Running in the Rain:101

pic from I <3 to run

Running in the rain.

For most of us, this is probably not our favorite scenario, but there will come a time when it simply has to happen. Here's some tips to make it a little less painful.

First and foremost, Leave the cotton at home. I don't care how warm and comfy that thick cotton fleece sweatshirt is.....it will feel like 5-10 extra pounds of dead weight if it gets wet. And if, by chance, the rain stops (and you still have a few more miles to go), that mass of sloppy fabric will not dry out. Do you think I'm kidding? Take a simple cotton t-shirt and a tech fabric shirt...get them both wet, and hang them out to dry. I am willing to bet a new pair of running shoes the cotton shirt will take much longer to dry (#eeewww).

A lot of runners show up wearing a garbage bag. Yes, a garbage bag will cover most of your body and it will effectively repel water. But, garbage bags are kind of big and bulky. My solution? Use a dry-cleaning bag instead. A dry-cleaning bag is much lighter in weight, and guess what? If you're participating in a race, your race bib will actually show through it! I recommend not just splitting it open for the neck, but actually cutting a bit of a scoop neckline, as well as side slits near the waist so you can have access to your pockets or race belt underneath. I have a bag all rolled up and ready in my fuel belt, so I'm always prepared.

A dry-cleaning bag will also let your festive clothing show through

Your feet will get wet, and so will your socks. I always wear wool socks (rain or shine) to help prevent blisters. Did you know wool (unlike cotton) wicks away moisture from your feet? Again, leave the cotton at home. And while we're talking feet, go ahead and lube your toes, thoroughly. You can use brand name "glide" products, or plain old petroleum jelly will suffice.

two necessary race day words: Wool Socks

What about your hair? I'm not much a hat-wearer, but if it's raining (or in the forecast to do so), I will wear a cap. Yes, the cap will probably get wet, but it will keep your hair drier than a visor or a headband, and the bill will help deflect most of the raindrops. Also, ladies, consider wearing your hair in a braid instead of a ponytail...a wet braid is much easier to comb out than a messy, wet ponytail post race.

Have cap (and braid); will run

As you are running, do proceed with caution. It's easy to focus on your own discomfort, but pay attention to the slick streets or slippery trails. Also, watch for puddles...they may be deeper than they appear.

Yes, you may be a muddy mess when you are finished

Even though, the rain kind of "levels the competition," be realistic with your goals. If you are hoping to PR or land an age group award, racing in adverse conditions may not be the ideal day for that to happen. Of course, there is the chance you may be able to run faster and stronger because you don't want to be out in the rain any longer than necessary.

And, last of all, remember to smile! Having a good attitude will do wonders for your spirits. Although rain can make for miserable conditions, it also can make you feel like a beast for persevering through it .

Have you ever trained really hard for a big race, only have it rain on race day? How do you feel about running in the rain? Ever wiped out on a muddy trail or slippery path?

I'm linking this post with Deb from Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word...today's word is Encourage. Hopefully, I have given you some encouragement to go for a run in the rain and not stay inside. Head over, and see what everyone else is saying about the word Encourage.

This past week? Victorious!

Finally, a week without any major stressors rattling my cage. I managed to (finally) kick the last of the coughing to the curb, which was no easy feat. My theme for this week? I'd call it ViCtOrIoUs!

What all went down? Here's the recap....

Monday started with iffy weather, which is not a big deal. Typically, I only have my #nevermissaMonday (self-inflicted) obligation on deck anyways. My standing goal is,at the minimum, one mile in my running shoes (preferably doing what the running shoes are intended for).

We've been down a car, since having the two college kiddos back home, so I decided to drop off my car at the husband's office (gold star for me!), and the plan was for Max and me to jog/run back home. Great idea on paper, huh! Only, as soon as we pulled into the parking lot of said office, it started to rain. Not a heavy rain, but just enough sprinkles to make that "just a mile" not ideal.  Max didn't mind the rain though, and he lead me back home with enthusiasm.

Tuesday, we had nice weather again. I worked most of the day, but wanted to get out for a few miles in the running shoes. I met up with my main running friend, Barb, and dragged the husband along with us. We have a half marathon happening on June 4th, and the husband needs to get a few more miles under his belt. All went well, he made it for about 4.5 miles, and Barb and I went a bit further and finished at 6.5 miles.

Wednesday, as was forecast, was yucky (again). Ever heard that saying about not being happy with the weather? Just wait around because it will change? Iowa probably was the state where that saying originated. So, yeah, I'm glad we'd made the executive decision to run on Tuesday. I stayed inside and did some core work and arm weights.

