Runner not a Biker

Hans, Chris, Marisa, John, Andrew, and I ran half of the Huntsville Half Marathon on Thursday, then yesterday we ran over 6 miles at the park. I was glad the park opened back up since I just prefer it to road running now. It makes the time fly by faster, I don't get daunted by seeing so far ahead of me, and it's prettier.

There was plenty of debri on the trails (small branches and leaves) and many trees that had been cut so as to move them out of the way. At one point, heading to the dam, the overarching branches of thr trees and a fallen tree made for an odd sort of tunnel or cave. I got more than enough exercise darting left and right and up and over. I really would have hated to have biked through that.

One of the reasons I like running better than biking is it's cheaper (an important consideration for a college student) and another is that I think I would be too scared going down and up some of those hills without being able to conveniently just walk or pause for a second. I can see myself barrelling down of one of the hills, hitting a root the wrong way, and me and the bike tumbling in some fancy acrobatic move that should only be done at a circus. I think I'll stick to my own two feet and running shoes.

Half of the Half Marathon

We ran 1 loop of the Huntsville Half Marathon (so 6.1 miles). That's the farthest I have run on the road...and my legs felt it. It's just not as gentle on them as the trails. However, the state park is closed, so running there is not an option.

Hans, Chris, Andrew, and I were the runners. Hans and Chris carried along spray paint to graffiti local cars and whatnot (kidding). No, they were repainting old markings for the half marathon that will be in October. No bridges or cars or churches were harmed.

It was good to get out and run after not running since Thursday morning. Yay for running shoes.

Rocky Week

Our last run was Thursday morning before we left for Fort Worth. Aaron, Andrew, and I ran the Huntsville 5K, starting at The Arbors and taking a left down Montgomery. Paul did not run with us since he had stayed up late and was still sleeping. (We had stayed the night at their place since they had electricity and did not mind us sleeping there and using their washer and dryer.) It was a decent run, and we got to see the tons of Entergy and tree cutting vehicles parked at Bowers.

After that we took showers, went back to our place, and started packing. We found out our power had come back on that morning, so we were able to set the temperature at a comfortable level for the cats.

We meant to go running in Fort Worth...but we had left our running shoes. Gah. It was a fun trip (went to see Andrew's cousin and a play in Dallas), but it was not our best in regards to remembering to pack all we needed. There were several other things we forgot. It did not help that as we were leaving town our check engine light came on. We stopped at Firestone and not only delayed leaving by 2 or 3 hours, but got to pay money for them to tell us it was more or less okay and was a random misfire...but we could pay 300 odd dollars for them to replace some things that might fix it. We went with the fill it up and gas cleaner thing you pour in option...which worked. Yay for water in the tank (assume that's what it was).

Overall, I hope this week goes much smoother than this past one.

The Avenues Route in 37:08 Minutes

I woke up this morning a little after 7am, determined to run. I did my usual morning routine (contacts, brush teeth, get dressed, etc.), grabbed a Gala apple, and was ready to go. Surprisingly, Andrew also tagged along. I say surprisingly mainly because the morning before I had attempted to coax him into coming to no avail. However, this morning he was up and ready.

Our friend Aaron had stayed the night with us and opted to go on a walk back to his apartment at The Arbors while we went on our morning run. He had stayed with us since his roommate is in College Station, and it's a little depressing being home alone with no electricity. Besides, as he told us when he asked, he came bearing a little propane tank with burner, lol.

I decided on the Avenues route yet again (little over 5k). I figured this would be convenient since it started at Pritchett, not too far from our apartment...a long enough light jog or walk there to warm up, stretch, and then begin the course. Also, I thought the numerous hills would be good to get in the habit of running.

With the temperature in the 60s and being in better shape, this run was by far easier than the first time I ran it back when Ken celebrated his streak. While I am not sure how long it took me that first time, today I finished the route in about 37:08 minutes. Andrew stuck with me the whole way, darting ahead only to slow down or wait when he deemed he was too far ahead. He could easily have finished in less time than that.

Our efforts were rewarded by a flashlight-lit, cold shower. It actually wasn't that bad- whether this was because the weather was not that cold or because we had been running, I'm not sure. At any rate, it felt really good to be clean again, cold or not.

Tree Cutters in Huntsville

I went running this morning a little after 8am. I decided to attempt the Avenues route, assuming the roads I needed were open. I managed to stick to the route until I hit Avenue S. Instead of turning right onto 22nd, I continued down to 20th and took a right there. That led me back to my apartment.

The reason I continued down Avenue S was because 22nd had tree cutters. Technically one lane was open, but they had to pause whenever a car came through, and it did not reassure me to watch a limb drop right over where I would be running. I decided that I would be doing them and me a favor by taking an alternate route.

It was weird seeing so many tree cutters out as well as people in general. Most of the time it seems like everyone is holed away in their respective houses. On the bright side, the weather was in the 60s, a beautiful temperature to run in.

After my run I had the joy of taking a cold shower and eating some pancakes (we used the just add water and shake stuff) Andrew had cooked on the coleman stove.

Yesterday Andrew and I went biking. We biked in the morning about 3 miles and another 6 that evening just around the avenues. It felt good just to get out of the apartment.

That's basically a small update of the last few days. I plan to run again soon so I don't get too horribly out of shape. Plus, my diet has not exactly been all that it should be due to having to eat what we have and can get. Yay for hurricanes...

