Bring on the challenge!

It's so nice to have my internet up and running again!!!  Now I can actually log my miles.  Yes, I have actually been running the last several weeks, even though my calendar does not show it.  I'm finding that running here in Houston is a love/hate relationship.  At least for August.  It's more like swimming instead of running when you go out - the humidity is so think it takes some getting used to.  However, it's a great weight loss tool :)  I think I sweat a couple pounds off every time I go out :)  

This morning, we went out around 6:15 ish.  There are some great paths here were we live, so we just choose a direction and let our iphones tell us how far we've gone.  Went out 4 miles and back today.  First 4 were great, second 2 were a bit harder, and the last 2 were a struggle.  I haven't run this far for awhile, but I need to build my miles again.  Not that I have any upcoming races, but I hate to lose what I've already built up.  Hubby is training for St George marathon, so I'm out there with him.  It's good for me :)

 By the time we get back, we are drenched.  It's disgusting, really :)  But, winter time running should be awesome this year :) 

Did our 4 mile route this a.m.  Tried to talk hubby into doing an extra early run this morning, at 5:15, but he opted out this time.  Chicken :)  We had a visit from the EQ pres. yesterday afternoon, and in the course of our getting to know you, found out that he is also a runner.  Not only is he a runner, he is apparently a VERY FAST runner.  He ran for BYU.  Anyway, they have a ward "running club" apparently, and they get together on Monday mornings to do some sprint workouts on the track at 5:15.  Not super excited about the time, but the thought of training with some of these people is very exciting!  Tried to talk my hubby into doing it this morning, but, like I said, he was a little intimidated and preferred to wait one more week.  I told him he needs to just jump in and do it!  Who cares if we are the slow ones right now?  This will only make us faster!  :)  So, hoping to do this workout next week, and really see what we are getting ourselves into.  In the meantime, several short runs on the schedule for this week, with a 10 miler in the works for the weekend.  

Another 4 miler this morning.  Went out this morning and thought it actually didn't feel as warm and humid as the previous days.  Changed my mind after mile 2 :)  We are still going at a slower pace, but the last couple of days I've actually felt pretty good.  Hoping that means I'm getting used to this weather and getting back in the swing of things.

Ran 4 miles this a.m.  Wishing I would have chosen to take today off instead of yesterday.  I actually could have used the run yesterday, and I was awake.  The only reason I didn't go was because I had told myself it was a rest day. . . guess I shouldn't always listen to myself :)  This morning I was actually pretty tired.  Felt like I was dragging the entire 4 miles.  Just couldn't wake myself up.  The sad thing was, our time wasn't that far off from Monday and Tuesday's runs, in which I felt great.  Hopefully Saturday will be good.  Thinking about doing a 10 mile race here in October.  Something to look forward to :)

Ran 10 early this morning.  Left just before 6 a.m. and it was already HOT and STICKY.  I put my water bottles in the freezer, and by mile 4 they are already melted.  Oh well, at least I get a little cold water :)  The run was actually pretty good today.  I believe today was Hobble Creek 1/2 marathon back in Utah.  Sure missing that.  I wore my Hobble Creek shirt in honor of it.  :)  Brought my music along with me, too, this morning.  Told my hubby he doesn't talk to me enough while we run, I need something of a distraction.  I turned it on after mile 5 and the AC/DC got me all pumped up :)  Gave me back the kick I needed.  

Did our 10 in about 1:35, so not too fast.  I'm hoping when I do the 10 mile run in October here I can do around a 1:25.  Still not my tip top shape, but I've lost a little with everything this summer.  Hope to get back to the shape I was in last summer.   

Well, total running distance is 3 miles today.  I think I will have walked another 3 miles by the end of the day. . .one more car thing to fix. . .

Got up at the unearthly hour of 4:45 a.m. this morning to be at the track and do the sprint workout with our new "running club".  Been looking forward to this.  Of course, it meant we both slept like crap last night.  You know, the kind of sleep you get the night before a big race?  I dreamt I overslept my alarm and we didn't make it, and then, it's the 1st day of school here, today, too.  So, that added to the dreams of being late for school on top of being late for running this morning.  Thought I might get to sneak a nap in here today, too, but a nail in a tire has prevented that.

Anyway, back to the run.  Yeah, we were definitely the slow ones.  Okay, I was the slow one.  We did a couple laps of warm up, then 1 mile  (I did 7:35), 800, 400,  800, 400, 800.  I think that's how it went?  Anyway, we actually skipped the last 800 because someone wanted an all out 400 race at the end.  I think my time was 1:35?  Still dead last.  That's okay.  I'm the only girl out there, and the shortest :)  Loving this group to work out with.  Hoping it helps improve my times.  

4 miles this morning.  Really tired after yesterday.  But, glad I went (as usual).  Had to go stand in line at the DMV this morning. . . helped my patience out :)