Thursday was a rather long, adventurous day...spent in the car. The daughter left for Europe, and my sister and I drove her to O'Hare (Chicago) for her 4:30PM flight. We left early (8:30AM), arrived at O'Hare around 1:00, dropped her off and spent a short while at one of the outlet malls and were back on the road by 3:30. We arrived back home just after 8:00PM, exhausted.   After spending the greater part of 12 hours in the passenger seat, I concluded it is more tiring being the passenger than it is driving . Ugh.

We (again) had cold and rainy weather in the forecast for Friday, so I quickly laced up and managed 2.5 tempo-ish miles before sunset. Somehow, that quick run gave my tired body a bit of energy and feel-good mojo. And the daughter texted us at 1:00AM (Friday) and said she had landed safely in Amsterdam.

Chasing daylight and I came out victorious!

Friday? Nothing to report...yucky weather, work, and a bit of cross-training. And more planking (at lunch,before the rain hit).

Chaturanga plank on the pavement

Saturday...guess what? Cold weather (temps in the upper 30's/low 40'),major wind, but plenty of sunshine. I had planned to do my long run on Sunday anyways, so this was all well and good. I went for a long walk with the sister, and did more planking.

Side planking in the (muddy) grass

Sunday arrived, and it was my first official long run in preparation for the upcoming Ultra in July. I have been doing long runs, but I consider those were more prep for the half marathon that happened two weeks ago. We had ideal weather (temps in the low 40's) and lots of glorious sunshine.

Barb drove over, and the husband and I headed out and we all got moving. Our plan? Barb and I were hoping to knock out 13-15 miles, and the husband was hoping to do 7-8 miles.  We left the house at 6:30, with my main goal to be done in time for church at 10:00. Mission accomplished.

A post-run pic....(no, we did not plan the matching colors)

Post-run plank....on the driveway...on one foot

Some thoughts on this long run: Although it felt victorious to complete this run (Barb and I managed 14.5 miles, the husband did about 8 miles), it did not necessarily come easy. I had a difficult time due to my energy level not being in top condition (possibly due to the recent bout of illness that has lasted close to two weeks).Also, this past week I have noticed some slight wonkiness on my right heel (which is exactly how the Plantar Fasciitis began almost a year ago in my left heel). Ironically, the heel doesn't really hurt when I'm running, but I can sometimes feel it when I'm walking, usually first thing in the morning. I'm being cautious......wearing my (ugly) PF compression sleeve, massaging it throughout the day, and not walking around barefoot. I'm not concerned with it (yet), and am optimistic it will not interfere with my training. (#fingerscrossed)

Look closely...do you see the PF sleeve peeking out from my shoe?

So, in other news:

There's been some additional planking going on, and a bit of a friendly challenge among Marcia (from  Marcia's Healthy Slice ), Wendy (from Taking the Long Way Home), and myself. We're having fun with it, and it's no secret planking is one of my favorite cross-training activities.

Max has been up to his usual craziness. He certainly keeps us smiling.

Mommy, someone messed up the slipcover....(#busted #guilty #notsoinnocent)

Even though Sunday kept me busy in the morning (first running, and then church), it also gave me some additional active recovery opportunities....getting our salsa garden in the ground. Gardening is not for sissies, people! There's lots of squats (#gardensquats) and crazy lunges that keep your body in motion.

So, that's the latest and greatest in my little corner of the world. Have you ever struggled through a long run as a result of recent illness? What's your weather been like? Do you wanna join the #plankaday challenge? Check us out on Instagram (Kim, Wendy, Marcia).

As usual, I'm linking up with the fab gals Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin  for the Weekly Wrap. Lots of great reading...head over and check out all the blogs!

Got any Dilemmas?

Dilemmas....ever had any?

I've had many.

There was that desperate dilemma about 18 months ago when a salesperson (at a very reputable store) tried convincing me I needed a neutral shoe. My over-pronating feet did not agree, but I was open-minded to trying something new, and took the advice of the well-meaning "expert."

Tried and True or Neutral and New?

I probably should mention that I was a mere 5-6 weeks out from running my second marathon. Yes, I know. Not great timing. For a couple weeks, I tried a few short runs in those new shoes. I also ran a 10-miler in them. And, I ran a few more short runs. As much as I tried to love those shoes, my gut told me I needed to stay with my tried and true Mizunos (at least for the marathon), then I could spend the winter taking my time acclimating to the new shoes. Only, it turns out, I never went back to them. I sought out the advice and counsel from another running store owner, and that dilemma was put to rest. I have high arches, and my over-pronating feet need stability.