Hurricane Ike

While we did not run today, we did go for an hour to hour and a half walk all over Huntsville. Our two friends, Aaron and Paul, came by and knocked on our door. They had walked over from their apartment at The Arbors. Most of the damage appeared to be power lines and trees.

I don't know when we will run next due to power outages and whatnot. More later.

The Avenues Route

I dragged Andrew and myself out of bed to go running. We left the apartment at about 7:15 this morning. It would have been earlier, but my hubby was not quite so ready as me to get going. I originally wanted to make this a longer run; however, since it was the very hilly avenues course, I don't feel so bad about just completing a 5k and stopping there.

I'm hoping I can run again in the next few days, weather permitting. If not, I guess I will resort to my exercise bike.

Plan B: Neighborhood Jaunt

Andrew and I had planned on running at the park at 6pm. However, neither of us wanted to venture onto I45, so we settled for a run around the neighborhood. I'm not sure what the distance was- it was over 2 miles I think. We might get up early in the morning and run a longer route then. We're not counting on getting much running done before Monday due to Hurricane Ike.

Leisure Run and Fun

Andrew and I did go running as planned, and we even dragged our friend Aaron along. He's a triathlon junkie, and as he says himself, running is his weakest sport of the three. We had told him many times before about running on the trails, and now that school has started and he lives up here again, he wanted to come. While we thought we would be saving him 4 dollars by driving him in, we forgot that exit 109 would be closed, so both of us got to expend that much more gas and money getting to the next exit before turning around. Oh well, at least it was still cheaper.

Also, because we did 8 miles yesterday and no one but us three were running, we ran Marisa's course. Aaron stayed somewhere between Andrew and I for the first part of the run. We kept him on track for the most part...there were at least two spots he ran headlong down the wrong trail before realizing he had to turn back. I kept to my happy little slow pace again today, content in just running and walking and enjoying the trails.

My little speedster husby did not get to speed off as much as he would have liked since I was content to be a caboose. He waited for me at the spot where the trail goes left to follow the lake, and then later he came back for me not too long after I had turned left to go away from the lake. Even though I know I slowed him down, it was nice to run together. We would run, walk, pass each other, etc. Most of the time I would speed up and pass him only to be passed a few seconds later. It's nice to have running in common and to enjoy it together...it really is.

Race Suggestions Wanted

I realized that under my goals I listed I wanted to run a 5k before or during September 08...and it is September already. Clearly I need to do something about this. I brought up the Seven Hills race calendar in hopes of finding a race I could run on one of the weekends I am not busy. Sure enough, the 27th has both the Fall Fun Run and the Race the Woodlands races. Now for my new dilemma- which race? Anyone have any suggestions? They are both 5ks...although the fun run has the added benefit of a shorter drive.

Also, this got me thinking about future races. I am pretty sure I want to participate in the Rocky Raccoon (not sure what distance). However, that's about all I know. Does anyone have any favorite races they have done or ones they know of that look fun? I'd love to work my way up to half marathon or even (vague hope) marathon distance.

Anyway, thanks for any comments I get. I just want to know what races to look into (and any to avoid too).

Longest Run Yet

John, Phillip, Chris, Marisa, Ron, Andrew, and I ran at the park this morning. We decided to add on a little optional length for those interested which consisted of taking the usual left at Amy's Crossing or running straight past it and turning left at the road. It would add over a mile to the typical 6.2 route. All of us but Ron tried it.

I was a little apprehensive at first since that would definitely be the longest route yet for me, but I was excited too. I was looking forward to stretching my endurance a little, even if it meant going slower and walking more. I figured even if I had to walk the entire road part back, at least I was still moving instead of just stopping at 6.

Really, from the start, I was in a good mood anyway. After all, the weather today was beautiful. It was not as humid, the sun was shining, and there was a pleasant breeze. It was just one of those days when it feels great to be out running. A very nice change from the sweltering heat and humidity.

Towards the end (just past Amy's Crossing) I was concerned that my water bottle was a little low but it lasted the entire run (barely). I really need to fill it up more next time. However, snack-wise I was fine. I had my chocolate curves bar in my pack with my phone and split it with John and Marisa a little after the dam. I carry it, my phone, and a few band-aids with me lately. I think this will likely be a continuing trend since I do not like to drink anything but water while running, but I'm sure snacks will be needed as the runs get longer.

Andrew and I plan to run again tomorrow and Thursday. Because of 6pm night class, Tuesday and Wednesdays are impossible. :-(

Slacking in Running Lately...and Thus Blogging Too

We went running on Sunday morning at the park (6 miles). This was after not having ran since I think that Monday...then this Monday we went for a 30-40 minute walk ending at the duck pond, read a little while, then walked home. Later that evening we ran at the park, but we only ran to the road before taking a right to cut it short back to the parking lot. Andrew had a meeting at 7pm he had to get to, and as it was he was a little late.

Then today we had planned to run at the park, but we went with our friend Kristina to a screening of the movie Choke. We just found out about it today. It was free to attend, it was something Andrew had wanted to see, and Kristina did not want to go alone. It was an interesting and bizarre movie. Since it started at 7:30, we settled for a run around the neighborhood. However, we will be at the park Sunday morning.
And speaking of Sundays, this past Sunday I saw my first snake at the park. It was a rat snake over by Amy's Crossing. On Monday I guess I could have seen my second snake, but by the time I reached the group gazing down and rustling the brush looking for the baby snake, I guess it had slithered off.

Okay, and that is pretty much the update. I plan to work on trying to incorporate a little more running (and thus blogging) into my schedule soon now that I am in my second week of classes. Yay!