Distance: 6 miles
Start time: 8:09 am
Run Duration: 68 minutes
Average Pace: 11.3 minutes/mile
Temperature: 62 degrees
Humidity: 92%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I feel like I loafed it this morning. I wasn't exactly hustling as I made my way through my miles but as I give it more thought, I'm right where I should be. This is the pace I want to run for the half marathon. I'm on track. This is good.
My training schedule says I should run a 5K race next weekend. I thought I'd be bumping up to 7 miles, but that's not until the next week. Guess I'll go find a race. Or I'll just run 3.1 as fast as I can.
I am so grateful for these last 5 days off work. I needed it. I was so homesick, though. The holiday was wonderful with my friends but I miss my family incredibly. I'm happy that I was able to talk with them. It's just not the same. I'm packing up all my things, getting ready for this move. I think coming across a photo here, a trinket there is not helping my mood. I should probably get out of this apartment for a little while this afternoon and go for a change of scenery. I'm thinking of buying a running belt to hold my keys while I run. Maybe that will take up an hour or so.
Have a great week, readers. Hopefully all the leftovers have been eaten or otherwise disposed of. Anyone want to run a race with me next weekend?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Does Your Wife Know You're Here?
Another etiquette post? Isn't that a bit much? Might I be hitting the rules thing with more vigor than is considered comfortable in polite company? Ah, I do apologize for my enthusiasm around this topic, but it's on my mind.
My training schedule called for forty minutes of crosstraining. What better than dancing? I met my friend for dinner (yes, I had the grilled fish and veggies) and an adult beverage (no, I'm not a saint) and we made our way to our favorite dancing spot.
Upon paying the cover charge and entering the room, we were pleased to hear the band playing Motown. That meant we'd spend more time on the dance floor than in our chairs. Last week the band was not good and certainly not playing anything much worth dancing to. We situated ourselves at a table, left our wraps to claim our spots and began to enjoy the evening.
When the two of us (both female) go out together, we may dance with each other, we may dance with a man or two, but mostly we're just out to dance. It's fun, we like the music and we enjoy the exercise. Most of the time it's just a nice, care-free, evening. Sometimes, there are drunks who get a little pushy. We deal with that, like ladies. This isn't what I'm writing about this morning.
We'd been dancing for about a half hour and decided to take a break, having just returned to our seats, when I noticed many people around us looking toward the other side of the room. That's never a good thing in a bar. Yeah, a woman was on the floor. She wasn't getting up. I told my friend I'd see what was going on and I walked over to the small circle of security guards and club management that was surrounding her. The woman was conscious and moving by then. I ascertained from the manager that EMS had been called (she apparently hadn't even started drinking yet, so she certainly needed to be checked out). I let him know that I was medically trained and available if he needed me and I backed away, back to my chair. I watched from that distance as she was walked out of the club. I didn't give it much more thought.
More dancing, another drink. It was time for a Ladies' Room break. As I walked toward the door, a man reached out and touched my elbow. "Are you medical?"
I stopped to answer his question. I told him I was, so was he. He'd noticed me checking out the situation earlier. He's a radiologist and as luck would have it quite attractive, near my age and charming. We talked for a few minutes. He paid me a compliment on my willingness to help a stranger earlier and asked if I would help him if he developed symptoms right then. "If I fell down right now, would you come to my aid?" I told him I probably would, but I know I flirty line when I hear one. He laughed and said that would be one way to get a kiss from such a pretty woman. Wow, this guy was pouring it on thick, but...he was attractive...we had something in common...
I still needed to get to the loo. I reached out my right hand, introduced myself and told him it was nice to meet him. Then I reached for his left hand. I knew it. Gold wedding band. You know...I just turned and walked away.
His attractiveness level plummeted from about an eight to a minus four. You can't come back from a minus four. It's just plain rude to flirt so blatantly when you're married. It's not rude to the target of your flirtation. It's rude to your wife. Someone should teach that somewhere. Manners matter.
My training schedule called for forty minutes of crosstraining. What better than dancing? I met my friend for dinner (yes, I had the grilled fish and veggies) and an adult beverage (no, I'm not a saint) and we made our way to our favorite dancing spot.