Another frequent dilemma is what to do with my hair. Ever the constantly evolvist (my newly created word....defining a person who is constantly evolving), I am always seeking out (and creating) clever ways to fashion my hair for running. A lot of this is contingent on weather...sunshine? Give me a visor! Rain? Give me a cap! Windy? Give me braids or a secure up-do!

options aplenty

And, there are the constantly changing goals. Do I want to continue running half marathons? (Yes, I've done 27 of them, the more the merrier). Should I do another marathon? (Why not? I know I can go the distance, and I'm not afraid of 26.2 miles). Should I work on speed?  (ugh, speed is my nemesis because it does not come easy and requires more work than I'm willing to invest). Should I revisit the 5K, to gauge my speed and try for a PR? (...maybe...it would definitely get me out of my comfort zone) Which of these should be my main focus? (I don't know.....?)

too many options.....

Recently, I have been wrestling with taking the plunge and working with a coach. And, let me 'fess up and admit that it will be a very big comfort zone violation when it happens. I've always "trained" myself, at my own threshold of comfort. Do I want to give up that control and have an objective "other" weigh in on what is best for me? Actually, I embrace advice and expertise from others..... although I think I know myself and my abilities best, there are probably several things I'm overlooking, and an impartial coach would be able to spot those and help me try new things.  So, stay tuned....that dilemma is about to be dealt with and answered.

How do you deal with dilemmas, running and otherwise? Do you go with your gut, or do you seek answers elsewhere? What's been your biggest running-related dilemma to date?

I'm linking up with Deb at Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word....which just happens to be Dilemma. (coincidence? I think not). Do head over and check out her blog and all the other dilemmas being discussed.

Crazy, but Staying Strong!

Well, it was my third consecutive week of more-than-usual craziness...even though (health-wise) it wasn't really a fun ride, it did have a happy ending. The theme? "Staying strong!"

In case you missed it, I had run one of my best-ever half marathons last Sunday (recap HERE), so Monday began with a very slow shakeout run for my #nevermissaMonday. And, I am not exaggerating when I say it was a very slow shakeout run.

My half marathon had been on a very hilly route, and although I felt great Sunday evening, Monday afternoon was a very different story. This is not a new thing for me. Typically if I'm gonna have post-race DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), it's not gonna hit me until I think I'm out of the woods. Around mid-afternoon on Monday, my hips, shins, and calf muscles were extremely angry with their owner. Spending the bulk of the day seated at my desk certainly was not helping with that situation either.

I did the short (and very slow) mile after work, and felt better. Later, I met up with Barb (my friend who also had run the 13.1 race on Sunday, and was also in DOMS distress). We walked a long time...probably four miles, and that did the trick.

Compression sleeves after a hilly 13.1? I think so!

Also, late Monday afternoon, I could tell something wasn't quite right. I felt kind of light-headed, and my body was a bit achy (which I attributed to the 13.1 recovery). I woke up Tuesday morning feeling like I had been hit (and run over) by a bus.

I seldom get sick, but when I do it's a full-blown experience. We're talking major runny nose, and lots of sneezing. Yuck. By Tuesday evening, I had body aches, chills, and a slight fever.

Wednesday was not any better. Not as much sneezing, but coughing instead. And continued fever-like achiness. I had a slow day at work in the morning, so I went home for lunch and stayed home. I spent the afternoon napping. Ugh.

Thursday found me feeling still a bit under the weather, but better. I met up with Barb after work and we decided to run five "Cinco de Miles" for Cinco de Mayo. My body felt pretty good, but the breathing was difficult. I hung with Barb, and let her do most of the talking. Returning home, I passed on the margaritas, but had a chai latte' and climbed into bed. My body wasted no time in falling asleep.

That was 5 (count 'em, 5!) Cinco de Miles

Oh, did I forget to mention that our oldest daughter was graduating from college on Saturday? And we were hosting a "small" get-together at our hose after returning from the commencement? Yes. And my energy level had been less-than-zero all week, so the house cleaning had been at the absolute minimum each day. Friday night was my "cleaning-catch-up" night.

Saturday began with an early wake-up (5:00AM), and we were on the road by 6:30, heading to Iowa State University for the 8:30 commencement (approximately 70 miles away). We arrived, met up with the daughter, and secured our seats.

