A Very Special Blog Post

It's going to be really, really hard to condense eight or nine years into a blog post. I'll do my best.

Matt and I met in 2004 as freshmen at Stetson University. We hung out that year, but I was dating a friend of his and just considered him one of the many guys in my social clique at the time. When we went home for summer vacation, we realized we lived within 15 minutes of each other. Small world!

Not long after summer break ended, my boyfriend and I mutually split. He was going to come to a formal my sorority was having anyway, but came down with some hospital-worthy food poisoning; he urged Matt to go in his place.

I can feel you judging our fashion choices. This was a long time ago, okay?

I know it's cliche and corny to admit, but when we shared our first slow dance, I really did feel a spark of electricity go down my spine. I just knew I'd found something real.

We continued to hang out, but this was nothing different than before. Matt's friends were my friends, and it wasn't unusual for us to be spending time together in that setting. But then winter break rolled around, and we found ourselves back in our hometown and basically inseparable.

Busch Gardens, circa 2006

Our relationship had its ups and downs, like all do. But Matt and I have always known how to talk to each other. There's nothing we can't get through.

The remainder of college saw us break up, reconcile, travel abroad, break up, reconcile, and confess our undying love. We experienced long-distance dating the year I went to grad school, when Matt took a job in Indiana. If anything, it taught us that we wanted to be together permanently. We both learned to grow as our own people and together, to make compromises, to support each other, to expand our interests, and to become good listeners.

In Glasgow, Scotland in the winter of 2007.

I couldn't ask for anyone better suited to me. Matt makes me laugh every day, knows how to sit quietly and listen when I'm having a breakdown, brings me back to earth when I'm going a little crazy, thinks I'm a great cook, runs with me when it's dark, wakes up at ridiculous hours to cheer me on at races, urges me to take risks and go on adventures, and is the best hugger I know.

Relay for Life 2008

It was Matt who bought me my first iPod for running, my shoes, and encouraged me to keep at it. I don't know if I'd be a runner if not for him, which is funny, because while he races with me any distance up to a 10k, he's not really a "runner".

Sticking together during an 8k

Up before the sun to cheer me on at the Women's Half last year.

On July 10, 2010, we made it official. These last three years have been rewarding beyond explanation.

Our first moments as a married couple.

 Marriage is hard work, sometimes, but I'm grateful everyday for Matt. Life is a lot more enjoyable with him in it!

Our first dance.

 I feel like I've known him my entire life...He's my rock, the perfect complement to my neurotic self, and my best friend.

I can't imagine my life without him, and every year I look forward to the next.

I have my parents to thank (in part) for Matt's and my strong marriage. After all, they taught me what to look for in a good partner, and showed me what a healthy marriage looks like.

They're celebrating 33 years just two days after we celebrate our 3rd. I've learned from their marriage to enjoy your own pastimes, but make sure you nurture the things you have in common and what brought you together.

Mom with her parents and siblings...and dad, doing a great job of blending.

They've taught me that humor, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and staying active help solidify a bond. They've taught me that taking a weekend with your friends - and leaving the ol' ball and chain at home - is totally allowed, and even encouraged.

Dancing at our wedding in 2010.

They've taught me that no matter what gets in the way, you stick together, and you make it through...with love, laughter, and some off-color fart jokes.

So, here's to us, and here's to them.

How did you meet your SO?
Who do you look to as an example of a strong relationship?
How do your loved ones encourage you to follow your dreams?

ABK

A Very Merry Christmas

This Christmas, I received all a runner-girl could ask for.

As my family is entirely Jewish, Christmas is all about the in-laws. We spent the holidays catching up with a lot of family, including my brother-in-law, who flew in from LA for the first time since moving there almost 6 months ago. Needless to say, the days were packed. And, like it does every break, my immune system decided it was time to be on vacation. I spent Saturday, Sunday, and Monday fighting a mild but irritating cold - I felt fine except for non-stop sneezing. However, my symptoms let up enough Monday for me to enjoy the day.

Shopping is calling my name!

We spent Christmas Eve at M's mom's, where I received my first excellent running gifts. She and her sister generously gave me two fully-loaded cards to Fit2Run. I've been coveting a long-sleeved running jacket, compression socks, and a couple new tops. There's no Fit2Run local to where M and I live, so I'd like to spend everything on the cards before we go home.

My next running gift was one I gave myself.

