Trying New Things

Sometimes the best way to beat impending burnout is by mixing things up. 

This week I've been doing quite a bit of that. Monday I ran the golf course behind my house for the first time and eschewed music, and the results were excellent. I kept a good pace, even for an easy run, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A winding path replete with sprinklers...New favorite route!

In fact, mentally, it was the best run I've had in a long time.

Wednesday, I met Kristin to run FGCU's campus and we finished the two-mile run with another first for me: running up and down the parking garage. I admit, I almost tossed my cookies at one point on this run. Even with a slower overall pace, the end of this run really had my heart-rate up and my legs thrumming.

That blob of color is the garage; I'll definitely need to do this one again, especially if it's ever storming too hard to run in the elements.

I'm going to check out a fancy neighborhood nearby for my long run Saturday. I think the new venue will put some pep in my step. And if I park in just the right spot, I'll be able to stash water and visit a McDonald's, so I'll be able to avoid wearing my fuelbelt.

I think, though, that I'll draw the line at trying something this new anytime soon:

This flyer was on Matt's car after one of his SUP races. Now I always scope out the racers and wonder who left it!

And speaking of newness and changes, this illustration has been going around Facebook. (I wish I knew where it originated so I could give proper credit!) In 1994 I was still doing that whole "running around because I'm a kid" thing, as opposed to running as sport. I didn't start running until there were Nike+ chips and Nano iPods! But it's interesting to compare the difference.

I am so guilty of this, and totally unashamed!

Is the advent of running gear and technology a good thing? I definitely think so for the most part, but there must have been a real freedom to running when none of that was available. I wonder if runners got lost a lot.

Have you tried anything new lately?

Would you ever do a nude race? Even though I could do this nude race with clothes on, I don't have much desire to run with a bunch of naked, sweaty people.

What were you up to in 1994?

ABK

Go Time

Sudafed might dry me out and exacerbate my dehydration, but at least I can breathe again!

Miles of paths, literally in my backyard...why have I not done this before?!

My legs definitely enjoyed all the time off, and a run through the golf course was a great change of pace. I loved the variety of terrain - paved paths, crushed shell, soft asphalt, grass - and the sprinklers. 

I was really excited to try my new Pro Compression socks, too. I usually run in Thorlos but they've been so hot lately. I was nervous to try these because, while I love the sleeves, I was worried the socks wouldn't be cushioned enough.

I'm literally going to order at least six more pairs like...this week. They're JUST cushiony enough where it counts, but my feet didn't hurt (and they've been really achy lately) and they felt snug and secure without feel hot at all.

And an added bonus? Colors!

It feels good to be back, and my eye is back on the prize. I'm feeling reignited. I'm ready to go!

ABK

I Still Exist

The time I usually spend reading/blogging I've been spending writing. Which is great, because I'm a writer at heart and when I get bit by the bug and my writer's block fades, I'm truly happy. But it also kind of stinks because there are only so many hours in the day. So when I'm done teaching and grading and running, I can either finally get my words down on paper (er...word doc), or I can blog. And right now blogging has had to take a back seat.

Making progress...I took some time off writing this summer because of all the traveling, etc.

Last Saturday we went to a Rays game and I indulged in a treat I haven't had since childhood.

Banana split flavor > everything else.

We spent Sunday and Monday with friends, so I pushed my Monday run to Tuesday and I got to experience the first hint of fall weather. 75 degrees, almost no humidity (so like, in the 80% range instead of 90%), and clear. I had one of my fastest runs this training cycle, which was greatly appreciated.

Totally psyched for cooler weather!

I missed my run Thursday because I'd pushed it to evening to meet a friend, but when she had to back out, I couldn't motivate myself to go.

All prepped for my next long run...I'm trying a few new flavors!

I've been really tired, which caused a mini angioedema flareup, so I slept through my morning run Saturday and moved it to nighttime. It was cool out post-rain shower, but still so humid I was covered in sweat and so damn thirsty. My mouth and throat feel so dry when I run that I end up chugging water...I could probably still run like that, but the fuelbelt is so awful when my stomach gets full. And then mentally I just can't seem to deal. 

At least it was pretty.

Mm, sweat.

All that is to say, blah blah blah, wah wah wah, I need to suck it up. Marathon training is hard. Running a marathon is going to be hard. The entire point of training is to build mental and physical toughness and grit so you can get through it. Some days I wonder if I'm cut out to run a full marathon, but I can't imagine not getting to that starting line, so if that's what I intend to do, I need to get serious about my training.

And I need to get back to your wonderful blogs! I miss you guys!

Link me to a post of yours I just can't miss, because I'm tempted to just mark my entire Bloglovin' feed as "read". I have something like 68 unread posts lol.

ABK