This and That

It was 80 degrees here today after 10 days of low 50s and rain/drizzle. The change in weather called for a run at the beach. There were lots of people on the boardwalk and the wind gusts (30mph) brought out the surfers. I haven't run down there since the marathon and it felt great, even with the wind. I need to remember the sunscreen since I am sitting here feeling the tingle of sun on my shoulders. I did remember my sunglasses and hat.

This is week 2 of running at least 28 miles per week and 3 days of lifting. My body has been so sore, but it is good to be back. I can already see the change in my shoulders and lats.

Friday, I participated in a fitness exam by the clinic that runs out of my gym. They scanned my feet, checked my posture and flexibility, checked my body fat, and measured my antioxidants, which is supposed to be indicative of my nutrition health. No surprises on my feet and no thanks for inserts. I have learned my lesson and will stick with Mizunos. My posture is not too bad, but my head comes a bit to forward, too much computer time. I know you think I flunked flexibility, but I didn't. Yoga has helped considerably. It is still not a strength and I am not even sure that I like it, but I am working on it and clearly, it is good for me. My body fat is the lowest it has been, but I still have a period, so no worries.

The antioxidant thing was interesting. Apparently, I scored higher than anyone they have ever scanned. The machine uses a blue laser to scan the fatty part of your hand to measure your carotenoids, which is an indicator of your overall antioxidant protection. I am still skeptical about the accuracy of such a test, but I won so who cares. Most people score about 1900. I scored 4300. See, red wine is good for you! Ok, so are fruits and vegetables.

I have decided not to run the half marathon I planned. I don't think I could run it without trying to race it and I was not enjoying the pressure I was feeling. I worked hard for the marathon and I need to back off for a bit and just enjoy my runs without thinking about a win. It is also $100 for us to run it and you know, that's a lot of money considering other things we could do. Thursday, I didn't feel like running, so I didn't! I would have never done that with a race coming up in a week.

To follow up on the marathon towing adventure, I spoke with one of the race directors. He was furious and promised to bring this up at the local business owners meetings and the local city council. He was so upset that so many runners were treated that way when so much effort (his and his wife's) is invested in drawing the traveling crowd. I hope the city is more runner/race friendly next year.

Speaking of the marathon, I got my awards. They did marble tiles with the name of the marathon, date, location, and placing around the edges with a shamrock in the middle. I have two. One for a first place finish in my age group, and one for a second place finish for our team. I use one as a coaster next to my computer. I like them. They are different, can be used in several ways, and don't scream "gag me with your marathon."

I am not sure that I will race again before we move in 2 months. I have done well. We did 4 hard years in Europe and wanted to take full advantage of the year of school. Pete really wanted me to have the chance to run and train hard; to see my potential. As moms and wives, especially Army wives, we rarely get this opportunity to focus on ourselves. I am also blessed to have a husband that is secure enough with himself that he is not bothered with the fact that his wife runs faster than him. Anyway, I have placed in every race I have run this year from the 10K, to the marathon. I really can't ask for more than that. I have some really big running goals for Texas, but they don't involve any personal success. We'll talk about that later.

E, you were on my mind all day. I ran hard for you and was thankful that I can.