We went running this past Thursday. It was basically the same weather as we had for Tuesday's run. I think Hans, John, Marisa, Chris, Phillip, Andrew and I were the runners.
For today we had planned on running at 6pm. However, we took a nap and woke up at 5:58pm. We didn't have anyone's cell phone number, so we hurried to the park and ran the route backward. We made it to the 1/10 of a mile inner trail or shortcut by Amy's Crossing and had run down it partway when we saw Phillip. Shortly after that we saw Marisa and Hans. Overall it ended up being a 32 minute run. Not as good as the usual hour, but anything is better than just staying home on the couch or something.
Also, since it was the first day of classes and we had to wake up early, it was no wonder we took a nap. Andrew is teaching a 164 English composition class MWF 8-9am.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Running After the Rain
Hans, Chris, Marisa, John, Phillip, Andrew, and I ran the usual route. The temperature was nice and the humidity actually didn't bother me that much. It had to have been fairly high though since it was raining a good portion of today. In fact, I was worried we might run because of it.
I almost did not run for another reason which was this afternoon I was so exhausted. I took probably a 20 or 30 minute nap until around 5:20pm. I knew I could not sleep any longer if I wanted to run, but if I had not taken the nap, I still might not have ran.
While running the trails, I stretched out my pace again, really lengthening my stride. I walking more as a result, but that's okay for now. It felt good to keep up and just be running. There was the extra challenge of mud and puddles, so I had to be more careful. I did not even think about running the bridge since it was glistening from all the rain water.
Near the end we actually saw a hog dart off through the trees. I guess we spooked it. I didn't see much of it, and it was more of a dark shape briefly in my field of vision than anything I could identify. I thought it was a deer at first.
Basically today was a good run, and I plan to run again on Thursday, weather and other circumstances permitting.
I almost did not run for another reason which was this afternoon I was so exhausted. I took probably a 20 or 30 minute nap until around 5:20pm. I knew I could not sleep any longer if I wanted to run, but if I had not taken the nap, I still might not have ran.
While running the trails, I stretched out my pace again, really lengthening my stride. I walking more as a result, but that's okay for now. It felt good to keep up and just be running. There was the extra challenge of mud and puddles, so I had to be more careful. I did not even think about running the bridge since it was glistening from all the rain water.
Near the end we actually saw a hog dart off through the trees. I guess we spooked it. I didn't see much of it, and it was more of a dark shape briefly in my field of vision than anything I could identify. I thought it was a deer at first.
Basically today was a good run, and I plan to run again on Thursday, weather and other circumstances permitting.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Ugh...Bumming It
Yep, that's right- I did nothing in the way of exercise today, unless you count walking to and around campus. I had training for the writing center from 9-4pm, some reading, and other chores (like cooking dinner). I'm hoping to be a little more productive tomorrow evening (exercise-wise I mean) by running at the park.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
More About Camping
Camping was a lot of fun. While Friday night was a little hot, Saturday night was actually a little chilly. I slept better then which was likely due to the lower temperature and it being the second night. On Saturday Katie and I rode our bikes to the swimming area and back (approx. 5 miles or so according to the odometer on my bike). I also went kayaking with Liz, kayaking with Andrew, and swimming at the swimming hole. Andrew went biking (on the trails), kayaking, and swimming. It was very eventful...pretty much everything we would normally do on a longer trip all crammed into one day. No wonder we're exhausted!
We did not go running this morning (although I would have liked to and did think about it). This was partly due to us just finishing up breakfast and all the packing up to go home. Hans came over to say hi at 9:20ish and ask if we were running and for breakfast. :-P :-) He mentioned they might take an alternate route past Amy's Crossing and stop by our camp. I had my eye out to see if they would after I saw everyone run over the dam at around 10:30ish (we could see the dam from our site). No one did...likely because Hans passed on the word that we were indeed not providing breakfast for all. ;-) lol
However, as we were driving out with our extra passenger Liz (we were giving her a ride out of the park), we took a detour to say hi to all the runners still parked and chatting after the run.
Anyway, that's basically the weekend. Now time for some much needed sleep!