I had plotted and planned to have a run Christmas morning, and despite being up late Christmas Eve (and having early plans Christmas day), I successfully peeled myself out of bed in time to go. I'd set my goal at 5 miles. I hadn't had a long-run in two weekends, and it was important to me to have some solid mileage. Christmas (holidays in general, for slightly asocial people like myself) can be overwhelming, and I knew I'd need some alone-time and peace - some time to be with my thoughts.

M and I always stay at my parents' house when we're in town, and their neighborhood never ceases to fuel my urge to run. It's simply made for running. It's well-lit, full of twists and turns, hills if you want them, and multiple routes to choose from. No matter the route you take, it's sure to be gorgeous - wide sidewalks curve between grassy golf course hills and beautiful homes, around lakes and trees. There's sure to be wildlife. As someone who likes to run on pavement but tires of busy roads, this is a little piece of running heaven.

Still, I was a little wary. I had run 2.95 miles with M on Sunday and had had to walk a bit because I'd overheated and was having so much trouble breathing. Also, I'd never run five miles totally alone, and I was worried I'd be strapped for time and wouldn't be able to do the full route. But M was fast asleep and I had promised myself this run, so off I went.

This is one I want to remember the feeling of.

It was 55 degrees and the sun was just beginning to burn the fog off the lakes. Frost dotted the golf course. The run was immediately refreshing and soul-lifting, and I started off a little faster than I meant to.

As I neared the exit of my parents' street onto the main road, I passed two deer grazing in a field; as I turned the corner, I startled a third deer who was not even a foot from me. The tone for the run was immediately set: I was alone in the chill morning with nature surrounding me.

There's something so wonderful about running when no one else is out. The world appears in a different light. It's like there's a secret life beneath the world we see daily; before we think to step outside, the world is already alive. It doesn't wait for us. I felt invigorated and peaceful all at once.

Anyway, the run was totally successful. I felt alive and free with every step. I only passed one other runner quite early on, but I did pass some walkers (mostly elderly couples with dogs). Doves swooped along the sidewalks; sand hill cranes and white egrets searched for their breakfast in the dewy grass.

The little squiggle is a runner!

I kept my pace fast, moving myself forward into the morning. I not only ran the full 5 miles, diligently beating down any mental voice that told me to cut the run short, but I also ran pain-free. All-in-all, it was a Good run.

After the run, we made our way to M's dad's for breakfast and gifts. My final running gift was from M, who had a specialty 13.1 decal made for me. Not only can I now proudly display it on my car, but it's different than the ones I usually see. Like I mentioned in a post before, the sticker is about the running lifestyle; it's not about bragging, but about offering a secret handshake to other runners out there. I've dragged my feet about getting the sticker, but M getting it for me, and giving it to me on the morning of such an awesome run, really solidified something for me. One more check-mark in the column of things that makes me feel like I can call myself a runner. I belong to this club, for better or worse.

Opening gifts with M.

Besides these gifts - which made the runner in me ecstatic - I spent the holiday surrounded by devoted and loving family, good food, and the blessings of a full, happy life.

I hope those who celebrate had a wonderful holiday as well!

ABK

PS: I forgot to mention that even before Christmas, my sister sent me a monthly running calendar, complete with motivational photos, quotations, and (best of all) a running log! What more could a girl ask for?! 

I can't wait to post this in my classroom!

ALSO Youth Turkey Trot 10k

Thanksgiving is usually one of M's and my rush-around-crazy-busy holidays. Our parents live in the same city, and we have the pleasure to visit and partake in festivities at each of their houses. We've never run a turkey trot before, mostly because I was under the impression that our local one was 5k beach run, and because we're always so short on time. But this year we learned that ALSO Youth, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBT teens, was putting on their third annual turkey trot, and that it would be downtown. Instead of running the beach, we would be running the causeway bridge, and instead of running a 5k, we could run a 10k instead.

The race route, from M's Nike GPS.

So, we were in! The race was Thanksgiving morning, only four days after the Half, and I hadn't done any small runs or such between the two races. My right knee and hip flexor had been giving me some issues on and off, and the morning of the race my knee was especially painful. Still, I was too stubborn to back down from the 10k to the 5k, and decided to go into the run as a slow, steady post-race fun run.

The morning started off unbearably cold - for us, anyway. We arrived at the venue when it was still 55-degrees and windy. S, M, and I were all running; our cheering section included our mom, M's mom, and G, S's boyfriend. I had opted for long running pants because of the cold weather and wind, but this was a mistake; by the time the sun was up, I was feeling a little warm. Still, it wasn't terrible.

Pre-race...Brrr!

