"Welcome Home"

It has been 12 days since my last run.  Twelve days doesn't seem like a long time when you say it, "12 days", but it has seemed like an eternity to me.  My running magazine says it's OK to take a break from running once in a while, and is actually good for you every now and then, your body needs rest, but what my body needs isn't always good for the mind.  Running clears my head like no other activity could; it releases my tension, my frustrations, and generally energizes me. But in between the sick kids, the appointments, the STUPID snow storms, there was literally no time for running.  My 5-K is in one week, and I'm a bit nervous to try this short length. Sure, it's supposed to be non-competitive, but I want to see how fast I can run it.

Anyway, I went to the Y this morning, stepped on my favorite treadmill, #11, and picked up right where I left off. It was an immediate relief, I think I actually felt a weight being lifted off me.  "Welcome Home", said #11.

Frigid 5-K

Here's one more thing I've fallen behind on, blogging. Maybe that should be my New Year's Resolution, to keep up with everything. Oh wait, I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions, they just set you up for failure, and who likes to fail? I'd rather set some goals instead.  Here is a running goal: run the entire year injury-free. Sounds easy, right? Not exactly. I'm pretty clumsy. Add that to the fact that I want to do some pretty major runs/races this year.  I've amped up my mileage since the last time I've blogged.  My daily runs are 7 miles with one weekly run of 8, 9, or 10 miles.  The day after my long run I do the elliptical, my "easy" work-out, except I do 8 miles on the elliptical at resistance 8. I've never been in better shape, so my goal of running the year injury-free is a good one to have. Another running goal: run in at least one half-marathon this year and and do at least one fun run a month (starting in March).  I'm registered for a Frigid 5-K March 5th. My first ever 5-K. I've never done a 5-K because I like distance running, and a 5-k is only 3.1 miles, so I'm challenging myself to see how fast I can run it. My goal is to run it in 24 minutes.  As long as there's no ice, snow, or 40 mph wind, I think I can do it. Ugh, I can't wait to run outside again. Don't get me wrong, treadmills are great, but I'm sick of all the weirdos that run next to me, pumping their arms like they're Rocky, or smelly gym rats who have worn the same pair of gym shorts every day that week.  Then you have the heavy steppers, who pound so loud while running I have to turn up my music to max so I don't mess up my own cadence and fall off the treadmill. One man tried reading a book while running, one lady was talking on her cell phone while running. If any of you have done these very things, I apologize for making fun, but you can see why I can't wait to break free from the indoors and run outside again.  I'm like a caged animal, the treadmill is my hamster wheel, I can see the outdoors, but I just keep going nowhere, around and around again. Winter sucks.

Dear Groundhog,
Thank you for not seeing your shadow today, which means we'll have an early spring. Apparently you haven't seen the size of our snowbanks around here. They are taller than me at the end of our driveway, so we will be lucky to have spring by June...but thanks anyway.