It's just across the riverbend!

How did within 12 hours we had three new posts? Man, I really need to get on it. So, yes, April and I decided to get together to run alongside the Riverwalk last night, and I'm so glad we did. After grabbing a quick bite from a nearby gas station -- $1.89 Slimfast meal-on-the-go bar, $.79 water bottle, some lame-o crackers ... (healthy!) I was off to April's house.

After picking up April and hopping into the car to drive over to the Riverwalk, April tells me, "Lauren, if you had said 'Let's stay in and watch TV, I would have taken you up on the offer.' " I began to feel that it was my duty and obligation to be the most motivating running buddy I could be. We started running (and by the way it's super humid out), and I started chatting it up, trying to think of all the fun tidbits I learned when I first started running three years ago. (With a two and a half year sabbatical in between ... )

"If you run with your arms closer to your chest, rather than up towards your waist, it's an indicator that you're getting tired!" I said. "If you need to give your breathing a break, give your upper body a rest and try to focus on running with just your lower body!" "Wow, we're already at the Blossom Street bridge -- half a mile down! We can do it!"

These positive tips of mine quickly became my downfall. As April and I encountered a few slight hills and some unexpectedly longer path to run, I began to get really frustrated with these environmental factors, as well as the humidity ("Ugh, it's so muggy!") and my breathing patterns ("April, can you hear my loud breathing?"). Soon, April turned into MY motivational running buddy ("Just a little more, passed the riverbend!"), which was awesome. I was really proud of my former roommate at that moment.

In the end, we ran 1.5 miles -- From the Gervais Street bridge, under the Blossom Street bridge, to the Pointe West bridge. I know that would have never run as far as I did had I been running solo. We're even planning another run tomorrow evening, too. I feel much more prepared and ready for our Labor Day run, especially with our cool buddy system we've got going (both physical and virtual!).

SuperGirl!

Sort of... I leaped from my bed this morning, donned my red running shorts and bolted down the stairs ready to conquer evil and my puny goals... only to hear the whimpering cries of a small member of Mulliganopolis. Her blankets had been tangled and her pacis flung during the dark, cold night... she was in desperate need of a Superhero! Mommy to the rescue! 10 minutes later I was out the door! I "flew" only a mile this morning, forgoing my warm-up and cool down in case the blanket twisting paci flinger struck again!

I ran the whole mile without stopping in... please don't laugh... 12:58.

Onward now to conquer the evils of breakfast, a well-baby check-up and the ever-menacing task of keeping the house picked up while waiting for company to arrive! Dunt duh DUH duh! Dunt duh DUH duh! Dunt duh duh duh duh duh... dunt, tah, taaaahhhhh!

New shoes make a difference

New shoes make a difference and so does having a buddy to run with. Lauren and I went to the Riverwalk and ran this evening. We were a bit whiney about going...ok, that was probably just me, but anyway, once we got going it was an awesome run. I had my new running shoes and that totally did help. They have a bit of a bounce. We ran from the New Orleans Restaurant side all the way to Point West bridge and I felt as if I could go farther. However, I didn't wanna push it ;-) Lauren and I also figured out after some calculating, that we ran 1.5 miles. We thought we were pretty awesome for that. Truth be known, we are pretty awesome ;-) Anyway, Lauren is supposed to blog more about our experience so I'll leave the commentary to her. Peace out, pals!

April

If I Were A Superhero, My Name Would Be "Sloth Girl"

Ah... feel like I had to start over this week after not getting in a run since LAST Tuesday... or whenever it was. I ran Monday morning, but it just did not feel all that great. I will be out again tomorrow morning and will, of course, let you know how it goes! I am still sticking with my goal of running a full mile without walking by Monday! I think I can! I think I can!

Oh, by the way, Ladies, The Cooper River Bridge Run is scheduled for April 5, 2008. Check those calendars!

I Reached a New Personal Best!

I ran Thursday and yesterday evening. Last evening, I reached a goal. I ran from the New Orleans restaurant part of the Riverwalk all the way to the Point West part. For me that was big considering the fact that I've never gotten that far and I've always given up before that point. I'll be honest, when I started running, I wanted to stop because it felt more difficult than normally. Then, after I got to the point that I normally stop, I caught a second wind and actually started to feel better so I kept going until I made it to that Point West bridge. I was pleased, but totally wiped out after that, so I started to walk back. I got a bit lightheaded walking back, so I realized I still have quite a ways to go. I made it back to my car without passing out or throwing up, so I counted the day as a good one ;-) I figure I'll take today off...maybe go try to find some shoes and let my body chill a bit.

Oh and on another note, if you are interested in doing the Labor Day 5k, get me your registration forms and check by Friday and I'll take them by Strickly Running and get our packets as well. Or you can do it yourself. I just wanted to offer that service since I plan on going anyway. If we get the registration in before the day of, we will only have to pay $20 for the 5k walk.

Keep on runnin', friends!

April

Rain is good, just not for running

So, I set my alarm for 5:40 this morning and actually got up. Unfortunately it was pouring rain, thundering and lightening. So I went and unplugged the appliances in the house and went back to bed. I think I might have actually made it to run this morning had it been a clear morning. Anyway, I was bummed because I didn't get to go yesterday since I was working on crap from like 6:30 in the morning till 7 in the evening or so...taking time to eat in between of course ;-). I did get to run the day before though I ran at like 2:00 or 3:00 in the sweltering heat. It was still a good run though. I probably ran a whole mile or more. I was at the Riverwalk so I didn't have mile markers. That was my only window of opportunity that day so I took though conditions were not ideal.

I think I'm starting to get a bit addicted to this running thing. If I don't do it, I miss it. I still dread it and hate it at the same time, but I also like it. Its a weird thing. If it keeps raining today, I may just have to run while a little wet. I'm really hoping to find time today.

Now that I'm getting on more of an exercise routine, I'm going to have to start the harder part. Focusing on diet. Grrrrr. Oh well, I'll report on how that's going later. Gotta jet!

April

The Sprinkler Got Me!

Thought that would peak your interest! I was out the door running this morning at 7:05. This is how I have been doing it: .5 mile warm up, 1 timed mile and .5 mile cool down. This morning half way through my timed mile, I got totally doused by a misaligned sprinkler... word to the wise: do not assume that everyone is watering their LAWNS... some folks apparently like to water their sidewalks as well! Anyway, I considered stopping. After all, I think getting totally creamed by your neighbor's sprinkler would have been a fabulous excuse. However, I decided it might keep me cooler and pressed on! I'm glad I did... my timed mile was run/walked in 12:05. Which, you may recall is quite an improvement over last time! I do fear, however, that at this rate, I may be the only one walking the 5K on Labor Day Weekend! Girls, I expect you to be at the finish line lifting a sister up in prayer if you finish without me. (Which I fully expect you to do if you can totally dust me!) Anyway...

I too, have been considering goals and decided this morning that I HAD to conquer this 1 mile thing! I am such a total wimp that if I begin to feel slightly uncomfortable, I just start walking. I must stop the madness. So, my new short term goal is to run my full mile without stopping by September 2. I am also going to start alternating my above mentioned 2 mile routine with a 3 mile "distance" run starting next week. In addition to getting past that "1 mile thing", I also have to start thinking about the fact that I am actually going to have to go 3 miles in the very near future! Hopefully, I will actually be RUNNING them! :) Run, April, Run! And you too, Lauren... and Anna! ;)