I'm in love and other ramblings...

Today I was up and out the door by 7:04 according to Lola. I was ready to get my long run on!! I told my husband I wanted to try for 6 but would adjust according to my knees.

Before I jump into my run, let me tell you about my new shoes:

I am IN LOVE with my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 in Berry and Geranium. Finally, Brooks decided to make the Adrenaline in an aesthetically pleasing color. I  *heart*  them. I have been wearing these shoes for like 6 years; but this time, I didn't have to get them in a shade of blue!!! Yay! Aren't they beautiful? I even have outfits that match them because that totally matters, right?

Okay, back to my run. I am pleased to say that I ran 6.5 miles in 67 minutes. Not bad, not bad!

Mile 1: 9:35: The funny thing about this mile is that I was running and then came across a man running at the intersection. We were heading the same way, but my stride was a little faster. As we both headed up this hill, I could hear that his stride was getting faster. The natural competitor in me decided to pick up my stride (remember, we are going up hill). As I increased my speed, so did he. By the time we got to the top, we were sprinting (or at least it felt like that way to me). Once we hit the top (btw: I beat him), I said, "Great job... how many more miles do you have?" He said, "Oh, I just finish my five. What about you?" Embarrassed, I said, "Well, I just started, I just finished my first." And I high-tailed it back down the hill. So the only way I was able to beat him is because he had just ran 5 miles. TOO funny... it made me smile for the next mile (and start to catch my breath).

Mile 2: 10:34: I was breathing so hard after just racing some stranger. It was a hilly second mile but I was feeling good.

Mile 3: 10:14: I wanted to see if I could run faster this mile and I did, but I was wishing I had eaten something before I left. I used to eat 1/2 of a banana, but decided against it this morning. This mile felt good, but I was definitely thinking about stopping.

Mile 4: 11:04: This mile was also hilly and I had lots of head wind. I was deciding here whether to just head back home. That is the good and the bad about running in my neighborhood. I am never more than a 1/2 mile from my house. Great when you need to hit the head, but bad when you are trying to get extra miles in. I also ran into Chester and his parents. Chester is Dolce's boyfriend. We chatted a bit and I forgot to stop Lola.

Mile 5: 10:05: I did not plan to run this fast, but I had some strange men hanging out that made me nervous. I felt the paranoia set in and wanted to run faster. I kept checking over my shoulder to see where they were. I think they sensed that and decided to play mind games with me. They would appear at the ends of streets when I ran up the other way. I was getting freaked out. I almost ran to my friends house, but they laughed and drove off. I made good time though.

Mile 6.5: 15:10: I was surprised when Lola beeped saying that Mile 6 was up, so I picked up the pace and decided to sprint "home". Well, not really home - to the place where I cool down.
 
I am so happy that I ran 6.5 miles. Yay! And I am really not that into checking my time, but after my stroller fiasco I needed to make sure I was doing better.
 
Got home and showered, while the kids bathed and then after lunch took at 2.5 mile walk with my friend A and her two dogs and Dolce, the Wonder Dog (Isn't she cute?). I cannot wait for the snow to melt so we can use the sidewalks and the dogs and "use" the grass.
 

 
I hope everyone is doing well in your races and in your long runs!!