The run was gorgeous. We all started at our own paces, but S caught me on our way up the bridge. (This bridge, by the way, is much steeper and longer than the bridge K and I train on, and it was definitely a hike.) We ran a few miles together by the water, but after our turn-around (just about 4 miles in), I was really starting to feel the pain in my leg. S went ahead and I pulled my pace back a bit.

The high winds and steep inclines got me in the end. I had to walk near the top of the bridge on the second ascent, but ran 6 of the 6.2 miles, so I'm happy with that, especially considering that fact that I was in pain the entire run. I did have one of those moments of clarity where I realized 6.2 miles really doesn't seem all that long anymore, even when I'm struggling through it.

Getting my second wind.

My time was a sad 1:07, with a pace of 10:13. (To compare, my last 10k was 58:27.) My Nike+ had some issues and I had to entirely reboot my iPod, so I don't know my splits, but I'm sure they weren't negative. I took off a bit fast in the beginning and really slowed down in miles 4 and 5. I was able to pick up again at the end, and I overtook two women I'd been neck-and-neck with the entire race. Still, my place was 174 of 219 overall 10k runners, and 39 of 46 in my AG (divided up as 18-29, which honestly is a pretty big range). I'm not at all happy with that, but I need to remind myself that this was meant to be a nice, easy post-Half long-run.

M and S both did very well; this was M's first 10k and he ran it at a faster pace than any of his training runs. S came in with the same time as her previous 10k, but with the bridge included this meant her pace was better.

Post-race...sunny and warm

It's nice to see that I'm continuing to infect others with the running bug. My brother-in-law recently bought his first pair of real running shoes, began training, and ran his first race on Saturday.

The rest of the day was spent over-indulging and seeing family...and the rest of the week was more of the same. Work starts up again Monday, and it's back to regularly scheduled programming, as they say.

Really, I'm ready for a couple easy runs before scheduling my next race. This was such a light week, and despite my injury I am chomping at the bit to get back out there, but I know I need to take it easy for a couple more days. Then, it'll be time to get back to it! I can't wait!

ABK

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is, I think, a holiday that doesn’t get enough love. Even those who like it are more focused on the abundance of food they'll get to indulge in, and then their minds shift quickly to holiday shopping. Like with Valentine’s Day, those who dislike the holiday tend to spout some bitter dictum about how we don’t need just one day to show our love – or in this case, gratitude – and that those who use the holiday as an excuse to do so are missing the point.

But I would argue that they are the ones missing the point. We don’t live our lives oblivious to those we love, or ignorant of the things that bless us. But taking a day to pause our busy lives and focus on those things can bring us fulfillment that, in our stressful world, we often forget to seek. It is important to feel fulfilled; it's restorative.

I couldn't have survived Proteach without you!

So in honor of finally having a break in schedule - a time when training is paused, school is out, and I can rest and reflect - I present a post on gratitude.

So often, the thing that causes me the most stress is a thing worth being thankful for. I am truly grateful that I have a career that makes a difference. One of the purest joys in life is watching a student's face light up as a connection is made, new understanding is reached, and they can say, "This makes sense now!"

I am grateful that after a long day of work, I can come home to a secure home with electricity, A/C, a comfortable bed, and a stocked fridge. So many go without these simple necessities.

More than I deserve.

It seems like such a trivial thing, but I am so grateful for the freedom to set my own schedule, travel to see friends, plan my weekends as I want them, and pursue hobbies that make me happy.

I am grateful for the freedom to practice my religion as I see fit, and to have authority and control over my choices regarding my health.

Words cannot express my gratitude for my friends. Their kind words and actions, their lively discussions and debates, their vigor and energy add to my life abundantly. They challenge me, keep my brain sharp, commiserate, comfort, and bring me laughter that reduces me to tears and hiccups. They are a group of sharp-witted, intelligent, loyal people who I could not live without.

Distance is meaningless.

My family has given me support in all ways that they can, from the very basic needs of a child to the complex and demanding needs of an adult. My parents have encouraged me, been strict when necessary, led by example, and allowed me to follow my own paths and make my own mistakes. For their continued love, support, listening ears, and friendship I am forever indebted. 

My siblings have forced me to be my own self, to find a way to stand out from between their own bright personalities. Their presence in my life grounds me and connects me to a past that I can appreciate because it has made me who I am today. My brother's easy ability to shrug off the opinions of others and to let his own intelligence shine has been a constant beacon for me to follow; my sister's amiable nature and truly magnetic disposition have made her the perfect lifetime friend, confidant, and soul mate.