We did not go running this morning (although I would have liked to and did think about it). This was partly due to us just finishing up breakfast and all the packing up to go home. Hans came over to say hi at 9:20ish and ask if we were running and for breakfast. :-P :-) He mentioned they might take an alternate route past Amy's Crossing and stop by our camp. I had my eye out to see if they would after I saw everyone run over the dam at around 10:30ish (we could see the dam from our site). No one did...likely because Hans passed on the word that we were indeed not providing breakfast for all. ;-) lol
However, as we were driving out with our extra passenger Liz (we were giving her a ride out of the park), we took a detour to say hi to all the runners still parked and chatting after the run.
Anyway, that's basically the weekend. Now time for some much needed sleep!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Changing My Stride
Hans, Chris, Phillip, Marisa, and I ran at the park at 6pm. Andrew stayed home since he is still sick. He's hoping to be recovered by tomorrow since we are camping at the park Friday to Sunday. Because we are camping, we may or may not make the run on Sunday. However, I'll try to post where we are if any of you Sunday runners want to stop by and say hi.
The group we are camping with are college friends of ours. In fact, we were in one couple's wedding a few years ago. Normally we try to make one big camping trip during the summer to somewhere further away, but what with all that was going on we decided on a shorter and closer trip. At any rate, it's still camping and a chance to hang out.
The run today was hot and humid as usual. I kept up fairly well this time by lengthening my stride. I could feel the difference from my usual pace. I'm hoping that if I can keep this up, eventually it will get easier and I will be able to maintain that pace for a longer duration. No horseflies, armadillos, or deer were in sight or hearing. I guess it was too hot for them...
Oh, and thanks to Marisa and a stick she stepped on, I have a scratch behind my right knee and a mark on my left calf. We were walking next to each other when I hear this loud snap and feel a twinge of pain on my legs. Apparently even walking on the trails is brutal! :-P :-)
The group we are camping with are college friends of ours. In fact, we were in one couple's wedding a few years ago. Normally we try to make one big camping trip during the summer to somewhere further away, but what with all that was going on we decided on a shorter and closer trip. At any rate, it's still camping and a chance to hang out.
The run today was hot and humid as usual. I kept up fairly well this time by lengthening my stride. I could feel the difference from my usual pace. I'm hoping that if I can keep this up, eventually it will get easier and I will be able to maintain that pace for a longer duration. No horseflies, armadillos, or deer were in sight or hearing. I guess it was too hot for them...
Oh, and thanks to Marisa and a stick she stepped on, I have a scratch behind my right knee and a mark on my left calf. We were walking next to each other when I hear this loud snap and feel a twinge of pain on my legs. Apparently even walking on the trails is brutal! :-P :-)
Large Update
Below is some short blurbs of what exercise I have done lately interspersed with other news.
My parents came into town this weekend, and we all went out to eat at Babin's Seafood House to celebrate my mom, dad, and brother's birthdays as well as my parents anniversaries (yep, all this month). We left them roaming around Huntsville while Andrew and I went running Sunday morning. It ended up being a little over 6 miles I think. It was a bad run for me. I was not keeping up as much as a I would have liked and actually felt a little lightheaded at one point.
The thinner socks seemed to help, but I am not sure if that is simply because I was not running as hard on Sunday. I'm going to try it a few more times before deciding that was the problem.
I also got two new gray workout shirts at Academy. They were under armour and on sale for 10 dollars. My brother and Andrew were irritated because apparently the guy's section never has sales like that.
On Monday I went shopping with Becky and her mother-in-law. We went to the outlet mall in Tomball and got in about 5 hours of walking. Later that evening Becky and I went walking around her neighborhood for an additional hour.
Tuesday's workout consisted of leisurely riding my exercise bike for an hour on two separate occasions while watching Heroes. Andrew started coming down with a chest cold earlier in the day and a fever by that evening which is why we didn't go running.