Let's talk about surrealism. Let me tell you, witnessing your offspring achieve a milestone event (such as college graduation) is a pretty surreal experience. Seeing your child listed in the program (with an asterisk next to her name for graduating Cum Laude) is surreal. Watching her walk across the stage and shake hands with the professors and heads of department is surreal. Realizing this is the beginning of her entrance into the "real" world is incredibly surreal. And wanting time to stand still (or even rewind) is a reality.

As much as we groom our kids to grow and become independent, it's hard to let them go. She leaves for a 15-day excursion to Europe this week, and is going with a travel group and will have a full-time tour guide. But yikes. Europe. All on her own. But, we have every confidence in her, and know she will be safe and act responsibly.

Sunday was finally a day of rest. After three continuous weeks of busyness, my body and mind were in need of a day of (almost) nothing. I allowed myself to sleep in, and spent most of the day just enjoying peace and quiet.

I did venture outside late in the afternoon and ran a few miles with my friend, Barb,and the husband. Nothing crazy, and nothing fast. Four simple miles, and some planking when I got back home. Although the fever and achiness is gone, I'm still not 100% back to normal....lots of nasal stuff, making the breathing difficult (and the talking a struggle LOL). But it felt great to be outside, enjoying the spring weather and the company of friends.

Also, it was Mother's Day. A day to celebrate our families. Our kids are 21, 18, and 16, and they truly inspire me to lead by example. They also are the main priorities in my life, and I feel no guilt in taking a day off of training to do stuff with them. 

And, I am lucky to have both of my parents close by. It was my father's birthday earlier in the week (May 4th)....

And, here's a flashback pic of my mother and myself on my wedding day (August 10, 1990). Thankfully, the fried & dyed hairdo is in my past and will never resurface again, thank you very much. (WHAT was I thinking?)   

So, let's suffice it to say that I'm looking forward to a week with a little less busyness and stress!  Have you ever had several busy weeks, all back-to-back? Any bad hair styles that seemed real cutting-edge at the time, but looking back were kind of scary? Have you had a child graduate, and did it make you feel old (but proud)?

As usual, I'm linking up with Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from  MissSippiPiddlinfor the Weekly Wrap. Please, head over and checkout their blogs, and explore the other linked blogs as well!

Fearless...A Long Time Coming

This day (and race), in more ways than one, has been a long time coming.

But, let's start at the beginning....This was the 32nd year of the Red Shoe Run/Walk Half Marathon and 5K  in Iowa City (benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois). I went to college in Iowa City (University of Iowa....Go Hawks!), and had done a handful of 5K's there, but had never hit the streets to run much further.

Eager to get out of my little bubble and do more new (to me) events, I eagerly added this to my spring roster. This was to be my inaugural 13.1 of 2016. It had been almost six months since the Hillbilly Hike (remember that train wreck? Recap HERE) ). Other than the 15K on New Years Eve (while on vacay in California for the Rose Bowl), I had not run any races longer than a 10K.

With Barb, waiting inside the Carver Hawkeye Arena, ready to run!

Leading up to race day, I did the typical weather stalking. Earlier in the week, it was looking to be a rather wet and chilly day. I have run many races in the rain (including half marathons), but all of those rainy races had been in warmer weather. I don't mind rain if the temps are above 70-degrees, but it's a completely different scenario when the temps are in the 50's.

Unsure of what to wear, I had a light-bulb moment on Saturday, the day before the race: I went for a "test run." The temps were almost identical to what was forecast for Sunday, and there was plenty of rain coming down. I pulled on some capri's, a short-sleeved tech shirt, arm warmers, my wind-breaker jacket (which is rain-proof. Sort of.) and a cap. I only went 2-1/2 miles, but it was far enough to know I had made the right choices in race gear.

The "test run" was a brilliant idea (if I do say so myself)... I haven't (yet) applied for a patent, though 

Also, in the days leading up to the race, the weather forecast kept changing. The cool temps remained, but the chance of rain had been slowly diminishing. Imagine my surprise to see the chance of precipitation gone on Sunday morning! Thank you, Momma N!

Once in Iowa City, we arrived at packet pickup with almost 40 minutes to spare until gun time.We grabbed our packets, used the restrooms, and headed back to the car for a final "cross-check" (there's always a few last-minute decisions...gloves? Ipod? sunglasses?).

Ready for the start line!

The race started out with a downhill, which is not ideal for me. Why? Because I have a very hard time running "slow and easy" on a downhill, especially right out of the gate. If this was a shorter race, it wouldn't be a big deal (and, actually, could be a good thing to get my momentum boosted). When there's 13.1 miles ahead of me, though, I need to conserve some of that momentum and save it for the final miles.