Up early in cold & wind...just to cheer me on!

I am grateful for a husband who strengthens who I am and whose values mirror mine. I am grateful for our disagreements, through which we grow, and I am grateful for the depth of understanding and willingness to listen that keeps our relationship strong. I am especially grateful for his support of my quirks and idiosyncrasies. I am grateful that he takes an interest in the things I love, and that if he's not running races with me, he's there cheering me on. I am grateful for the hour-long leg massage post-Half that completely eradicated my knee pain and reaffirmed my confidence in being able to run long distances without persistent injuries. I am grateful that he puts up with so much from me - constant messes, awful TV, ridiculous YouTube videos, muddled priorities - and still wonders aloud how he could ever deserve me. I am grateful for a love that demands equality, fairness, and respect from us both. 

And now, because this would be incomplete without a mention of the thing that, lately, keeps me sane and whole...

I am grateful for a sport that makes me feel strong and humble all at once. A sport that allows me to challenge myself in my own way. A sport that, even in failure, allows me to succeed. 

I am grateful to myself for meeting this goal of learning to run, and for dedicating time to myself despite my stressful, busy days. When I first decided I wanted to run, it was M who outfitted me with all the accessories and encouraged me to keep going - another thing to thank him for. 

From the first Half to the last mile.

Running has brought me friendships so strong, complex, and meaningful that I cannot doubt the bond itself is strengthened through the sport. Relationships that could have been surface-level have been made irreplaceable because of running. Even casual friendships, like those started through work or fractured by distance, take on a level of respect, openness, and connectivity that would often be lost if the love of running weren't involved.

I am grateful to the running community for the camaraderie and healthy competition it constantly provides. I am grateful for this amazing outlet for stress, anger, disappointment, and fear. I am grateful for the bad runs that remind me I have far to go, that I am a work in progress. I am grateful for the strong runs that rebuild my confidence and remind me of how far I've come. I am grateful for health in my mental and physical life. I am grateful for my body, which is strong and capable. I am grateful for my aching muscles, because they remind me of what I've accomplished. I am grateful for my mind, which is kept clear and sharp because of the reflective time running provides.

I am grateful for where my life is. Running and daily life are so intertwined these days that my gratitude for life and my appreciation of running must go hand-in-hand. Running has made me strong, mentally flexible, and has proven to me that there are only limits where I choose to set them.

Truly, there is so much, and I am so humbled by my good fortune. I hope everyone has a relaxing, fulfilling, and enlightening holiday.

ABK

Race the Roof 8k

I cannot get over the drastic change in weather we've been seeing! Something about the chilly air in the morning really sets me up for feeling confident about my race.

Our course for the 8k

Saturday, I ran the Race the Roof 8k. There were a million wonderful things setting this up to be an awesome experience: the race proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity, which is a cause I actually care about; the course took us through the paths and boardwalks of a gorgeous gated community; and my sister came up to run the race with us, to name a few!

This week, volleyball started. I coach the girls team at my school, so I've been doing all kinds of squats, jumps, and lunges with the girls. Needless to say, my quads have been killing me this week. This made me a bit nervous, but K and I had run an easy 2.5 the evening before race-day, so I knew I could run through the pain. Plus, since using my new foam roller and breaking in my new Kayanos, my legs and knees have felt truly awesome.

The race started out nicely except for a couple snags. We didn't have time to do a warm-up lap, so we started out a little stiff. Also, even though I used the bathroom twice before we ran, I had to pee within the first mile, and the feeling didn't go away until mile 3 or so. It was distracting, but I couldn't bring myself to peel off and pop a squat, so I just dealt with it; I do think it messed with my pace early on.

We actually got a shot running together!

 M and I ran the first couple miles together, keeping a nice mid-9 pace. As usual, I kept an eye on a few people running around/near us, and took particular note of Man in Orange Shirt, Man with Dog, and a couple who looked familiar from previous 5ks. S (my sister) had fallen behind us a bit, but at a corner turn at the 2-mile mark, I was able to catch her eye and wave, so I knew she was doing well. There was something exhilarating and satisfying about knowing my sister was running this race with us. There is something really rewarding in that. I know that those of you with siblings will kind of get it; finding something you both love and can really bond over together - something that is good for you - is indescribable.

The course was so beautiful, M took a pic while running!