Yesterday I left the house to walk to Pritchett. I ran a mile, then walked a lap, ran a lap, walked a lap, ran a 2nd lap, walked a lap, ran a 3rd lap, walked a lap, ran a 4th lap, walked a lap, then walked home. My headphones died out about halfway through this. I had noticed when I left the apartment the cord had some chew marks on it and they would only play out of one ear...then not at all. I think Sunshine played with them when I wasn't looking.
Anyway, those are the main highlights...for now. More later.
My parents came into town this weekend, and we all went out to eat at Babin's Seafood House to celebrate my mom, dad, and brother's birthdays as well as my parents anniversaries (yep, all this month). We left them roaming around Huntsville while Andrew and I went running Sunday morning. It ended up being a little over 6 miles I think. It was a bad run for me. I was not keeping up as much as a I would have liked and actually felt a little lightheaded at one point.
The thinner socks seemed to help, but I am not sure if that is simply because I was not running as hard on Sunday. I'm going to try it a few more times before deciding that was the problem.
I also got two new gray workout shirts at Academy. They were under armour and on sale for 10 dollars. My brother and Andrew were irritated because apparently the guy's section never has sales like that.
On Monday I went shopping with Becky and her mother-in-law. We went to the outlet mall in Tomball and got in about 5 hours of walking. Later that evening Becky and I went walking around her neighborhood for an additional hour.
Tuesday's workout consisted of leisurely riding my exercise bike for an hour on two separate occasions while watching Heroes. Andrew started coming down with a chest cold earlier in the day and a fever by that evening which is why we didn't go running.
Yesterday I left the house to walk to Pritchett. I ran a mile, then walked a lap, ran a lap, walked a lap, ran a 2nd lap, walked a lap, ran a 3rd lap, walked a lap, ran a 4th lap, walked a lap, then walked home. My headphones died out about halfway through this. I had noticed when I left the apartment the cord had some chew marks on it and they would only play out of one ear...then not at all. I think Sunshine played with them when I wasn't looking.
Anyway, those are the main highlights...for now. More later.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Blisters
John, Hans, Phillip, Marisa, Andrew, and I ran the renegade route at the park. Curtis ran too, but I am not sure what he ran. It was hot and humid as always. There was some debris on the trails, but it was not as bad as Marisa's course yesterday. I'm not sure if that is because it just was not as bad or someone came through and cleaned it up a little. It was not too bad a run for the most part.
Unfortunately, I think I either need bigger shoes, thinner socks, trail shoes, or callused toes. After the run today I took off my shoes and noticed I had a blister on the end of both second toes. I had noticed my toes felt like they had been rubbing the end of the shoe lately. I have what Andrew calls monkey toes which means my toes are long and the second toes are the longest. However, I haven't had a problem until recently, and I am wondering if the thicker socks I am using are partly to blame.
I'm going to try running Sunday with my older thinner socks and see if that makes a difference. I hope it does because I don't really have enough mileage on my shoes to justify a change yet. Although really I would love to get some trail shoes so that I could run in them at the park and use these for the roads. Oh well- as one of my old teachers used to say, "If wishes were horses, the beggars would ride." For now that will have to remain a wish because shoes are just too expensive.
My wish list has changed to include either the Garmin forerunner 205 or 305. I'm torn between these two models because while the 205 includes distance liked I wanted, it does not include a heart rate monitor function. The heart rate monitor aspect is why I started looking at these gadgets in the first place, so it seems silly to get something without it. However, the Garmin 205 looks to be about $140 while the 305 is around $200. That's a lot of money. Regardless, it's not something I have to decide on immediately since I have to wait to be able to afford either of them.
My parents are coming into town this weekend to visit us and my brother and to celebrate the myriad of special dates this month. My mom, dad, and brother all have their birthdays this month, my parent's anniversary is this month, and I am the oddball born in October. Andrew and I still plan to go running Sunday morning, and we may talk them into coming out to the park with us and walking or biking while we run. Otherwise, they might just lounge at our apartment until we get back. I guess I'll see what happens then.
