Day 3: Bye, Christmas. Hello, Savings!

Day 3 and I'm still blogging strong!

When I went to bed last night, I intended on a 6 mile run in the morning. When I woke up, it was a different story! Somehow I slept until 9am again, so it left me with not enough time before church. I decided to take the day off.

After church, we went on the weekly food shop. In the past 2 years, I've been really focused on planning out fun, new, creative recipes. This method of menu planning resulted in somewhat pricey weekly shops, but I thought it was worth it for the blog. Since I'm not cooking as often for the blog now, I'm working to plan my menus around the weekly circular, what's in season and on sale. I've always been a coupon shopper, but now I'm borderline obsessed. It can be difficult to save money on groceries when you shop for fresh produce, organic dairy, meat and non-prepared foods, so that's where my little personal challenge comes in!

I love reusable grocery bags. I have millions, and I leave them in both JJ and my car as well as the hall closet so I always have them somewhere!

When JJ and I checkout, he likes to see how close I can get to saving as much as I spend. Only one time have I been even. Today I spent $84.93 and saved $60.46. And this included a little stockpile of toiletries and 2 half gallons of organic milk.

I was so excited to see that today's paper had 5 coupon inserts! There were coupons for Oikos, whole wheat pasta, cottage cheese, baked chips, and many other healthy items!

I always buy my paper at Starbucks before church on Sunday, and make sure to check the magazine rack with the extra papers people have left. There are usually a few sets of coupon inserts in there that people don't want! They're crazy. Or I'm a dumpster diver.... (actually, I usually make JJ look for them while I order our drinks)

While I was clipping my coupons, the girls decided to snuggle up with me. I actually don't have many photos with them yet because it's so hard to get two puppies to sit still. JJ did a great job though, and got this adorable one of us :)  He tried to get one of Pumpkin too, but she lunged at the camera.

Our main goal for the day was taking down our inside Christmas decorations and storing them in the attic. It was really sad to take our tree down and pack the ornaments up. I had a wonderful time in our new house this Christmas season!

This year we got a few new ornaments. Each year JJ and I get one for eachother, and then are usually given a few by some other people. I loved each one we got this year! Here they are:

Starbucks Cup - Each year I buy this ornament. I loved working at Starbucks, and I especially love Gingerbread Lattes, so this reminds me of the great times I've had there.

Seminole Snowman - This was the ornament I got for JJ this year since we went to the Maryland/FSU game and to the Gator Bowl.

New Home - I got this ornament for us, I think it's pretty self explainitory!

Ohio State Presents - My Secret Santa (Carrie) from the December 2007 wedding knot board got this one for me. She's a fellow former Ohioan, and knows how much I love the Buckeyes!

Puppy Love- This is the ornament JJ picked out for me because we got the puppies this year.

White Dog - My mom got this ornament for me from the church Fair Trade craft fair. It was made by someone in a 3rd world country (forget what the tag said) and is purchased from them at a fair price.

I love each and every one of them, and love having a tree full of meaningful ornaments!

JJ was not really wanting his photo taken while taking the tree out...

After lunch I decided to go for a run. I was a little worried my Nike+ was broken, and I wanted to test it out. I thought about running a few houses down, but figured instead I'd just run a couple of miles as fast as I could. I was trying to sync my ipod, and the Nike running website was down! Ahhh, it's like Nike is against me! Anyway, I copied the front page from iTunes. You can see I had an awesome pace compared to my last few runs. Yay! I definitely couldn't keep it up for longer than 2 miles though. I started to get a side cramp around 1 mile... but I'm glad it was still a good run! I thought about doing some strenth training tonight, but I'll save that for tomorrow.

It's been a while since I worked a 5-day work week, but I'm ready for things to get back to normal :)

Day 2: This really is going to be a good New Year!

This morning I slept later than I have in the longest time... I think I got up around 9:15am. Going to the game, watching games, and going on a run yesterday really took it out of me!

I set out on my regular 4.3 mile run with my Nike+ going. When I got to the first mile, I checked to see what my pace was, and realized that it was keeping time, but no pace or mileage! I reset it and it started again.... but when I got home, I realized that again it clocked my time but no mileage. I thought maybe my reciever was broken, but I restarted it once more and it started clocking like normal... so hopefully it will work tomorrow!

So I did my 4.3 miles in 47:37, which is my best time yet! It was a great run. I felt like I was running well, it was cool with a breeze, sunny, around 45 degrees.

