all of that. I enjoyed looking at everything as I passed by- the cafes, people going to enjoy their day at the beach, cars randomly parked on the sidewalks... The best part was when I finally got back to the spot where Elke was and just taking off my shoes, ipod, hat, etc and running straight into the water! It felt so amazing at that point! I'm sure people were wondering what the heck I was doing but I didn't care a bit at that moment!! If only every hot run could end with running into the Mediterranean sea!!! <ph><br /><br />That night I took the train to Madrid (and sort of attempted to sleep in the airport) and took a 5:30 am flight to Paris. I was going to see Virginie!!! Due to the odd schedule, I obviously didn't get a run in that day (Monday), but I woke up nice and early and headed over to Les Tuileries. I got off at Hotel de Ville (it was direct from my youth hostel). I crossed the bridge walking to warm up and then started off. What a beautiful morning! Nice sun, low/no humidity and probably in the 60s. I ran to the park along the Seine, crossing back over to the north side (I can never remember which is right or left back since to me, you can't have left and right when the river flows east-west!!!) The park was full of other runners, people walking to work, workers cleaning and maintaining areas of the park, or just folks sitting on one of the benches scattered around the park. I have been wanting to run through Les Tuileries since Feb 2006 when I was there with my sister in the cold rain, watching all the runners (<span style="font-style: italic;">and runnin' runnin' and runnin' runnin' ;) </span>) I have several photos I took with the disposible camera that I haven't developed yet. Once I do, I will insert them here! :)<br /><br />The last part of this post is Dublin. I went to Dublin after just two days in Paris, since I had only come back to visit Virginie. I stayed with friends who I had met through Kick in Philly last November. When I told them I was coming to Europe the following summer, they invited me to come visit! Uh, ok! It was a great time, too. The first night I was there, we all went for a run along the river front (near where they lived in the dockland area). We ran along the river then crossed at a bridge that led to a famous sculpture in remembrance of the great famine. We also came across a replica of a Viking ship from centuries ago that had been made and then sailed to Dublin. We paused for a bit to watch the owners fiddling about with stuff on the boat, then continued on. We crossed back over at the far end of river (towards the sea) and wound our way through the canals and docks. We passed by U2's studios, as well! (AWESOME!!) Of course, I came back here the following night and ended up hanging out for four hours, listening to them do some recording while I was there!!!!! We finished up the run racing each other to the doors of their apartment. Liam won, though, despite my best efforts (he was already ahead of us and had a head start!!) Probably ended up with about 3 miles total. This was not really a training run, but more for the company of friends and to do a little sight-seeing. Hopefully next time, I will be able to stay longer and do some runs at the Phoenix Park, which is the largest park in a city in all of Europe! There's also Steven's Green. I didn't even have a chance to just visit either of these spots. It will all be there waiting for me next year, though! <br /><br />Next up.. Nottingham and London! :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14314859227215834274noreply@blogger.com0