Upon paying the cover charge and entering the room, we were pleased to hear the band playing Motown. That meant we'd spend more time on the dance floor than in our chairs. Last week the band was not good and certainly not playing anything much worth dancing to. We situated ourselves at a table, left our wraps to claim our spots and began to enjoy the evening.
When the two of us (both female) go out together, we may dance with each other, we may dance with a man or two, but mostly we're just out to dance. It's fun, we like the music and we enjoy the exercise. Most of the time it's just a nice, care-free, evening. Sometimes, there are drunks who get a little pushy. We deal with that, like ladies. This isn't what I'm writing about this morning.
We'd been dancing for about a half hour and decided to take a break, having just returned to our seats, when I noticed many people around us looking toward the other side of the room. That's never a good thing in a bar. Yeah, a woman was on the floor. She wasn't getting up. I told my friend I'd see what was going on and I walked over to the small circle of security guards and club management that was surrounding her. The woman was conscious and moving by then. I ascertained from the manager that EMS had been called (she apparently hadn't even started drinking yet, so she certainly needed to be checked out). I let him know that I was medically trained and available if he needed me and I backed away, back to my chair. I watched from that distance as she was walked out of the club. I didn't give it much more thought.
More dancing, another drink. It was time for a Ladies' Room break. As I walked toward the door, a man reached out and touched my elbow. "Are you medical?"
I stopped to answer his question. I told him I was, so was he. He'd noticed me checking out the situation earlier. He's a radiologist and as luck would have it quite attractive, near my age and charming. We talked for a few minutes. He paid me a compliment on my willingness to help a stranger earlier and asked if I would help him if he developed symptoms right then. "If I fell down right now, would you come to my aid?" I told him I probably would, but I know I flirty line when I hear one. He laughed and said that would be one way to get a kiss from such a pretty woman. Wow, this guy was pouring it on thick, but...he was attractive...we had something in common...
I still needed to get to the loo. I reached out my right hand, introduced myself and told him it was nice to meet him. Then I reached for his left hand. I knew it. Gold wedding band. You know...I just turned and walked away.
His attractiveness level plummeted from about an eight to a minus four. You can't come back from a minus four. It's just plain rude to flirt so blatantly when you're married. It's not rude to the target of your flirtation. It's rude to your wife. Someone should teach that somewhere. Manners matter.
Friday, November 27, 2009
I Love Babies and Dogs - I Promise.
It took over 24 hours to find the times posted for the 17th Annual Sheltering Arms Turkey Trot. Initially, only clock times came up and I was disappointed to see mine at 1:07:23. A couple hours later the chip times came up and I was listed at 1:05:46. That was what I thought I ran, so I was happy to see it.
In the time I was waiting for the times to post, I logged onto active.com and watched the comments start to come in. The negative feedback far outweighed the positive around the race and honestly, I agreed with most of it.
The organizers obviously weren't prepared for the large crowd, or they didn't seem to be. The pace markers at the starting line were set very close together and we couldn't hear the announcer. Chip collection at the finish was immediately after we crossed over the line and created a bit of a bottleneck at that point.
But the real problems, the REAL problems...
...walkers, and strollers, and pets, oh my!
Sure, it's a great morning for families to get out and enjoy time together, but for the love of all that's good and safe, get the heck out of the front of the pack and get out of the way! There is no reason on earth that people who are walking need to be standing in the 8, 9, 10, even 11 minutes/mile sections. They're in the way and they're dangerous. Thousands of people were trying to take off and run yesterday morning and they had to navigate past toddlers, people pushing strollers and even dogs on leashes. Not cool, not cute, not sweet. Not. Not. Not.
I know some will say we're grouchy. Some will say we're not friendly. Too freaking bad. I'd rather be grouchy about this than grouchy about a sprained (or broken) ankle on one of us. I'd rather not accidentally knock over your little darling. I like kids, I really do. It would ruin the day for all of us if someone was injured. It's just common sense. You're slower, you don't need to be in the front. Is this that difficult?
Good. Thanks. See you at the next event. Have a great day - and give your kids and dogs a hug from Auntie Michelle.
In the time I was waiting for the times to post, I logged onto active.com and watched the comments start to come in. The negative feedback far outweighed the positive around the race and honestly, I agreed with most of it.
The organizers obviously weren't prepared for the large crowd, or they didn't seem to be. The pace markers at the starting line were set very close together and we couldn't hear the announcer. Chip collection at the finish was immediately after we crossed over the line and created a bit of a bottleneck at that point.