Unfortunately, I think I either need bigger shoes, thinner socks, trail shoes, or callused toes. After the run today I took off my shoes and noticed I had a blister on the end of both second toes. I had noticed my toes felt like they had been rubbing the end of the shoe lately. I have what Andrew calls monkey toes which means my toes are long and the second toes are the longest. However, I haven't had a problem until recently, and I am wondering if the thicker socks I am using are partly to blame.
I'm going to try running Sunday with my older thinner socks and see if that makes a difference. I hope it does because I don't really have enough mileage on my shoes to justify a change yet. Although really I would love to get some trail shoes so that I could run in them at the park and use these for the roads. Oh well- as one of my old teachers used to say, "If wishes were horses, the beggars would ride." For now that will have to remain a wish because shoes are just too expensive.
My wish list has changed to include either the Garmin forerunner 205 or 305. I'm torn between these two models because while the 205 includes distance liked I wanted, it does not include a heart rate monitor function. The heart rate monitor aspect is why I started looking at these gadgets in the first place, so it seems silly to get something without it. However, the Garmin 205 looks to be about $140 while the 305 is around $200. That's a lot of money. Regardless, it's not something I have to decide on immediately since I have to wait to be able to afford either of them.
My parents are coming into town this weekend to visit us and my brother and to celebrate the myriad of special dates this month. My mom, dad, and brother all have their birthdays this month, my parent's anniversary is this month, and I am the oddball born in October. Andrew and I still plan to go running Sunday morning, and we may talk them into coming out to the park with us and walking or biking while we run. Otherwise, they might just lounge at our apartment until we get back. I guess I'll see what happens then.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Playful Run
Andrew and I drove out to Huntsville State Park today. Since no one else was there, we decided to run Marisa's course. The run turned into a combination of some longer running, hiking, short bursts of speed running (when the mood struck us), and a bit of kickball from kicking stray limbs off the trail. There were plenty of smaller limbs and a few large ones as a result of the weather from the last few days. I tried to kick to the side or pick up some of them at least. The extra debris caused us to weave our way along more than usual. Also, while the temperature was fine, the humidity was awful.
The run was fairly uneventful. However, when we arrived home Andrew discovered the necessity of spraying down well with bug spray. He took off his socks and noticed these little black things on his feet. Basically, they were chiggers (which in my opinion rank right up there with horseflies as something to avoid). After dealing with them myself a few times in the past, I tend to spray plenty on my legs and around my ankles. I'm sure Andrew will be more meticulous too from now on.
Yesterday I did not go running because of the rain and to give my body a break after the running on Sunday and Monday. Instead I opted for an hour and half on my exercise bike while watching a movie. Normally my Tuesday night excuse is that I have night class, but it was canceled due to the University Center closing (because of the weather).
That's pretty much it for now. Time for some more studying and sleep.
The run was fairly uneventful. However, when we arrived home Andrew discovered the necessity of spraying down well with bug spray. He took off his socks and noticed these little black things on his feet. Basically, they were chiggers (which in my opinion rank right up there with horseflies as something to avoid). After dealing with them myself a few times in the past, I tend to spray plenty on my legs and around my ankles. I'm sure Andrew will be more meticulous too from now on.
Yesterday I did not go running because of the rain and to give my body a break after the running on Sunday and Monday. Instead I opted for an hour and half on my exercise bike while watching a movie. Normally my Tuesday night excuse is that I have night class, but it was canceled due to the University Center closing (because of the weather).
That's pretty much it for now. Time for some more studying and sleep.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday Treat
I treated myself to a nice, air conditioned, flat surface, ipod listening run at the HKC indoor track today. Andrew and I walked over there from our apartment. I ran a leisurely paced 3 miles (about 35 minutes of running) followed by a 400 meter cool down. Katie McKee showed up as I was starting my 7th lap (at the indoor track, 8 laps equals a mile) and we ran together for a few laps before she branched off onto her own workout.
After the 3 miles (which I ran straight, yay!), I debated whether I should stop there. I felt good, but I had already done a longer run yesterday morning at the park. However, I really wanted to see if my mile time had improved since the last time I timed it there. Besides, I figured I could always change my mind mid-run and slow it down if need be or walk.
