8.16.09 Sunday long run
9 A.M., I set out for my 10 mile run. Decided to run from the house, to the lake, 2 trips around the lake and back home(see blog “possible solution for shin splint problem” for details of last run on this path). It was a hot and humid morning. The day before, Steve had taken me to a running shop that had just opened. He found it for me and thought I would like to go. I got some tips while there, like the need for a fuel belt and using blocks on the run (for energy boost). I was so thankful on this run that I had my fuel belt and the blocks. First mile was great. Guess who joined me for the next 4 miles? Yep, the white and black Jack Russell again. By the time I reached my second mile, I was soaked. Had to take the singlet off (from now on, hot/humid days = running bra only for top).
The lake was peaceful and quite. Only a few people fishing. My first lap was wonderful. Realized starting my second lap that I was running out of water already. I called Steve and he drove more water over to me. The heat was getting worse and the air was really thick. After my second lap around the lake, I was not sure how I was going to conquer the hills on the way home. I walked 3 of them. My legs just couldn’t make it up the hills after 7 miles and the heat. I made it back home (w/o the dog), exhausted, thirsty, but so proud that I pushed through the heat to continue my run. Next week, I am going to chose a different path with less hills for my 10 miles.
8.19.09 Gun shots????
Went to lake so Steve could walk Tikka while I ran. Plan: 2 laps around lake for a 4.5 mile run. Figured I would increase my speed on the first 2 miles and then slow the pace for the last 2. Got out of the car and heard gun shots. Not uncommon to hear in hunting season, but to my knowledge, nothing is in season. Put headphones on, crank up the music, no more shots heard by me!! Off I go. 8pm and it is still humid but much better than earlier in the day. The first 2 miles were great. My speed was increased and I was really enjoying my run. Had deer crossing the road in front of me; peaceful. Started my second pass and realized that it was getting dark fast. Instead of slowing, I kept the pace up trying to catch up with Steve on the other side of the lake. I ended up only running 3.8 miles and walked the rest with Steve and Tikka in the dark.
What were the gun shots you ask: a man training gun dogs on birds in the woods. The shots were blanks. Steve stopped and talked to the guy and got his number. We want to train Tikka on birds for Steve to hunt with her if he wants and also to take her to hunt tests and obtain hunt titles on her.
8.21.09 another short run
3 miles today after work. Ran in the sun, 80 degrees but lower humidity and slight breeze. Kept my pace up the entire run. Went in town and ran the streets of Zelienople. Great path with some hills/inclines and flat stretches. Nothing really interesting happened on the run other than a flashback of a previous incident on that same path. A month or so ago, I ran the same path as today. Slower pace due to not as trained as I am now. I was focused and had my music going. I see a lady, roughly in her 70 or 80’s walking toward me. I can tell that she is going to say something to me, so being polite, I take the headphones away from my ears. I am expecting sympathy or words of encouragement but what I heard, was neither. She said, “Don’t you think you need to be running a little faster”? Two words came to my mind immediately that I would not right in this post, would never have said to her because I would have been vulgar and rude, but certainly wanted to say the words. How dare her say that!! I am working as hard as I can. Instead I responded politely with, “I sure wish I could” and kept running. Today, when I reached that same spot, I chuckled to myself thinking of that incident and oh, if only she could see me now!!!
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