My running friend has been sick about a week and a half leaving me to run with only my own thoughts to entertain me. I've got a pretty active imagination, so while I'd rather run with her, I can think of enough wacky things to last a whole workout. My husband bought me a pair of AfterShokx headphones for Valentine's Day. They don't actually go into the ear so it's a safer option. You can hear what's going on around you and still listen to music or a podcast. I mainly wanted them for listening to podcasts while I walk Charlie, but I took them running this week. I tried an audio book yesterday and some running podcasts today since it was at least getting light by the time I headed out. Even with my ears open, I'm not comfortable with headphones in the dark. I need as many senses keeping me upright on the road as possible! Having the podcasts going really helped the miles fly by as I did a 10 mile run with four of those at a faster pace. One of these days, I'll share my favorite podcasts in case you are looking for something new to listen to on your commute or runs.
Yesterday, Stephanie and I had a long chat about our speed in 2018 compared to 2017. We both feel that our pace has slowed and our GPS watches confirm that thought. I'm not sure if it's age, poor winter weather, training, life or some other force that's pulling on our backs. I suggested gravity as an option since we seem to be having the same issue at the same time and are not exactly the same age--I think Stephanie might think I'm a little nutty! That conversation helped me on my run today. I set out expecting it to be slow. I ended up averaging 9:11 per mile over the 10 miles which I would have considered a fail in previous years, but I thought about it a while and concluded that if I can run my half marathon averaging only 2 seconds per mile faster, I will be at 2:00. Since four of the miles were at around 8:45-8:50 pace, maybe I could throw in a few more of those and average around 9:00 per mile. That would put me at the finish a couple of minutes ahead of 2:00--sounds like a fine run to me these days. Come summer...if it ever comes, I might be able to ramp up some of my training with nicer weather and more daylight. That may improve my paces, or maybe just make me feel strong to really sweat it out. Speaking of sweat...I may still be a stinker. Even my youngest who has been affectionally known at our house as "Momma's Little Stinker" caught a whiff after my run and suggested a shower. I guess those four faster miles cleaned out my pores and freshened my attitude. I'll just call it the smell of optimism! If you are into pessimism, let me show you some photos from this morning's run. It is April 7th and look at all the snow. The temp this morning was a balmy 11 degrees with a windchill of -2. Enough already! We are looking at 3-5 more inches of snow tomorrow into Monday but some warmer temps and rain toward the end of the week. Will we see dry land by Tax Day (April 15)? Happy running--Missee
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AuthorMissee and Stephanie are two Minnesota sisters and moms who love to run. We are not experts in running, parenting or anything else, but we do have years of experiences that may be helpful or entertaining to others. Archives
May 2020
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