Sweaty Saturday

Holy moly it's so hot & humid! Ran outside early this morning to try to get a break from the heat, but it didn't help much. I know I will wish for this weather in January when I'm cussing the cold....but it's just almost too hot to run outside right now.

I really, really need to find some running friends who are at my pace or willing to slow it down for me - I don't like going it alone. Chit chatting is a great distraction for one, and it also keeps me going when I would probably walk if I'm alone. I felt like I wanted to try 6 today since earlier in the week I did 5 1/2. A little nervous since I haven't ran that distance since surgery, but I gotta try someday!

All went pretty well. I tried really hard to ignore the time and just enjoy being able to run again! I did have to walk just a tiny bit today - up a hill - just didn't seem like a good idea to push my knee on hill work. Not *quite* there yet.

Oh! I got a hydration belt! I know that sounded like I'm really excited about that - but the truth is I hate carrying anything with me on a run. But in this heat I really can't go more than a few miles without needing water. Felt a bit like a granny fanny pack, but hey, no more drinking from sprinklers!

This is what I got - it's pink - of course!
It's a Nathan hydration belt

I think I've decided on a fall race schedule :)

I'm going to run the Waddell & Reed 1/2 marathon in Kansas City, Oct 16. Then another 1/2 at the end of November - Gobbler Grind. I ran Gobbler last year, and as far as I'm concerned that race owes me a few minutes! During that race my knee starting hurting for the first time....came in 2 min slower than my first 1/2. Still happy with my time due to the hills and my knee hurting....but I really hope to improve my time this go around.

So! Two 1/2's this fall and maybe a local 10K this summer. My goal of a full marathon will have to wait until fall 2011 and that my friends will be Chicago! Oh I love Chicago.

Training for the fall 1/2 will start in July, I have a few more weeks to get ready. I can remember when I started training for my first 1/2 last year - I was just barely able to run 3 miles without walking. Since I logged 15 this week with 6 today, I think I should be in ok shape to start training next month. I'm SUPER excited to be training again! A schedule I can check off each day - ahhhhh. Love it.

The knee is holding up well! This week was a pretty big test - I ran M,W,Sa and did strength training Tu,Th, long(ish) run today and it seems to be fine!

:)