Workout: 2 miles

Time: 14:57  (7:38, 7:19)

So today was the first day I’ve run since the ING Hartford Half 9 days ago.  That’s me in the picture below.  Out of the 8 or so photos that they took of me running the race, that’s the ONLY one where I’m not grimacing in agonizing stomach twisting pain.  It’s actually not a bad picture…mid stride with a small smile on my face because I’m almost across the finish.  True happiness actually.

ING Hartford Half Marathon

What I didn’t mention last time was that right after the finish they had this awesome water fountain thing set up with multiple water fountain heads connected to a PVC pipe…it was the best water I’ve ever had.  ESPECIALLY since at that point my stomach realized I was done running and allowed me to drink something.  I didn’t want to leave…but I felt selfish staying there and taking up a spot.

So anyway, today’s run was just to get out there and let my legs loose.   It was about 57 degrees out.  I’ve come to the realization that running in the mid 50′s with some sunshine is probably the BEST running weather there is.  Your body stays cool so you don’t suffer from the effects of overheating, you sweat less, and you just seem to move faster.  Probably because you want to get out of the cold and into the warm.  But it’s JUST warm enough that you can still wear shorts, so your body is not weighed down by layers and layers of clothing.  Which, of course, living in the north east, will be coming soon…although, later this week it’s supposed to hit 70 again.  Just can’t keep up with this weather.

So as of this minute the ultra marathon plans are up in the air.  Not because I’m injured or don’t want to do it, but I’ve got to see if I have the time.  Training for a race that long takes up a lot of time…and I’ve got alot going on over this next year with getting married and all.  So I wrote down what the next 9 months of training would look like, and I’ve gotta give it some thought this week.  Each weekend has Saturday and Sunday long runs, and starting in February every 4 weeks has a VERY long Saturday run…starting at 30 and going up to 55…so those days, and weekends since I still would have a Sunday run, are wiped.  So I’ve got a lot to think about.

In any case, I’m finally feeling better, and am looking forward to a good nights sleep tonight.  I’m sure I’ll get some more easy/short runs in this week, so plan to hear from me.  Until then…Run on Friends!