You could practically write a book about what happened to me...

Miles - 5.01
Pace - 7:54
January Total - 41.40
Neighborhoods - Poncey Highlands, VA Highlands, Morningside


I ran tonight.  Yea, it was boring.  I ran down a hill and up a hill.  Over and over.


Good news is that my hand is just fine after last night's altercation with the Toyota Tundra.  Maybe his accelerator was stuck.  


I can't wait for my long run this weekend so I can try out my new Gu Chomps and Gu Energy Gel.  I enjoyed two Fig Newtons before my run today. 


On my runs, I see so many people walking their pups.  It makes me smile but at the same time it makes me long to walk Gracie.  She did love her walks.  There was a young boy, probably 11 or 12, walking a powder puff on legs.  He needed as much training as the dog.  He didn't pull the dog's leash to him, so the little puff just stood there looking at me and I had to run into the street to keep from kicking the aforementioned puff.  I started to tell the boy to heel his dog, but you never know how kids will react today.  He might have yelled out that I was trying to mug him or something.  


Anyway, my title tonight was just for attention.  You really couldn't write a book about what happened to me tonight.


Peaceful Running!

Breaking in the new pumps!

Miles - 5.29
Pace - 8:09
January Total - 36.39
Neighborhoods - Poncey Highlands, Candler Park, L5P, Inman Park



I got new pair of pumps today and by pumps I mean Asics Gel 3010.  I also invested in Body Glide since my 11 miler on Saturday left me with chaffing on me bum (used British accent).  While I was at it, I got a few things of Gu to try out in anticipation of the goods offered at the marathon.  You can't have new pumps without new socks and of course who can pass up a sale item short sleeve shirt, blue of course.  My Frontrunners discount saved me $24.  


I had really planned to run last night, skip tonight and then run with Frontrunners tomorrow.  However, I chose to take a 2 hour nap instead.  I am glad I did because I had an awesome dream about Gracie.  In the dream I was in a ball gown, not sure why, and someone had left the door open.  I freaked, thinking that Gracie had gotten out.  I started calling her name as I ran through the house and I found her on the sofa.  I took off the ball gown, oddly enough I had on jeans underneath, and we cuddled on the sofa.  It was a great dream.  


I had a doctors appointment today, which is 3 weeks after surgery and he said I look great.  Doesn't want to see me for 4 months unless I blow a lid or something.  Fine by me!


Ok, we know what it means when I give someone the hand, well tonight I gave someone the hand, but it didn't work.  I am in the last mile or so of my run and I arrive at the corner of Elizabeth and Highland.  I stop at the 4 way to make sure everyone had stopped.  A black Toyota Tundra was approaching but I thought that he surely saw my white reflective vest and shiny new pumps.  He was slowing for the stop sign, but not looking at me.  I put out my black gloved hand and he smacked it with his bug deflector.  ASSHOLE!  I didn't curse him.  He was already cursed with fat.  I am pretty sure I cracked his bug deflector because it made an awful sound.  It stung my hand like a dozen yellow jackets.  I stopped for a second and gave him the cootie glare, then I kept running.  It must have really scared him because he didn't immediately pull away from the stop sign.  Or maybe he was trying to get my tag number so he could turn me in for cracking his bug shield.  Who knows!  I think my hand may be a little sore tomorrow but it doesn't hurt right now.  


Well, that's about it.  Maybe I will dream about my sweet poo poo head tonight.

12? Just not good enough!

Miles - 11.10
Pace - 8:15
January Total - 31.10
Neighborhoods - Poncey Highlands, Old 4th Ward, Inman Park, Midtown, GA Tech, Centennial Park, Downtown



Well, my goal was to run twelve, but I was just not good enough.  I only managed 11.1.  I could have run the extra mile, but I was freezing.  I am kicking myself for not doing it though.  But I was so close to home.  


I have a blister on the underside of my big toe.  Drats!  I plan to get new shoes on Tuesday to start breaking them in for the big day on Feb 21st.  Also, I need to decide which shorty shorts I am going to wear.  I think the average temps for that time of year are around 66ish for Jacksonville, so shorty shorts should fit the bill.  I also plan to try out some items that prevent chaffing in certain areas.  


Heath ran with me for about 7.5 of my 11.1 miles.  He did a great job.  I really wanted to slow my pace down and I think I did a good job today.  There are a lot of hills in long distance running in Atlanta and my marathon is supposed to be really flat.  So I should be able to pick up a few seconds at the actual event.  


On a sad note, Ian and I picked up Gracie's cremains (ashes) today.  I was surprised at what a small box it was and also how heavy they are.  They also did a paw print for me.  It has some of her hair in it.  So sweet!  Now the search is on for splendid urn to house her bits!


Peaceful Running!

Long time coming!

Miles - 4.72
Pace - 8:12
January Total - 14.72
Neighborhoods - Poncey Highlands, Old 4th Ward, Inman Park

Well, it's been a long time coming.  Today was my first run after two weeks away.  I had surgery on my eyes on Jan 5th and that left me disabled for 10 days.  Then on Friday I had to have my sweet little Gracie put to sleep.  I just haven't felt like running.

Today was a struggle.  Even leaving the house was a chore.  Coming home after Gracie's death is the hardest thing.  When I would finish running, she would always meet me at the door.  Sometimes she would get into the bathroom trash and leave bits of paper and trash all over.  I ran through the MLK celebrations and it was good to see so many people out celebrating and learning about MLK.  I stopped a little over half way and checked on Heath and Sam.  I was so out of breath when I got home.  I hate breaks in my training.

I am getting really nervous about the marathon.  I am only 33 days out and I am two weeks behind in training.  I think I may have to lower my finishing goal.  Right now all I can think about is Gracie though.  I miss her so much.  Ian and Bobo have been with me all weekend and that has been such a help, but my mind wasn't far from Gracie.

Also, my cousin's husband, Abb Henry, passed away this morning after a long struggle with cancer.  He will be greatly missed and was such a good man.  He was so devoted to his family.  So I will be making a trip to MS for his funeral.

Well, that's about it.  Not much humor in my run today.

Peaceful Running!

Charles

Who left the fridge open!

Miles - 10.0
Pace - 7:58
January Total - 10.0
Neighborhoods - Poncey Highlands, Old 4th Ward, GA Tech, Centennial Park, Downtown, Midtown, VA Highlands

James and I went on a great 10 miler today and all I can say is...damn it was cold.  The cold didn't bother me until we reached Peachtree downtown.  It was a like a wind tunnel in Siberia.  It just wouldn't stop.  I thought we had a pretty good pace considering the cold.  It was so cold that my water bottle cap froze.  Crazy!  James did a great job on his first ten miler.

Today was my last run until at least Friday.  Hopefully the doctor will let me run at that time.  Though I am not sure what his post op instructions will be.

Ok, off to bed.

Peaceful Running!