Here are my graphics, it's nice to see I ran .03 miles in 48 minutes... haha

When I got back I stretched for a while, but my calves were still really tight. I had JJ roll my legs, and he found quite a few knots in my quads and calves. They felt much better after the rolling though.

Later this afternoon we went out to run some errands. I had to stop by Barnes and Noble to get Chef Michael Symon's "Live to Cook". I will be blogging through the cookbook in 2010 (and throughout the next few years - http://www.ashleescooking.blogspot.com/). I'm really excited about this book because I can tell it will really expand my culinary horizons and cooking technique. There will be a few fish recipes I'll be trying out as well as many bacon variations as that's Chef Symon's favorite food. I'm going to need to make sure I do long runs on the bacon-y days!

While we were there I saw 2010 calendars were 50% off. JJ told me he'd get me a calendar for Christmas, but he forgot, so I was forced to choose one for myself. This calendar is on the fridge, and keeps track of family birthdays and JJ's travel schedule. It's pretty visible and important. I sifted through all of the calendars, and most of what was left was horses, chihuauas, fancy cars, comic book heroes and....

ROB PATTINSON!

This really is going to be a good New Year! I'll get to check out Rob every day :)

We invited Leah and Jay over for chili and football tonight. We usually go out to dinner and then back to our house or we eat here, and I end up putting my pajamas on while everyone else is dressed nicely. Leah asked if we could make it a PJ night, so we did!

I love relaxing Saturdays.

Pumpkin does too!

Day 1: We are the Champions!

Happy New Year!
Last night JJ and I went to Leah and Jay's for New Year's Eve. We played some games, had a great dinner and watched football. It was a nice relaxing evening, which I desperately needed! As much as I love entertaining and cooking for crowds, December really took it's toll on me.

I began my morning with a nice 3.65 mile run. I forgot to stop my Nike+ when I got to my cool down and stretching, so the graphic is a little off. I ran 3.65 in 40 minutes, around 11:15 pace. It was a little slower, it started raining towards the end.

I stopped by Starbucks after my run, and chatted with the Barista. She just moved here in June from Akron, Ohio. It was nice to meet a fellow Ohioan!

Today was a big day for my husband, it was Bobby Bowden's final game with the FSU Seminoles. JJ and I decided to go to the Gator Bowl and watch them play and cheer on Bobby. It was pretty rough, about 50 degrees, windy and pouring down rain. At half time, the rain let up, and Florida State got their crap together! The game was really exciting, and really fun, and they won! I'm really glad JJ was able to go to the game because he absolutely loves Bobby Bowden.

(photo from espn.com of Bobby spearing the field)

Luckily we got home just in time to watch the Buckeyes play in the Rose Bowl! I was quite worried about the Buckeyes since their last game was before Thanksgiving, but they came out with their game faces on and generally kicked ass. Pryor played and amazing game, and I'm sure has everyone in Buckeye Nation pumped for next year.

Since we were gone all day, we grabbed some Chinese take-out for dinner. I had steamed chicken and vegetables with rice. I topped it with spicy mustard and soy sauce.

All in all it was a fantastic day! I'm hoping to do a 6ish miler tomorrow morning, then maybe make some black eyed peas and collared greens (a day late, but we can use the luck and money!)

12.27.09 Nike+ Results

Here's the results from my first run with the Nike+

You can see where I have to cross the street and wait on some traffic! I cross many neighborhood entrances, so there are a few dips there.

I love the Nike+, it gives me the exact information I'm looking for, distance and pace!

As I start blogging daily, I'm going to include my run results and keep track of my pace and PR's. I'm also going to start posting my playlists, which I try to change monthly.

I'm going to blog a few recipes here and there, and then just daily life things.

Is there anything you especially like to see?

Tomorrow I'm going to post some exciting news/plans for the first half of 2010...

Fernandina Beach Reindeer Run 10k

Last Saturday, my coworker/friend Lou and I ran the Fernandina Beach Reindeer Run 10k. He had never run a 10k, so back in October we decided to sign up. We've been running a little during the week after work, but he was a little apprehensive.
It was a little chilly when we got to the race, about 55 degrees. I just tried to stay warm, he stretched a lot. (JJ took the photos, he's such a great cheerleader!)


Here's me, wondering why JJ was taking photos of me standing around... when I should have been stretching...
Here's Lou stretching...

Waiting at the start line

Santa at the start

Super excited!

