Nebraska!!

We are now in Nebraska, except farther, because I know that Heather has mileage to add!

Old Self

I feel it, the rhythm, as one foot strikes and the other strides forward. It's new, but faintly familiar, this rising and falling of my chest. It seems slow, slightly awkward cause its been so long. Yet every step revives my memory, my old self. It's freeing this thing called running, this thing called life. My body bares scars from the path behind me, but I run.

Running: 30 miles    Biking: 4.25     Walking: 2.75 (Mom: 2)

On the Calander

I began to track mileage on the calander the middle of January and it has really helped to keep me forcused and not forget my workouts. The last week of January I ran only 6.3 miles but was able to do better in February motivated in part by finding out where we were at on our trek across the USA and in part by the knowledge that my girls were coming home and we would be running together I hoped. The first week I put in 11 miles, then with them here I did 7 (3 biking), and this last week 14.4 not to mention the weather has been questionable.

Several of these runs were in the darkness of early morning and I loved it BUT I ran with Karissa when she was here and it was especially rewarding. I ran as she talked and jogged along side me and I was suddenly a young parent again with my 6th grade school daughter in her first year of cross-county training. We share many things with our children over the course of our lives but these times together will always be uniquely significant to me and hold sentimental sway over my heart. Glad you did your tempo training with out me...I love you!

Running: 35.7
Biking: 3

Habit

I have been trying to get back into this running thing. Especially, since Heather and I have signed up to do the Portland Half Marathon in October. I am so proud of Heather as she has been really following her running plan. My goal has been to get back into running 5-6 days a week averaging about 15-20 miles so that I have a good base. I made my "running week" Saturday through Wednesday so I can run outside Saturdays and Sundays. This last week I knew I would be staying late at work so I woke up at 4 am to go running Monday - Wednesday. It was not easy, but it was totally worth it. I am proud to say I met my goal of 15 miles this last week. I also found myself to have more energy through out the day on the mornings I got up to run before work. 

This morning I got up and went running at Bush Park. I have so many lovely memories there and I couldn't help but recall them . . . freshman year speed/tempo workouts, my lifetime best cross country race, warming up for track meets, off season workouts with my roommate, and just hanging out at the park with hall mates in college. The sky was blue, the sun was out, my body felt good, it was a good run. I love running with other people and wish I could have had another soul to run with, but even alone it was good. I am looking forward to some long miles and many more saturday runs. This half marathon is going down!

Running: 25.5