2:30 Done

Done with the 2:30 long run! Many, Many THANKS to Jill who ran it with me at the ridiculous time of 11:00.

I started out feeling really good, especially considering we got back from ski vacation the night before. Normally, my first run after a vacation is not great - sluggish. I think it is because I am out of my routine and eating habits are less than ideal (not that they normally are). But today I felt really good. I think part of it was that I got to get out of the house for 2.5 hours and away from the kids (yes, I do love them, but after a week of vacation I am ready for some ALONE time) plus J could get caught up on laundry!

So, I felt in high spirits for about the first 50 minutes. The next 1:40 minutes was a struggle. It has been a long time where I have stopped to "take a break" with only 15 minutes to go. I am afraid this is one of my quirks that I am sure drives my running partners crazy. You would think I could push through it and just run those 15 minutes and get it done with, but sadistically I feel the need to walk. AND I even turn off my watch so is not like I letting myself not run those 15 minutes. Nope, I am just stretching out the pain and agony even longer!

So, we ran 15.68 and nice weather. No sun, but little wind and relatively warm. A lot of spring weather walkers were out and about.

A better day

Today was a much better day on the treadmill. I usually don't run two days in a row while on vacation, but I consider yesterday's 2 miles a non-run. A good attempt, but not enough to count as a run day.

So, today all went well except for a guy hogging the fan, but I managed pretty well without it. I went in with the attitude of running 45 minutes or 5 miles whatever came first. So it didn't matter how fast I did it, unless I was feeling inspired.

The first few steps were a good sign since I didn't experience the excruciatingly painful butt giggle. I just started out running and started increasing the pace as I felt good. Eventually I started to do 1 minute intervals and some variations of that. I won't got into the mind numbing details. The end result is I hit 5 miles at 43 minutes. I finished out the 45 minutes with about 5.25 miles and felt good.

I guess my body has adjusted to being 42.

Good Ones!

I found these Nike Running ads on one of my favorite running blogs -Runny is Funny. I had to share them....

All of us early morning Wisconsin (COLD!) runners can probably say that Nike got the idea for this ad from us since it has happened to us at one time or another...... Sadly, though they got the reality part of it wrong. Because we all know that it it was real, she would have icicles on her eye lashes and pony tails!



Now this is one that goes out to Mike. He always scoffs at us women when we talk about wanting to lose those infamous 5 lbs. Maybe this ad will put it in terms he will understand.



This one I know they got after watching me during the last 3 miles of the Twin Cities Marathon. And yes, I was talking out loud to no one but myself.

A different day

Well, remember when I said that I actually "enjoyed" running on the treadmill while in the Boat? Today was a different day.

I knew it wasn't going to be a good run when I looked in the mirror and said to J, Today is my first full day as 42 and I look it. Oh my. As I was walking toward the fitness center, I found myself thinking that I would rather not be doing this. And of course everything went wrong when I got there.

First, I have to say that I don't like the new set up in the gym. They got one big screen TV to replace 3, but the equipment didn't get moved back. So, unless you are on one of the two (very popular) elliptical machines right in front of it, you have to turn your head in at least a 45 degree angle to see it. Of course, then you can't hear it either. Naturally, the treadmills are at the ends of the row... the worst spots.

I got on one though. Got things moving when I realized that I was going to need a LOT more distraction than the 45+ degree TV viewing angle would provide. I then realized that I forgot to switch my iPod holder for the one with the belt clip. I made the mistake of putting the iPod on the machine. You know what happened. Within 30 seconds I hit the headphone cord and my iPod went flying. Luckily, it was unscathed. Then I realized I was HOT. I saw the treadmill on the far other end of the line of equipment was free and had a fan. So, I moved. Got situated again. Started listening to my audio book when I accidentally hit the chapter ahead button. UGH!!! So, I switched to podcasts. I had listened to ALL of them already. ARRGH.

On top of all of this my body was not happy. My first few steps I believe I let out a pretty audible groan as the jiggle of my butt was amazingly painful. So, I ran 2 miles. Pathetic. But I did it. Better than nothing. Plus, I have been downhill skiing on a BIG MOUNTAIN for 2 days. My legs have been getting quite a workout, so it is not like I have been slacking.

Plus - I am 42, I deserve a break today!

ALMOST an embarrassing moment

Luckily yesterday I managed to avoid a potentially very embarrassing moment......

On the slopes of Mt. Werner in Steamboat they have mesh type banner signs which warn you to slow down or not jump. They are usually placed where runs are merging. Well, this year I noticed that they had some new signs. One that caught my curiosity was W.H.O.A Partner - Slopewise. I figured that they must have some new partnership with the WHOA group, but couldn't figure out what WHOA stood for. I thought I would see some explanation of it somewhere on the map or in the Gondola building, but no such luck. I meant to ask a lift operator what it stood for - because you know me, I need know what is going on! - but I kept on forgetting. Later in the day I finally got it.... it wasn't W.H.O.A Partner, it was Whoa Partner! As in cowboy on his horse - Whoa Partner!!

I could only imagine the look of bewilderment that I would have seen on the lift operator's face as I asked what WHOA stood for. Jim assured me that it would have been in the top 10 for the stupidest question asked by a skier. Whew! Sometimes forgetfulness is a good thing!

We are looking forward to skiing today. 4" of new snow at mid mountain and 6" at the top.