The first mile took us to a residential neighborhood, and the downhill leveled off just before the start of the second mile. My watch said I had run that first mile in 8:40 (damn you, downhill!), which is certainly not my fastest mile split ever, but it's faster than I want for the first of 13 miles.

Barb and I ran together for the first three miles or so, then she started to gradually merge ahead of me. We start off most races together, but seldom are ever side-by-side the entire course. We each run our own races (for example, I prefer to walk for a few seconds through the water stations, while she prefers to keep going). That's what works for us on race day.

The first few miles felt great. I consciously tried to ease up on my pace, and managed to keep it right around a comfortable 9-minute pace. The first few miles stayed pretty level, but that all changed just after the 4-mile mark.

The fifth mile began with a pretty intense incline up a long hill, and (little did I know) there would not be much for flat terrain for the remainder of the course. There was a nice decline just before mile six began, and that took us through a part of Iowa City I had never seen before...quaint housing, urban dwellings, and even a dog recreation park!

There was a wooden walking bridge that lead us into Coralville, approaching the start of mile seven. I was still feeling great...no muscle aches, no fatigue, and continuous energy. I must have hit a foreign button on my watch (yes, I have been known to do that...more than once), because it kept showing me my current pace and then my "average" pace at each of the mile marks. I much prefer to know my "actual" running time. Maybe it was there and I just couldn't read it, but I spent the entire race not knowing exactly what my race time was.

As I approached the seventh mile, I pulled out a Honey Stinger gel from my belt. I had been debating about bringing a gel along, since my tummy no longer seems to like them anymore. I drank a Beet Boost drink prior to the start line, and had been chewing PlowOn gum, but I couldn't help wondering if I'd need anything else for the remainder of the race. I do know it's best to fuel before you need it. Although I didn't feel like I needed it, I also didn't want to risk crashing and burning in the final 5-6 miles without it.

As luck (or fate) would have it, I spotted a garbage can right before the 8-mile mark (a perfect opportunity to dispose of the gel wrapper). I gulped down the gel and threw the wrapper. And wouldn't you know? A short ways later, there was a water stand! (another thing I know is that it's best to not do a gel without water).

What got me to the finish line...

By this time, the route had us going along the Clear Creek Trail, which was absolutely beautiful! Constant twists and turns, and never-ending inclines (funny, I don't recall as many declines). Although, the hills seemed ever-present, surprisingly, my energy still felt great.

Coming off the trail, and out onto a long, curving stretch of sidewalk was when the hill thing started to get to me. I didn't need to walk, and my energy was maintaining, but my calves were starting to feel some strain. I could see the 10-mile mark up ahead and felt some relief in knowing all that remained was a 5K distance. I had done it! Our longest training run had been 10 miles, and now it was just a matter of finishing this race in that final 5K.

Then, the route turned the corner, and headed due east. Into a substantial NE head wind. Up another hill. Seriously? Granted, I still had plenty of energy in the tank, but another hill? Thankfully, it was a gradual hill (not a steep one), but it was long and straight and seemed like it went on as far as the horizon.

It wasn't until about the 11.5 mile mark that we had some shelter from the wind as we approached another residential area. I was familiar with this area of Iowa City (actually, University Heights), it lead us right into the hub of the extensive University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics campus and all the sports facilities for the athletic teams. I knew the finish line wasn't too far away.

The final half mile or so was pretty level, but had several turns as it lead us back to where we'd begun our journey... the Ronald McDonald House. I have noticed this countless times.....somehow, my body just seems to go into over-drive in the final mile of a race. I don't even have to make the effort, my legs just spring into action and I am overcome with a huge surge of adrenaline. This race was no exception....I rounded the final corner and bolted to the finish line.....

And, are you ready for it? I squeaked in a 1:59:58 official finish time! I finally landed a sub-2-hour finish (for the first time in almost two years)! That, indeed, was a long time in coming!

Here's a map of the route, and a chart of the elevation:

Can you say, "hills?"

I've had a few days to bask in my glory (so to speak), and I'm still not sure if there's any one thing in particular that made this race seem so effortless. I definitely think I nailed the fueling (though my tummy kind of rebelled a few hours after I got home). This was the first long distance race (in a long while) that I didn't wear compression sleeves. Honestly, I don't know if they make a difference or not (for me) while running, but I do LOVE them for recovery. These hills were so intense, even with compression I'm pretty sure my calves (and shins) would still have been in agony.  Although the Plantar Fasciitis has not been a problem (in a long time), I taped my left arch as a precaution. And, no blisters!