M took off ahead of me at that point, and I ran the rest of the race pretty much alone. For the most part, it was an easy and beautiful course. We ran through tree-lined golf cart paths and over perfectly springy boardwalks. The foliage and slow sunrise made for a gorgeous ambiance. There was a stretch of road around mile 4 where there weren't many trees, and that was my hardest spot. The wind was intense; I had to cup a hand over my mouth so I could breathe. (I've always had trouble with headwinds; it's one reason I don't love rollercoasters.) It was at this point that a few runners who had been tailing me were able to overtake me, but I just told myself to relax and be true to my pace. I only had about a mile to go.

After this stretch, which only lasted about half a mile, we were back on the community streets with houses blocking the wind, and I was feeling great. I still wasn't experiencing knee pain, and my feet felt like they've never felt before. No fatigue, no tingles, no aches. I came to a second boardwalk with about half a mile to go, and it was here - with a nice change in terrain and the slight bounce of the boards - that I got my second wind. I was able to overtake Man in Orange Shirt with almost no effort.

K, me, and S pre-race

At the last tenth, K was waiting for me with her daughter. She called out, "It's a blind finish; you're almost there!" and that, as usual, got my sprint going. I passed a couple (the same I passed at the Dr. Piper race at the finish) and forced myself to catch up with Man With Dog just as we neared the finish line. He gave a laugh as he saw me coming, and I laughed back as he picked up his pace as well. I nearly cackled when I crossed the finish line, I was so proud of that final performance. We finished neck-and-neck; I wanted to thank him for the extra motivation, but I was too embarrassed.

My finishing time was 48:05 and my goal was 50 minutes or less, so I'm really pleased! I'm happy to see that I've been able to hold a steady, fast pace (for me) for the last few races. This is our last scheduled race before the Half on Nov. 18, so I'm glad it was a good one.

As far as placing goes, I was 87/154 overall, 40/88 women, 8/14 in my age division. Pretty average, but that's not surprising.  If anything, I'm once more showing my consistency.

S came in right behind me, just a dozen seconds later. She had been able to run the whole thing and felt good. It was a successful day for everyone!

This was also a good race because of the festivities afterward. K's daughter R ran in the tot-trot. She was definitely the youngest out there, but no one can resist a tiny toddler running her hardest, and she won the most high-fives and a ribbon, which she is very proud to display in her room. (M and I babysat for her last night, and she wanted to show me where she had hung the ribbon - she's sure to follow in K's footsteps!) There was a delicious breakfast buffet afterward, raffle prizes, and pumpkin painting. We stayed for some of the events and then headed home, happily revisiting moments from the race.

All the runners post-race.

I think it took me too long to warm up for this distance. I still prefer the 10k, but you rarely see an 8k so I'm glad we did it. Now it's back to real training as the Half looms less than a month away. I'm trying not to let my head get cloudy with nerves. No matter what, it will be more successful than my first, and I just have to remember that I'm not competing with anyone but myself. This isn't about friends and their times and their accomplishments; it's about me.

And right now, I'm feeling pretty damn good.

ABK

Breakfast of Champions

As I prepare for my 8k tomorrow, I'm preparing my race gear and facing down the age-old question of runners everywhere: what to eat? Most veteran runners have figured out their perfect pre-race meal, but newer runners often struggle with figuring out a filling (but not too much) and quick meal that won't make a reappearance of any kind during the race itself. We've all been there, right?

I'm experienced enough with shorter-distance races that I know what I can and should eat before a race. 5k breakfasts take almost no thought. I have a banana and part of a protein bar, plus a cup of coffee to get things moving along, intestinally-speaking. K and I call this our race breakfast tradition. I try to eat all this about an hour before the race. But as I only have one Half and a 10k under my belt when it comes to long-distance races, I'm sometimes still not sure what to eat.

Before a long-run, I have about half a protein bar. But that's a slow, easy run. So what's a good go-to for race-day foods?

If you have time to cook, eggs in a basket are good for race days.

The rule of thumb is to have enough protein to keep you full, and to eat your carbs the day before. Those carbs shouldn't be too full of fiber; we all know how our stomachs tend to react to the nerves and adrenaline of a race, and fiber can really make a mess, to say the least. This is a good time to actually eat your white pasta and white bread.

This article breaks down foods to eat or avoid depending on how much digestion time you're giving yourself, but for some reason there aren't many breakfast foods listed. Since most of my races are in the morning, this isn't really that helpful, especially now that I'm a morning runner. (Who knew I'd ever call myself that?)

