The Reptilian Run

Had I known how many critters I would see out on the path today, I may have opted to run for the animals. But I chose my old standby. I love doing for the animals, but it's hard not to feed people when it's lunchtime.

My running buddy was back today. We've both been busy at work, but we really strive to spend our Tuesdays running for a bit. Last week, I flaked and forgot my workout clothes, so we ended up walking during our lunch. So, this week, I was glad we could run together again. We did a great job! We seem to increase our distance just a little bit each time we run. It's awesome to see the progress.

On our run, we shared the path with a snake and a lizard. If our turtle friends had ventured up from the creek, our reptilian run would have been complete. But regardless of their absence, we ran on and managed 2.65 miles, which provided over five meals.

The Old, Familiar Path

Today, I hit the trail by myself. I wanted to get in my three miles, but I was ready to revisit the old path I used to take when I first started running over a year ago. I'll be honest; my nutrition has really sucked this week. For some reason, I can't get my health mojo back. I'm still exercising, but I know that I need to start watching my food intake soon, or I'm going to regret it.

I feel that my lack of restraint with food this week definitely shows in my run today. My time wasn't great, and overall, I just felt rather tired throughout the entire run. But I still got out there and did my three miles, which means that six meals are on their way to hungry folks.

Being Forgetful is not a Deterrent!

So, this morning, I packed my gym bag when I finally made it downstairs, but somewhere amidst putting on my shoes and making sure I had all the necessary baby things, I forgot to grab it on my way out the door. I blame it on the fact that I've started taking my work laptop home, and since I grabbed that bag on my way out, I guess I thought I had everything.

Since I didn't have any of my workout clothes, Sarah and I decided to just take a nice long walk at lunch. It was a lovely day for a walk. It was warm in the sun, so I did get a little perspirey, but it was a nice way to spend lunch. I do like my usual runs, but sometimes, you just have a take a pause to enjoy the day. And even though we didn't run, we still walked over 2.5 miles and managed to get over 6 vaccinations for some little furry companions.

A Grand Zoo Adventure

Today was a great day! We took our Tiny Dancer out to the zoo. It was her first time visiting the zoo, and while she spent a lot of her visit napping in her stroller, it was still a fun day. With all the walking we had to do from exhibit to exhibit, it's only fitting that we turn on Charity Miles to help benefit a noble cause. And since we were at the zoo, I thought it only fitting that the miles I walk help benefit the World Wildlife Fund. We walked over 4 miles and raised over $1 to help furries around the world.

Charity Miles, You're Drunk!

The weather was so yucky today. I really wanted to go running with my buddy on the Greenway, but we both knew that it wasn't going to be an outdoor run kind of day. So, it was time to reintroduce myself to Mr. Tread Mill. I wasn't looking forward to it. For one thing, the last time I did the treadmill and used my accelerometer, the results for Charity Miles weren't spectacular (click here). But I figured I would give it my all, and just hope for the best for Charity Miles.

I set my Charity Miles and decided to run intervals like I always do. I really wanted to get to 3 miles, and I wanted to do it in my 40-43 minute window, like I've been able to do on the Greenway. Man, that was a hard goal to achieve, but I did it. It's funny that I feel like it's a lot more effort running on the treadmill than on the Greenway when really it should be the same amount of work. I guess when you're worried about being slung off the back of a machine, it kicks up your performance even if the speed isn't any different.

After I finished my run and wiped down the machine, I was curious to see if the accelerometer had treated me better today. This time, it calculated too far, but what is really interesting is the time. There's no way I ran 3.8 miles in 16 minutes, Charity Miles. I'm not sure anyone could do that. It's time you had a little nap because you've obviously been hitting the sauce. But at least I was able to get 9.7 vaccines for some furry little critters.

The Turtle Trot

Today, I brought both pairs of shoes because I wasn't sure for which exercise I would opt. My running partner had said something about getting out on the trail today, but when I contacted her this morning, she said she couldn't make it. So, I pondered if I should run or spin. A busy morning at work decided for me as I missed the opportunity to go to the gym for spin. So, around 12:15, I hit the trail. I pushed myself much harder than I should have, but I really wanted to increase my last solo distance, even by just a little. I did it! I made it over three miles (barely).

On my cool-down walk back to my car, I saw a few little turtles in the creek, sunbathing on a rock. At first I just acknowledged them and continued walking. But then I started thinking that it would be great to get a shot of them for my collage. Two of them got camera shy and darted into the water before I could snap the photo, but I managed to get one of them still lazing in the sun.

Anyway, even though I pushed myself too hard, I still managed to feed six people during my lunch break. Charity Miles has been such a great motivator for my runs.

Go Away Bad Juju

I needed this run...badly. I'm having some difficulties with which I won't bore you, but I was ready to de-stress with a run. Unfortunately, I was ill prepared for my run. I forgot my hydration belt, an important article of running clothing and my gym towel. But I didn't care. I was determined to burn some stress. So, I yammered away with Sarah for our run, and by the end, I did feel better (for the moment). She helped me de-stress and get five meals for some hungry folks.