Running the Ramblin' Rose!

I haven't written in a while... and it all goes back to the same excuse as always: I am BUSY. It doesn't help that I got sick for a week and was unable to run, go to the gym, move... I worked from home, which consisted of several naps in between various doses of antibiotics/mucinex/tylenol/sore throat syrup and cough drops. Oh, and in that time, I still had to manage a golf tournament and go to class. I did have to skip out on a 5k last weekend though. It would have been my 9th for the year, but I woke up on Saturday and knew there was no way I was capable of running.

I had signed up for a 5-miler this weekend with a classmate, but my illness kept me from preparing. I haven't run 5-miles in who knows how long, I've done some 3-milers, and a couple 4, but not 5 in a long, long time. So today was a bit of a struggle, but I made it. Crossed the line in 48:03. Sprinting the last little bit and beating my friend (she was actually ahead of me for most of the race).

Usually after races longer than a 5k, I'm set on "never running anything that long again," but today, I came home looking for more races. I don't feel bad, even though it wasn't my best time, or effort, I am excited to run.

Today was my 9th race of the year, so I'm still on track for 12 races in 12 months. Signed up for #10 in November (the Color Run). Just have to find 2 more to do between now and December 31st and I'm all set. I've completed my first 8k this year, my first 4-miler and my first 5-miler. I'd like to do a 15k but it looks like most of those are in the midwest right now for some reason.

I'm motivated right now to be active. I joined 2 yoga studios... one because it's close to my house and one because they have really awesome classes. The one closest to my house doesn't offer "hot yoga" only warm, but it's still a good class. I've gotta get back in the swing of spinning and weights too. Worked out once this week and have had upper body pain for the rest of the week. Maybe I'm just getting old?

Running Summer into Fall

Holy Cow, it’s Fall! It’s Fall? Really? Already? Where did Summer go? I was definitely a busy bee this summer with work, consulting, two-summer grad school classes, two weddings for very special friends, several bachelorette parties and showers to accompany those weddings, baby showers for other friends, a new nephew, keeping up with my 12-in-12 plan for running races, and of course, my own summer travel + fun. Whew, now I remember where it went!

 

For my last week of Summer, I spent it with the best friends a girl could ask for celebrating one of the “maids” weddings. Lots of time was spent on hair, nails, make-up and of course, making sure the bride + groom had the best day of their lives. I even managed to run 9 miles in the time I was in Swansboro which was very satisfying. And.. the wedding… it was ah-ma-zing. Seriously,  it was better than perfect and I’m so happy that I got to be a part of the special day and share it with my incredible friends.

Then we went to the Outer Banks for a few extra days of R&R. Lots of driving but totally worth it once we arrived… this was the view for the week and my view on my morning runs. And me, running in Corolla. I’m pretty sure nothing beats an early morning run on the beach with a little mist blowing on you as you pound sand instead of pavement.

I had a few extra days off that I got to spend with my adorable nephew at a lake house that had an "endless" pool. So cool. And um, so adorable?
As we exited Summer, and entered Fall, we spent our first Fall weekend cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies. I’ve always said there’s no better college football atmosphere than Lane Stadium but on Monday night, there couldn’t have been a better (albeit slightly stressful at times) atmosphere ANYWHERE. The Hokies pulled off the “W” and I was one happy little girl.  

Now onto Fall classes, major changes at work and cooler running weather. What’s your favorite part of Fall?