Long Runs

I enjoy running by myself sometimes. It gives me a chance to catch up on the latest podcasts. I use the Stitcher app, which automatically downloads my podcasts as they are released. I listen to some political podcasts as well as my favorite NPR shows.

But I also enjoy the long runs Chris and I do together. Today we did 8.5 miles, which took almost an hour and a half. It was perfect weather. We spend much of the time bemoaning our educational system. But at least it gets it out of our systems before we are around the boys. They've heard quite enough of our attacks on certain administrative decisions. It also gives us a chance to catch up. It seems like the week speeds by so quickly we don't have time to stop, breathe, and talk.

This afternoon, after we had showered and eaten, we were driven to the library and Publix by BENJAMIN!!! He got his permit on his birthday on Tuesday, and has been eager to drive ever since. Chris does a much better job than I do - I am so nervous that I prefer to sit in the back.

Despite our busy schedule, I did get a fair amount of running in this week.

Monday - 3.0 miles
Tuesday - birthday, spent eating at the Chinese buffet (not my favorite place)
Wednesday - combat class, followed by 3 miles (not a good choice - exhausted afterwards)
Thursday - rest
Friday - 3 miles on our treadmill while watching Glee - I didn't realize it had started up again. What a pleasant surprise when I turned on the DVR
Saturday - 8.5 miles with Chris

Tomorrow we are getting up to do a shorter run, probably between 4 and 5 miles.

Weekly total - 17.5
Monthly total - 64.5
Yearly total - 64.5. I've now completed over 5% of my goal!

Rain + Migraine = no run!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I don't know how frequent migraine sufferers function. Yesterday we redid the living room. I mention this because we moved the piano and the piano music holder. The back of the piano was, of course, covered in dust, since it's been there for over 3 years. I also had to take all of my music off the shelf and put it back. I took this opportunity to go through the music and weed out. The music was also covered in dust. Unfortunately, I'm extremely allergic to dust, and later that night I developed a severe headache. I was in bed by 9:30, awake again throughout the night. I took migraine medicine at 4AM (it has caffeine so I can't take it before bed) and then again at 8. I'm just now feeling a little better and able to look at the computer.

When the alarm went off at 5:45, not only did I have a raging headache, but it was also raining outside. I promptly went back to bed. By 7:00, I was up eating, hoping that would help, and I made myself a big mug of caffenated tea. Chris went out on a run, but I skipped. At least I went out yesterday. I took two classes at the Y, and then came home and ran 3 miles. Since it is a 3 day weekend, I'm hoping we can get a long run in tomorrow morning to make up for today.

Weekly total so far: 11 miles
Monthly total: 47 miles

A weekend away

Welcome to my first attempt to blog from my phone. We'll see how it goes. I have been on a retreat all weekend without a computer.

On Thursday, I realized how important a concrete goal is. It was moms birthday, so we took her out to Mamma Mia's. we got home by 7:00, and I knew I was scheduled to run 5 miles. I didn't want to do it. Not at all. But I also knew that I was leaving for the retreat the next day and it would be impossible to run on Friday. So I dragged my butt to the Y and did a 5 mile speed work run. I can't say I love speedwork, but I suffered through it.

I was unable to run on Friday, but I got up early this morning to do a 4 mile easy run. The plan is to get up tomorrow to finish the week with 6 miles. I was hoping to run it with Chris in the afternoon, but when the forecast is 80 degrees, I had better set that alarm! N I will total up the week and year after tomorrow's run.

Double Workout

Wednesdays I always take Body Combat, and today was no different. I left before abs, though, so I could make up yesterday's run. I used the Y treadmill and ran 3 miles in 29:28. I love their treadmills - they are so smooth. All the treadmills have a TV attached, but I usually turn mine off and listen to my iPhone instead. My favorite app is Stitcher, which plays podcasts. Today I listened to Slate's Politico Podcast, which was very interesting.

I had a good morning, too. It was the first weigh in for my school's "biggest loser" contest. We had the option of weighing in before the holiday, and if we maintain or lose weight, we get part of the entry fee back. I was thrilled to weigh exactly the same - I know I had gained some over the holidays, but this resolution has help put me back on track.

Christmas pictures.

 I have no run scheduled today - instead I am heading over to the Y at 6:45 to take a Body Combat class. We also did some yardwork today, so I'm definintely getting my excercise in! So I'll take the time to upload some Christmas pictures. The first is of the family at church on Christmas Eve. Benjamin played trumpet and Alexander played his tuba for both services.

 After we opened our presents, we pulled up Skype so we could open presents from the Martin's. What a fun way to be "close" to family at this time of year.

 Hmmm... I wonder what is in my stocking?

 Christmas morning

 Our presents from Jeff

Duct tape!

Our steps were filled with stockings, including Mom's, Dad's, and Jeff's, who were all here for the holidays.