The race went through Fort Clinch State Park. It was an asphalt paved road that was in a tree lined grove. It was misty and about 65 degrees. I actually got pretty hot as it became really humid and the air didn't move much. We were about 100 yards from the beach, at some times I could see sand dunes.

Lou finished at 1:06:50

It looks like :54 for me, but my official time on the website was 1:08:51, so I PR'd by about 40 seconds! Had I not been so hot, I think I could have done better. I might have been the only person sweating at the end. People in Florida seemed to think 65 was FREEZING. It's weird...

Overall it was a nice race. I'd do it again next year! However, my housewarming party was that afternoon, so I was pretty exhausted by the end of the day!

Miles for Monika

Please visit my friend Kelsey's blog to learn about this event she is hosting. It's very easy to take part in, and I hope everyone participates. I know I will! www.kelseytoney.com

WWYD?

I've been contemplating doing the 5k or 10k at the Spring Run on April 18. I was at first worried I wouldn't get the training in to increase my mileage from 3 to 6 because all winter, I was running inside, and I'd stop at 3 miles. Well on Saturday, I got up and went for a run on the trail and I did a little over 3 miles in 34 minutes. Then I was supposed to meet my mom at her gym for a class, but I was early, so I ran on the treadmill and did another 2 miles in 20 minutes...
So I did 5 miles, though seperate, I think it's proof that in 1 month, I'll have little trouble with the mileage.
But then I looked at last year's results, and only 150 people ran the 10k, and if I did it in 69 minutes (which is what I did my first 10k in back on Thanksgiving Day), I'd come in 146th place, which is 5th from last...
So do I want to risk the chance of being last and do the 10k? Or do I focus on getting my time down and doing the 5k and setting a PR there? I have another 5k scheduled for May 17, but no other 10k's until Thanksgiving again...
I love running 10k's, where it's a push to finish, I get my rhythm, I feel the challenge, and I feel so accomplished when I'm done....but I don't want to be last. I have self confidence issues! I think the only way I'll really feel challenged in the 5k is if I really push myself on time, but I struggle with speed, especially when I'm running outside. I've been working on HIIT on the treadmill, but for some reason, when I run outside, it's so different.

Hmmm, what to do? what to do?

The Scary Truth

Back in December, a woman was attacked and raped on my running trail. I was visiting my parents in Cincinnati that weekend, but when I came back, my co-workers told me about it. I was absolutely shocked as the trail winds thru neighborhoods and main roads. I always knew it was a possibility.... but it just seemed so unlikely.
At first I felt awful for the poor woman who was raped, but she was so brave and strong and worked with the police to find the asshole who did it, and he's in jail now. It was a completely isolated incident, and there have been no other reports of problems on the trail... thank goodness!
Then, as it sunk in, I got really mad! I've always known as a woman, it's a possibility. I do take some precautions, but I can't give up my ipod, and I don't always have a running buddy. It's so unfair that I have to worry about my safety when I'm trying to be healthy and do the right thing! Sometimes it seems like the universe works against those who are trying to be healthy (like the price of organics!!! ugh, don't get me started...)
So anyway, then it got snowy and I couldn't run if I wanted to... so it was a non-issue. It warmed up a few times, enough for me to go run... but rather than go to the trail, I ran in the neighborhood with Pumpkin. She can be a pain on me and will just sit and stop, so I hate to take her to the out and back trail, I like the neighborhood loop so if I have to carry her home, it's not as far... which I have had to do many time in the past. Yes, she's only 20 lbs., but carrying 20 lbs. after a 2 mile run for another mile... not fun! But, she can be vicious and will attack strange people if I let her, so I do feel safe with her around. She sweet for her mommy, but she's a spitz mix, and spitz's are known for their temper!
So now Spring is around the corner... and I'm faced with a dilemma. I don't want to let fear get the best of me, and I really do miss running. I've been having the worst runs on the treadmill because I get so bored... I'm starting to doubt my ability - and that makes me mad! I was able to run a 10k in November. 6 miles! I ran the whole thing! That was absolutely the proudest moment in my life, running across the finish line, beating my 70 minute goal! And now, I'm hoping I can make it 3 or 4 miles... with a possible 10k in 1.5 months.
So I might be a little scared to go back at first, but rather than avoid the busy times (Saturday and Sunday from 10am-12pm), I think I am going to go then so there will be many people around. I will still wear my ipod, but my mom's going to get me some pepper spray. I don't really want to run with it, but I want to run. I want to make a t-shirt that says, "Back off a-holes, I'll pepper spray your face".... but I don't run in t-shirts...
It just really sucks that someone can take something away from you, the feeling of safety, and freedom, which is what I felt when I ran my 4.6 mile trail...