While I have pretty much stuck to my banana-and-protein-bar combo, I've also had success with two egg whites (no cheese). Peanut butter toast is great, too, and oatmeal is a solid bet as well. (I really love eggs before a race, but cooking takes prep time, and I'm rushed enough as it is. Back to the drawing board.)

Eating more than an hour before a race allows for bigger meals.

Foods to avoid include high-fiber fruits or vegetables, anything with a ton of dairy, and nothing. The first is kind of obvious, as I've already touched on that. Dairy can be heavy, and depending on your tolerance for it, it can really cause stomach issues you didn't realize you'd be facing. I'm very tolerant of dairy, but if I have too much over a week, suddenly my body rebels. The morning of a race is not the time to spin that roulette wheel and hope my intestines aren't going to just decide to hate on the milk I've poured on my cereal.

Case in point, M ran a race with K and me last spring after drinking a protein shake. The weight of the shake, plus the dairy, left him feeling sluggish, over-full, and completely nauseated. He could hardly keep up a jog toward the end, and it was only a 5k.

Eating nothing before a race can be detrimental. You're more likely to push through your race strong, with energy to spare, if you eat something before getting to the starting line. I don't mind being hungry suddenly halfway into a race, but I hate starting a race feeling starved. There's a perfect balance I strive for.

Finding the perfect breakfast combination can be annoying; it's pretty much trial-and-error. The most important tip I can offer is to test new foods during training so that you're ready on race day. Eat, digest, run at race pace, and really monitor how you feel.

What are some foods you've been successful with? What were some bad choices that led to sticky situations? Be brave; share!

ABK

Working Through Self-Doubt

This week was one of potential setbacks and self-doubts. After my last post, we had a rest day. It also happened to be Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. This high holy day is observed by fasting from sundown to sundown. After dinner Tuesday (my last meal for 24 hours), I went to the gym for weight-training. Needless to say, I spent Wednesday weak, grumpy, tired, and dehydrated. But I ate dinner Wednesday night and planned to run Thursday as scheduled.

I didn't necessarily feel weak Thursday, but once more I just couldn't get a handle on my run. My stride and pace seemed off and my breathing wasn't smooth. I had planned 4.5 miles (three times around the outdoor mall we ran on Tuesday), but stopped at three, and hardly shambled through another half mile after a ridiculously long walk break (during which K finished the loop a third time). I left the run discouraged and upset. Was the run bad because the route bored me, or was I still recovering from Yom Kippur? Or, worse yet, was my body over-taxed and suddenly regressing? Would this inability to even complete a normal run continue?

In the past, issues like this have led me to take time off, which of course leads to a long hiatus...really, it leads to quitting. I turned to the Sub-30 Club on facebook, which is comprised of other runners of all levels who struggle with completing a 5k under thirty minutes. The members of the group are so helpful and non-judgmental, and they offered all kinds of great advice. (Honestly, just being able to rant about my disappointment in my performance seemed to help!) I decided to suck it up and go back to a tried-and-true route to boost my confidence before our long-run Saturday. Also, I wore my headphones so that K could pull ahead of me and run her own pace, and I would have my music to keep me company.

This worked really well for me. We ran a route I like, and I was able to complete the full 4.5 miles without a walk break. My pace was much slower because I was being more true to myself, but of course the downside here was that K enjoyed the run less and didn't get to run as a fast as she wanted the entire time, either.

(We are working on finding new routes to combat boredom and motivate both of us equally; I wish more streets where we live were well-lit and had wide sidewalks!)

Today we had our long-run, and it went very well. We kept the pace around 10:30, although we took the first mile or two a bit fast and ended up slowing down a bit in the end. We did a little over 7 miles. Friday's run helped improve my confidence again, and I'm feeling ready to conquer next week.

Today after the long-run, K's family, M and I had breakfast together, and then M and I went kayaking. I am horribly terrified of manatees, but luckily none were out today. The bad part of the day was that I had exerted myself so much in the morning - and without a nap in between - that I ended up exhausted. M had to trail me behind him some of the way back! But we stopped at a nice inlet and took a break in the water, and when we finally got home I took a long, indulgent nap.

Overall, a nice Saturday. And as for this week...I still got in my 20 miles, so even those two rough runs in the middle of the week ended up showing me that I'm at a point in training where I can have a few bad days and still bounce back.

ABK

PS: Our 5k on the 6th is on a golf course...more than half of the race is on grass. I HATE running on grass! I always lose my footing. It will be a nice run to train on, but now I'm thinking this may not be the time to test my sub-30 potential.