But the real problems, the REAL problems...
...walkers, and strollers, and pets, oh my!
Sure, it's a great morning for families to get out and enjoy time together, but for the love of all that's good and safe, get the heck out of the front of the pack and get out of the way! There is no reason on earth that people who are walking need to be standing in the 8, 9, 10, even 11 minutes/mile sections. They're in the way and they're dangerous. Thousands of people were trying to take off and run yesterday morning and they had to navigate past toddlers, people pushing strollers and even dogs on leashes. Not cool, not cute, not sweet. Not. Not. Not.
I know some will say we're grouchy. Some will say we're not friendly. Too freaking bad. I'd rather be grouchy about this than grouchy about a sprained (or broken) ankle on one of us. I'd rather not accidentally knock over your little darling. I like kids, I really do. It would ruin the day for all of us if someone was injured. It's just common sense. You're slower, you don't need to be in the front. Is this that difficult?
Good. Thanks. See you at the next event. Have a great day - and give your kids and dogs a hug from Auntie Michelle.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
My First 10K!!!
Distance: 6.2 miles
Start time: 8:00 am
Run Duration: 66 minutes (unofficial time - from my watch)
Average Pace: 10.6 minutes/mile
Temperature: 50 degrees
Humidity: 42%
Location: Uptown Park, Houston, TX
See all those exclamation points in the title? I felt them running over the finish line! This was the first event I've entered that I felt real joy running through the final push. This was my longest run - ever. I've run 6 miles, I've never run 6.2 miles. This was my longest race - ever, and I ran the entire way. I also got a little kick at the end. I didn't curse at myself once. (For anyone who knows me and the way I think, the way I run, this is a BIG DEAL.)
I've been following my training schedule. I've been eating right. I've been sleeping (better).
I'm a happy Thanksgiving Runner Girl today.
Today I lift up my gratitude for the friendship of Ken who is always positive, who is always there with encouragement and a smile. He was at the starting line (yet again) today and I really believe that he really believed that I could do this run. Thanks to and for Ken.
Start time: 8:00 am
Run Duration: 66 minutes (unofficial time - from my watch)
Average Pace: 10.6 minutes/mile
Temperature: 50 degrees
Humidity: 42%
Location: Uptown Park, Houston, TX
See all those exclamation points in the title? I felt them running over the finish line! This was the first event I've entered that I felt real joy running through the final push. This was my longest run - ever. I've run 6 miles, I've never run 6.2 miles. This was my longest race - ever, and I ran the entire way. I also got a little kick at the end. I didn't curse at myself once. (For anyone who knows me and the way I think, the way I run, this is a BIG DEAL.)
I've been following my training schedule. I've been eating right. I've been sleeping (better).
I'm a happy Thanksgiving Runner Girl today.
Today I lift up my gratitude for the friendship of Ken who is always positive, who is always there with encouragement and a smile. He was at the starting line (yet again) today and I really believe that he really believed that I could do this run. Thanks to and for Ken.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Cruising
Distance: 4 miles
Start time: 4:55 am
Run Duration: 42 minutes
Average Pace: 10.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 63 degrees
Humidity: 97%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I'm sticking to my training schedule. I know what I'm supposed to do on any given day - how far to run, or how long to crosstrain. The question of "if" is gone. I know I will, because I've committed to this. I'm feeling better as I add the mileage. I'm feeling better as I allow my body to rest on off days. The question of "if" is no longer. The answer is simply to look at my calendar and see what my assignment is each day.
This morning my alarm was set for 4:15 am. That's early, really early. I had to get up early enough to get the run in and get to clinic. I was halfway to the park when I realized that I'd risen from my bed, gotten dressed, headed out the door and started driving without resenting the early hour, without wishing I was doing something else. I also noticed that I was driving on cruise control - something I don't think I've ever done on the 610 loop between Buffalo Speedway and Westheimer. There wasn't any traffic and there wasn't any reason to drive any other way.
I arrived at work and pretty much plowed through a massive list of patients. I was still cruising. I started at 8am and I looked up at 3pm to find that I'd seen the last one. The only thing left to do was dictate the notes, set my out of office notice and get the heck out of there.
I'm ready for the holiday now. Oh, and for the race on Thursday. My first 10K race. I feel like I'm ready. I'll just cruise it.