Today's Run... I crack myself up...

You have to watch The Office to understand the humor in this post....
I live in the same neighborhood as an elementary school. They recently put in the blinking speedometers that tell you how fast you're going. The cool thing about them too, is they're solar powered! They are only on when school is going on (so like, 8-4 M-F) Usually I run around the block after 4, so they're not on. Well today Pumpkin and I ran around 3pm, right when school was getting out. So I ran past the speedomeer, and IT CLOCKED ME AT 31 MPH!!! I swear, I about died laughing, and the parents in their minivans probably looked at me funny, but I was cracking up. I'm so speedy :) and what are the odds?!

Bring it on, treadmill!

On Friday, I was doing my normal 30 minutes or torture on the treadmill. Only it wasn't as bad as normal. It seemed to be going faster!
Well I was thinking back to Bob and Joelle's arguement on Biggest Loser, and I remembered he was having his team run 30 second sprints at 6.5 mph. So I thought to myself, if these 300-400 lb. people are running at 6.5, I should too! Granted they were walking inbetween, and I was running at 6.0... but I created a little challenge for myself!
So I when I hit 25 minutes (5 to go) I kicked it up to 6.5, and it felt fine, so I kicked it up to 7.0 mph. It felt really good! My legs were really stretching out and I felt really good! I ran at 7.0 for 4 minutes, until I hit 3 miles, then the last minute I walked.
So take that, stupid treadmill!
:)
Really, it's the little things that make me happy :)


And also, over the weekend I completed levels 1 and 3 of the shred with my 8lb. weights. I almost made it through 2, but the squats at the end with the 8's were just not happening....
I'm so close though to completeing the whole series with my 8's!

New Running Shoes! (and the funny story that got me them....)

Since I started running, I knew that my adidas crosstrainers weren't perfect, but were still nice shoes. I wanted to get a pair of running shoes, but I heard they were very expensive. And really, did it matter that much if I, a non-competitive "runner", had running shoes? I didn't think so, but my dad had a different take on that...


About 2 months ago, my sister, brother-in-law, mom and dad all came out to Bloomington to visit. My sister had planned on going running with me Saturday morning, but didn't want to get up as early as I did, so I went without her. Well after I got back from running 4 miles (my longest to date then) I was so happy, and bragged a little to my dad. He then decided to go for a run while I got breakfast ready, and Kristine decided to go with him - one problem, she forgot her running shoes! Luckily, we're about the same size, so she borrowed my adidas'. When they returned from their 5 mile run, she stormed in the house and proceeded to tell me my shoes were crap, how could I possibly run in them, and I NEEDED to get proper running shoes...


Before my parents left that weekend, my dad told me he was so proud of my running accomplishments, and he wanted to buy running shoes for me. He told me that when I came home at Thanksgiving, we'd go buy them because Bob Ronkers, a shoe store in Cincinnati, and the location of registration pick-up, had a store wide sale the day before the race. I was so happy, I'd finally get running shoes!


So fast forward to last Wednesday - my mom, dad, JJ and I went to Bob Ronkers to pick up the numbers and get new shoes. My dad told me a sales person would come up to me and I should tell them it was my first pair, and they would ask me questions and fit me properly. So I was browsing through the shoes when someone came up to me - his name was Bob. He introduced himself and we chatted for 15 minutes about my running and what I was looking for. He then sized me and went to the back room to find some shoes he thought would be good for me. My dad came over with a big smile on his face and said, "Thats Bob!!!" (as in Bob Ronkers, the owner!) He then spent another half an hour with me while I tried on a few brands of shoes and different sizes, he took me to the back room and had me walk on the incline, and he gave me a great pep talk for the 10k the next day. He even told me that I would be OK to wear my new shoes!


So I ended up getting Nike Air Pegesus shoes! They were stickered at $85 there, and we got them 20% off - a great deal! I HIGHLY recommend anyone in Cincinnati shop at Bob Ronkers for their running shoes and apparel, as that was all on sale too. Bob even recommended some socks to me, explaining that cotton was not desirable for running as it held moisture. I ended up with zero blisters and no foot pain at the race!


