Taper Run with Cattitude!

Today was my last "long" run before San Francisco, and it was...interesting...to say the least!  Since I was tapering and only doing 5 miles, I decided not to join the group (for several reasons: save gas, sleep later, no waiting around for them to finish) and run on the trail nearby.

So what's this about "cattitude?"  About a mile into the run, the trail squeezes between a row of houses and a creek.  As I'm running along, a big fluffy orange tabby cat darts out of the foliage around the creek and starts running towards me!  I figured he belonged in one of the houses, so I slowed down to let him cross the trail ahead of me.  Instead of crossing, he stopped right in my path and looked up at me like "ok, I'm here, now pet me!"  I'm a cat lover, but didn't want to stop, so I maneuvered around him and kept going.  Next thing I know, he's running ahead of me and has once again stopped in my path a few yards ahead, waiting for some attention!  We played leapfrog a total of 3 times before I guess he gave up on me - it was the funniest thing!  I can't help but wonder how many people stop and love on him that he's now perfected this routine?  I've seen plenty of wildlife on and around the trail over the years, but this was a whole new kind of interaction - too funny!

As for the run itself, I definitely didn't prep well enough for it since it was "just 5 miles."  I started out too fast, and got in a decent first 3 miles, but then the heat and humidity definitely started getting to me and I faded fast after the sun started rising high.  The last 2 miles really stunk - boo.

Oh well, it's done, and now San Francisco's only a week away!  The forecast for next Sunday is a high of 65 and mostly sunny - it's gonna be amazing running weather!

Other items of note from today's run:

1. I ran in my new Lotta Breeze Capri Skirt (in all black).  This probably added to the crappy last couple of miles because they're longer and exacerbated the already warm temps.  But I want to wear them for SF and didn't want to not have run in them beforehand.  SkirtSports has another winner with these - no budging, and a cute skirt to cover any areas you don't want the world to see  :o).
2. I think Zico Coconut Water is yucky.  I bought two bottles to try - one regular and one flavored.  The regular is drinkable, but not enjoyable - definitely not something I'd want to carry with me on my run (glad I tried it before I put it in my bottles).  I'll try the flavored one this week to see if it's any better.
3. I used the IMapMyRun+ app on my phone to post my progress to Facebook.  Seemed to work pretty well - still debating using this to post mile marker progress during San Fran.
4. Today's run put me over 300 miles for the year!

Today's Run:

• 10 min. warm-up walk
• 4.99 mi run; 1:05:06; 13:03 min/mi avg. pace.

Seriously? Smoking???

I started running outside today and got about 10 minutes into it when I smelled cigarette smoke.  As I continued along the trail, the smell became stronger and stronger.  Then I rounded the bend and saw them: two people, a guy and a girl, decked out in full workout outfits and shoes, walking quickly, and smoking.  Yes, that's right, smoking.  After getting over my initial shock at the scene, I decided to just get past them as quickly as I could.  Trying to prove a point, I made quite the production of coughing and pretend choking as I passed.  Probably not my finest moment, but I was ticked that they were screwing with my run - I need all the air I can get, and it needs to be fresh, not smoke-infused!  Now, I know that we were outdoors, and it's a free country, but still, I was mad.

Today's stats:

• 10 minute warm-up walk
• 3 mi; 0:38:53 min; 12:58 min/mi avg. pace

Shocking!

Static electricity sucks.  Thank goodness I only had 2 miles to run on the treadmill tonight, because every time I touched any part of the machine, whether I was pushing buttons on the control panel or just accidentally brushing against the arms of the machine, I got shocked!  Since I use interval training, that means I'm changing speeds approximately every minute - that's at least a shock a minute - and not just small little zings, but hair-raising shocks (well, not really because of the ponytail, but they would've been)!  I don't know if there's an  excess energy buildup in the air due to the incoming storm or what, but this was ridiculous!

Today's stats:

• 10 minute warm-up walk
• 2 mi run; 0:25:57 min; 12:59 min/mi avg. pace

Is Virtual Running Really Running?

A virtual run - is there really such a thing?  Yup.  And actually, it's a misnomer.  It should be called a Virtual Race, not a Virtual Run.  You're actually running, you're just not actually racing.  But still, what the heck is it?  The people behind World Run Day have organized a Virtual New Year's Day Run.  Weird, right?  Maybe not!  You choose when, where, and how far you want to run; then you download your e-bib off the website, and just go!  I registered for 5 miles, since that's what was on my schedule, and, per the race instructions, made a small donation to the Texas SPCA, one of my favorite charities.

So, I got up this morning, still stuffy and coughing, looked at the thermometer, ...and chickened out.  I decided to wait until it had at least gotten above freezing to leave the house.  Once noon rolled around, the temps had hit 32, and the sun was out, so I did my 5 miles.  After a week of not running at all, and still feeling fairly yucky (but much better than the previous couple of days), I did it - but I walked it.  I decided there was no point in pushing myself too far while I'm still in recovery mode and doing more damage than good.  But I was determined I was going to get those 5 miles in.  So I stuffed my pockets full of kleenex, bundled myself up, and set out.  Felt great after going, too! 

Today's stats:

•  5 mi; 1:27:20; 17:28 min/mi avg

A Scene Straight from Hitchcock

I experienced my own personal version of "The Birds" during my run today.  The large amount of rain we've had lately brought all sorts of bugs, worms, etc. to the surface.  This, of course, attracted hundreds of birds to the open areas of the electric transmission line easement the trail runs through.  As I ran past and disturbed them, they all took to the air and, voila!- flashback to the movie.  Now I'm no Tippi Hedren, but for a few moments this evening, I could certainly identify with her character, because it was definitely freaky being surrounded by all those birds!  I'm just glad I made it through bird-poop-free!

Today's stats:

• 10 min warm-up walk
• 3 mi run; 0:37:38 min; 12:33 min/mi