I May Not Be Fast, But I'm a Runner (again)

Just a quick post here (I know, you've heard that before). But really, I mean it.

Thanks to everyone for their sympathy and advice regarding the hives. It wasn't too bad this time around, meaning, it didn't last very long. In the past, it has been much worse, and I think if I get some good pants, I'll be fine. Most of my runs are in the afternoon anyway, and I can always wait until a bit later in the day on Saturdays to run. This last time, I just wanted to do it before our breakfast get together. This upcoming Saturday, though, I need to figure out something.

I found out that at 7:00 a.m. they are doing a "practice" run of the Thanksgiving 5k. I thought it sounded fun to do a casual group run, and also see what the route is for the race (even though I have no time goals or pressure set). Maybe I'll just have to wear my thermals under my running pants (although hopefully I don't sweat in them, because I'll need them in the afternoon for the football game- more to come on that later, but yes, it's "The Big Game").

Anyway, my title refers to my run on Monday. I headed out just after 5:00 p.m. (which was later than I planned) in a short-sleeve technical tee, and long pants. It was around 50 degrees, but it was getting dark fast, and it was pretty cold for the first mile or two. At first I was wishing I had worn gloves, but once I warmed up, I was good, and I didn't have any pockets, so I would have had to keep the gloves on (or shove them in my pants or something). I was debating whether or not to do my 4-mile loop, or to cut it short and do 3.25. When I got to the point where I would turn and head around to loop back for the shorter run, I was feeling good, so I decided to just go for it, even though I knew it would be dark when I got home. I already knew what I was making for dinner, and figured it wouldn't be too time-consuming, so that helped, too.

Even though it was pretty cold, my lungs (and my legs) were doing good. After mile 2, I was actually able to maintain a faster pace, and also did some speed intervals (run to the next street corner, etc). I was also able to run up the hill (approx. 2.85 miles), although it was a slower pace (between 10:00 and 10:30). I'm certainly not in PR shape by any means, but it feels good to be out running, and to be able to go longer distances (longer than 3 miles).

Last night I had a decent workout on the elliptical, but I did not do any strength training or abs. I really need to get back into the habit. What did I do instead? I ate graham crackers with frosting while I watched the Biggest Loser (I did the elliptical before BL came on, so I watched the Ellen Degeneres Show- it was so hilarious! And I was able to see a new blogging buddy.) But today is a new day, and I'm really trying to improve my eating. Breakfast was oatmeal and a light string cheese. Lunch was leftover beef stroganoff (probably not so healthy), but I filled up on salad, some baby carrots and a couple of apple slices.

I'm helping my SIL study for the GRE after work, so I'm not sure when/if I'll do a run. Originally I was planning to do 5 miles (before she called me this afternoon), so I might do it depending on what time I get home, and if not, I'll hop on the elliptical again. Then again, the Hubs may want to use the elliptical, so maybe I'll be running in the dark- we'll see (yes, the Hubs is on an exercise kick lately! I'm so proud of him for making the effort to be healthier (not that he needs to lose weight, but I think the exercise will help his stress and fitness levels).

Okay, that's all for now. You were right- it ended up being a not very short post, but what do you expect from a "prolix pear"? LOL!