Well, Kristine didn't take well to my dad buying me new running shoes and not her, she suggested it was all a ploy to make it into the blog - lol. How many people even read this? I don't know... but it's funny to me. So THANKS first and foremost to Kris. If you never complained about my 'crappy not running shoes', Dad never would have offered to get me new ones! Thanks to Dad, for buying me my first pair of big girl running shoes! Thanks to Bob Ronkers for helping me find a fantastic pair of shoes, and for telling me I'd be ok to wear them at the race!


Here's a photo of Kris, Dad and I at Thanksgiving... see, you're both in the blog equally :)


and PS - to anyone wondering, around 12,000 people ran the T-day race, so they give you a chip to put on your shoe that calculates when you start and finish - there were so many people I didn't even cross the start line until 10:40!

10k Race Results!

The results are in! For the first time I ran the ENTIRE 10k race and finished with a time of 1:09:18! I am so thrilled because I was hoping to finish under 70 minutes, and I just made it!
Here is where you can see all of the results from the race, I was bib # 8139.

The race was perfect, it was chilly, sunny, and gorgeous in Cincinnati. The course was the same as usual, so it was comfortable. There are 4 hills on the course, and I even jogged up all of them! I was so worried because my longest run before this was 4.6 miles, but I didn't feel like I was really struggling to keep going until the last half mile. However, at mile 6 I saw that I was 3 minutes away from a total time of 70 minutes, so I had to pick it up and make it in time!

I got new running shoes the day before (to be posted at a later time) and the owner told me I should be ok to wear them, and I was! They were so comfortable and they really did feel great the entire race.

Next year, I'm hoping to complete the 10k in 65 minutes, but I'm doing my next 10k in April, so if I can cut a few minutes off for that one, I might even get down to 60 (It's the 100th running of the 10k, so I'd love for my time to be 1:00!)

We didn't get any pictures at the race, just in the car before. As you can see, my sister and husband were not thrilled about photos...but when the professional ones are posted, I'll see if I can get some of them on here.

Awful Run!

So I was all set to do my 5.5 mile run on Saturday morning. I slept in until 8:30, got dressed and left the house. I ran down to the trail to add the extra .9 miles rather than drive down and start at the trailhead. I was wearing my usual outfit, capri yoga pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. What I didn't realize when I left the house, was it was 17 degrees out. I knew it was colder than normal, but didn't think it was THAT cold. The cold really didn't hit me until I was 1.75 miles in. My bare calves started to burn and feel like knives were stabbing them. I was also sweating a bit on my neck, and my sweat was freezing on my neck! So I decided to turn around and go home. I walked for ten seconds, then decided no, I need to do this! So I turned back around and jogged for another minute until I HAD to turn around.


So I jogged back home and when I got in, I felt like I was dying. My legs were bright red and my face was on fire, but freezing. JJ immediately turned on the weather channel and was like Ash, I can't believe you went running when it's 19 degrees now!
So yeah, I don't think I'll ever run again in 17-19 degree weather... or at least I'll bundle up more! So now I'm even more nervous about the 10k on Thursday because my longest run is still 4.6! We'll see how it goes...

T-minus 1 week & 2 lbs.

Well one week from tomorrow is my 10k! I'm getting a little nervous. I was doing really well with my distance building, but for the past 3 weeks I've not attempted more than 4.6 miles! I have been doing lots of hill training, but not distance...

Why? Well my trail is only 4.6 miles, I've been out of town and had to run on my parents trail (which is 3.5 + once around the block = 4.2) and it's FREAKIN FREEZING!!!

So as of now, my longest is 4.6, and I have to run 6.2 in 8 days... I'm a little worried! I'm hoping to do 5.5 this weekend (run from my house to my trail, then run the trail and back to my house) but I think that's the farthest I'll go...eek!

And a little weight update: I'm 2 lbs. away from -80, so I'm hoping when I weight myself friday morning I'll be down 2 (or at least 1) because I'd like to hit my -80 by Thanksgiving!

It's ALL mental!

For the past month, I've been training pretty hardcore (for my standards) for my 5k yesterday and my upcoming Thanksgiving Day 10k. I usually run 3-4 miles on Sat. and Sun. mornings, and Wed. afternoon, then run 1.5 miles around the block with Pumpkin and shred during the week.


So yesterday was my 5k race, it went really well, did a bit below what I wanted on the time (the last .1 mi. was uphill and I was also cramping, but running 3 miles on Saturday morning is standard. Because I was in race mentality though, at the end I was so exhausted from running this long race... and I needed water and food and Starbucks... which I never NEED when I run at home on the weekends...
Then this morning, JJ wanted to go for a run b/c he needs to train for the T-day race, so I begrudgingly went and told him I was going to do 4 miles, even though I ran the 5k yesterday (like it was such a feat!)...
Then it hit me! This is what I do every weekend... just because I was in race doesn't mean I ran any futher or harder or longer yesterday, and doesn't give me a free pass for today, because if it was any other weekend, I probably would have done 4 yesterday and 5 today!