I set my watch and started my last mile, this time pushing my pace a bit to see what kind of time I could get, particularly on the last 400m. It felt really good to stretch my legs out like that. And with the air conditioning, I actually felt cool and maybe even a little cold (a rare experience considering the Texas heat and humidity I've been facing all summer).
I finished the mile in 9 minutes and 37 seconds. I know this time is by no means outstanding, but I am proud of it. I mean hey, this was after having ran 3 miles. If nothing else, I can look at that and see how much I have improved. In the past I could not have ran 3 miles, much less an extra mile after that under ten minutes too.
I finished my workout with a 400m walk on the track before walking home with Andrew. Overall it was a successful run, but I look forward to getting back on the trails later this week.
In other news, it's my younger brother's 22nd birthday today, so Andrew and I are taking him to Texas Roadhouse. Happy birthday Kevin!
Note: July 14, 2008 was when I ran 3 separate miles and timed myself. My fastest time was my first mile at 10:58...definite improvement.
After the 3 miles (which I ran straight, yay!), I debated whether I should stop there. I felt good, but I had already done a longer run yesterday morning at the park. However, I really wanted to see if my mile time had improved since the last time I timed it there. Besides, I figured I could always change my mind mid-run and slow it down if need be or walk.
I set my watch and started my last mile, this time pushing my pace a bit to see what kind of time I could get, particularly on the last 400m. It felt really good to stretch my legs out like that. And with the air conditioning, I actually felt cool and maybe even a little cold (a rare experience considering the Texas heat and humidity I've been facing all summer).
I finished the mile in 9 minutes and 37 seconds. I know this time is by no means outstanding, but I am proud of it. I mean hey, this was after having ran 3 miles. If nothing else, I can look at that and see how much I have improved. In the past I could not have ran 3 miles, much less an extra mile after that under ten minutes too.
I finished my workout with a 400m walk on the track before walking home with Andrew. Overall it was a successful run, but I look forward to getting back on the trails later this week.
In other news, it's my younger brother's 22nd birthday today, so Andrew and I are taking him to Texas Roadhouse. Happy birthday Kevin!
Note: July 14, 2008 was when I ran 3 separate miles and timed myself. My fastest time was my first mile at 10:58...definite improvement.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday Long Run
John, Chris, Hans, Phillip, Marisa, and I tackled a longer course for this morning's run (typical for Sundays lately). It ended up being about 6.2 or so miles. Overall, it was a good run. There were an insane number of bikers out today to the point where Hans had to move his car over so I could fit my car into a spot (so I was parked half in a spot and half in the striped space). Andrew was absent since he overindulged at Kristina and David's Bachelor/ette party that we hosted last night. He had a lovely hangover and chose to stay in bed.
I was glad today's run went well since during my last trail run on Wednesday I was miserable. I walked way more than usual. I think a combination of eating too much before running, experimenting with carrying powerade instead of water (bad idea), and the heat just did me in. *shrug* At any rate, I guess there has to be some bad runs for everyone.
We were in San Antonio Thursday to Saturday visiting relatives. While there I only ran a mile through their neighborhood Friday morning. However, we went walking throughout our stay. I think Thursday night we walked a mile with his Aunt and Uncle, Friday night two miles with his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin Mark, and just Andrew and I for one mile on Saturday morning.
In other news, I am glad we went running this morning. The weather this afternoon and evening has been so rainy and windy. Our electricity was out at one point.
I was glad today's run went well since during my last trail run on Wednesday I was miserable. I walked way more than usual. I think a combination of eating too much before running, experimenting with carrying powerade instead of water (bad idea), and the heat just did me in. *shrug* At any rate, I guess there has to be some bad runs for everyone.
We were in San Antonio Thursday to Saturday visiting relatives. While there I only ran a mile through their neighborhood Friday morning. However, we went walking throughout our stay. I think Thursday night we walked a mile with his Aunt and Uncle, Friday night two miles with his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin Mark, and just Andrew and I for one mile on Saturday morning.
In other news, I am glad we went running this morning. The weather this afternoon and evening has been so rainy and windy. Our electricity was out at one point.
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