Start time: 4:55 am
Run Duration: 42 minutes
Average Pace: 10.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 63 degrees
Humidity: 97%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I'm sticking to my training schedule. I know what I'm supposed to do on any given day - how far to run, or how long to crosstrain. The question of "if" is gone. I know I will, because I've committed to this. I'm feeling better as I add the mileage. I'm feeling better as I allow my body to rest on off days. The question of "if" is no longer. The answer is simply to look at my calendar and see what my assignment is each day.
This morning my alarm was set for 4:15 am. That's early, really early. I had to get up early enough to get the run in and get to clinic. I was halfway to the park when I realized that I'd risen from my bed, gotten dressed, headed out the door and started driving without resenting the early hour, without wishing I was doing something else. I also noticed that I was driving on cruise control - something I don't think I've ever done on the 610 loop between Buffalo Speedway and Westheimer. There wasn't any traffic and there wasn't any reason to drive any other way.
I arrived at work and pretty much plowed through a massive list of patients. I was still cruising. I started at 8am and I looked up at 3pm to find that I'd seen the last one. The only thing left to do was dictate the notes, set my out of office notice and get the heck out of there.
I'm ready for the holiday now. Oh, and for the race on Thursday. My first 10K race. I feel like I'm ready. I'll just cruise it.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Running - A Team Sport
Distance: 5 miles
Start time: 10:00 am
Run Duration: 53 minutes
Average Pace: 10.6 minutes/mile
Temperature: 56 degrees
Humidity: 84%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
"I'm going for a run, want to go?"
"Sure."
It's a great thing to be able to meet up with a friend, spur of the moment, and get miles in on a Sunday morning.
~
I'm signed up for a 10K on Thanksgiving morning. I have at least one friend running the race and I passed on the information to another who will likely sign up. It will be fun to see them at the starting line early Thursday.
~
Another friend gave me a lead on a call for writing submissions. The topic? Running. I had a piece ready to go. Made the deadline.
~
I used to think it was a solo sport. I used to think it (running) was all about being in my own head, running by myself, and working through my thoughts. Somehow keeping them (my thoughts) to myself didn't help much and they seemed to build into something that was bigger - and sometimes more frightening - than the individual components.
Today I lift up gratitude for the sharing.
Start time: 10:00 am
Run Duration: 53 minutes
Average Pace: 10.6 minutes/mile
Temperature: 56 degrees
Humidity: 84%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
"I'm going for a run, want to go?"
"Sure."
It's a great thing to be able to meet up with a friend, spur of the moment, and get miles in on a Sunday morning.
~
I'm signed up for a 10K on Thanksgiving morning. I have at least one friend running the race and I passed on the information to another who will likely sign up. It will be fun to see them at the starting line early Thursday.
~
Another friend gave me a lead on a call for writing submissions. The topic? Running. I had a piece ready to go. Made the deadline.
~
I used to think it was a solo sport. I used to think it (running) was all about being in my own head, running by myself, and working through my thoughts. Somehow keeping them (my thoughts) to myself didn't help much and they seemed to build into something that was bigger - and sometimes more frightening - than the individual components.
Today I lift up gratitude for the sharing.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Unsettled
I am unsettled.
I wait-
I watch-
I wonder-
and then I start all over again.
This overtakes me,
this listlessness,
this wishlessness.
Poured in a glass and left to aerate
on the counter,
it sends a memory of better times into the room.
It asks me to drink it down
quickly –
before the bouquet
can develop into something that matters
or that might matter
or that might weigh heavily enough to matter
someday
to someone.
At least I can drink it before the
sediment
(or the sentiment)
collects at the bottom of this
dirty, chipped and recycled tumbler
that pretends to be crystalline.
M. Scofield 11/19/2009
I wait-
I watch-
I wonder-
and then I start all over again.
This overtakes me,
this listlessness,
this wishlessness.
Poured in a glass and left to aerate
on the counter,
it sends a memory of better times into the room.
It asks me to drink it down
quickly –
before the bouquet
can develop into something that matters
or that might matter
or that might weigh heavily enough to matter
someday
to someone.
At least I can drink it before the
sediment
(or the sentiment)
collects at the bottom of this
dirty, chipped and recycled tumbler
that pretends to be crystalline.
M. Scofield 11/19/2009
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