It's times like this when it really hits me - IT'S ALL MENTAL!!!


Ok, I'm done. I just need to remember that when I get to mile 5 on November 27 and want to cry/quit :)

5k tomorrow!

My first race of the season is finally here! After being rained out in June, and out of town during the Race for the Cure, I finally have a 5k to run!

Unfortunately the forecast is 40 and drizzly, so I'm not looking forward to it much. I also drove the course and it's pretty hilly, so I'm glad I've been working on the hills in my neighborhood!

I'm thinking I'll finish around 33:00 as the hills and weather will slow me down from my original goal of 30:00.

To everyone else racing tomorrow, good luck and have fun :)

10K Playlist

Here is my newest playlist for 10k training. There are some new, some old, some embarassing... but whatever keeps me running hard, right? This playlist is an hour, so I'll need to add 2-3 songs eventually to make 70 minutes...


Let's Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas
I Love Rock N Roll - Britney Spears
Bombastic Love - Britney Spears
Stronger - Britney Spears Oops I Did It Again
Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Mercy - Duffy
Wonderful World - James Morrison
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
You And I Both - Jason Mraz
The Remedy - Jason Mraz
Four Minutes - Madonna Ft Justin Timberlake
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
How Far We've Come - Matchbox Twenty
Laid - Matt Nathanson
Sing Me Sweet -Matt Nathanson
Car Crash - Matt Nathanson
So What - Pink
Our Song - Taylor Swift

Achievements!

Today I ran 4.6 miles without stopping or dying, in 50:26! Even though from miles 3.5-4.5 I cursed running, runners, marathons, and my upcoming 10k's...
4.6 miles may seem like an odd amount, however that's the distance of our trail to the end and back. When I started my 5k training back in May, I only dreamed that one day I'd be able to run the entire trail. It seemed so far, so long, so hard!!! It's taken me months, but finally, I did it.
I have a hard time with self confidence, but today I can honestly say I'm so proud of myself :)
(And I also bought myself 2 pairs of pants off the sale rack for Christmas last night a size smaller than I wear now for some extra motivation!!!)

10k Training

Every Thanksgiving, my family walks or runs the 10k race in Cincinnati. This year is the 99th running of the T-day 10k! Usually my dad and older sister run the entire race, my husband, brother in law, and younger sister walk/run, and my mom walks. I've run/walked it the past 2 years at a little bit slower pace than the sister/husband/brother in law group. The first year I did the 10k in 90 minutes (mostly walking), the last year I did it in 78 minutes, this year I'm hoping to run the entire race in 70 minutes, allowing for an 11 minute mile.


I love the course, it winds through downtown Cincinnati, then over the bridge to Kentucky, then back to Cincinnati around Paul Brown Stadium (where the Bengals play) and finishing in front of Great American Ball Park (where the Reds play). Cincinnati is quite hilly, and there is a pretty substantial uphill section at the very beginning, then around mile 2 you go up a bridge, and around mile 5, you go back over to Ohio, up another looooong bridge. Those are my 3 worry areas, but I think I'll be OK as I've been doing some hill training in my neighborhood and my parents when I'm home in Cincinnati.


I'll be loosely following Hal Higdon's 10k training program, where I'll be doing 2-3 runs per week around 3-4 miles, and my long run on Saturday or Sunday, building up by .5 miles each weekend. I'm going to do a 10k dry run probably 2 weeks before the race.
I've also found 2 5k races to run between now and then to get myself pumped up about the competition, as my family is VERY competitive :)

The Verdict....

After running the trail today, I decided that I for sure love running outside over the treadmill. It was a bit warm today, but I love the nice breeze, the beautiful fields, the occasional deer and bunnies hopping by, and the fact that I can actually see my progress!
This is a photo of my trail, I'm very lucky to live basically across the street from the trail head, it's 4.6 miles total, which one day soon I'll be running in it's entirety, but for now, I just run 1.5 miles out and back. It has .25 mile markers and is usually not too busy when I go.
There's something so freeing about being able to run outside and enjoy a nice late summer day.
However...
When it starts snowing again, I'll be back on the old treadmill!