Smartwool socks and tape...race day neccessities

My mile splits definitely tell a fascinating story:

mile 1--8:40      mile 8--9:32

mile 2--9:04      mile 9--9:38

mile 3--8:51      mile 10--9:53

mile 4--9:19      mile 11--9:07
mile 5--9:18      mile 12--9:14
mile 6--8:58      mile 13--8:20
mile 7--9:37      (final .1--7:54)

**The final mile was my FASTEST mile (What the WHAT?)
**Average pace was 9:11 (I'll take it!)
**That last 5K (into the wind, mostly uphill) was very close to what my "average" 5K time is....and this happened after running 10 miles of hills (too much gas left in the tank?)

My stats: 7/42 (age group)
                62/203 (females)
                147/337 (overall)

Finishing 7th in my age group (out of 42)

Although I was frustrated not knowing my exact time as I was running, I felt great the entire morning. My body just kept going steady, even on all the hills. As much as I was really hoping for that elusive sub-2, and I knew I was doing well, I really wasn't expecting the sub-2. This course was really a challenge with all the hills, probably the toughest 13.1 course I have ever run.

I have said it before, anyone can PR an easy (flat) course on a (wind-free) day, but there really is no challenge in that (my opinion). Even though this was not a 13.1 PR, it was a sub-2. It's been almost two years since I've been able to do that (thank you, Piriformis Syndrome, Hamstring Tendonitis, and Plantar Fasciitis....you all have kept me quite  humble). This half marathon was a substantial victory for me, proving that I am finally rallying back and my finish time reflected that. It really makes me wonder what my finish time could have been if this was a flatter course....#thegreatunknown

Another highlight of the day was meeting up with my cousin, Jessica, and her family. They all did the 5K race. Ronald McDonald and Herky (the Iowa Hawkeye mascot) both were there at the finish line (but were MIA when I went searching for them after I had changed my clothes).

 Great swag! A performance shirt (with a lady's cut!) in a bright color. The medal is pretty cool, too.

I'm linking up with Deb at Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word linkup. Today's word? Fearless. Exactly how I felt as I conquered those hills en route to that sub-2 finish. I invite you to head over and check out what all the bloggers have to say about being Fearless.

Some Proud Moments....

Well, another crazy & busy week is all finished. This week's theme? Proud moments.

Monday started out with a half day at the office, an afternoon playing "catch-up" on the blog, and 75 minutes of stage rehearsals for the youngest daughter's dance recital.

Oh, and there was that little #nevermissaMonday adventure when I returned home from the dance stuff. I met up with my friend, Barb, and we decided to run a "a few" miles. I typically run a simple mile (sometimes two) just to have some form of fitness/exercise on a day when I typically do not feel like doing so.

I knew my week was going to be crazy, and my running opportunities limited, so Monday was a prime day to "get ahead" on the miles. Barb has gotten to be quite a bit faster than me, and sometimes she has a lot more energy to get it done quickly. We ran about four miles at what felt like a fast tempo pace. I didn't have my watch, and her watch was having some attitude...but we guessed our pace to near (or under) a 9-minute pace. I'm proud that I could keep up with her! We just ran "by feel," and had limited conversation because it's kind of hard to talk in complete sentences when you're (darn near) hyperventilating. Also, we were chasing daylight....it was still bright outside when I left the house, but near dark when I returned home. And I slept like a baby that night.

From daylight to street lights....

Tuesday, the dancing daughter also had a tennis meet (thankfully in town). She wound up playing earlier than usual (with a new doubles partner), and I got to the court right as she as serving the final serve. Bummer (#momguilt). The good news? They won, 6-1. (#proudmom)

Wednesday was a day of icky weather, long hours at the office, and a 4:00PM start time for the dress rehearsal for recital. The daughter is now old enough to drive herself (and just took all her "dance gear" with her to school that morning, so all I had to do was meet her backstage with some snacks.

Thursday was a day with decent spring temps, and I finished up at work shortly after noon, so I was able to stay home for the afternoon. The temps were cool (in the mid-50's), and were similar to what was in the forecast for my half marathon (on Sunday). I decided to go for a run and test out some race day clothing options.

Guess what? Rain was in the forecast for the next several days.  I have run several half marathons (26, not that I've ever counted), and I have run some of them in the rain. Those races in the rain, though, have all been in much warmer weather. Rain in 50-degree temps, I'm guessing, feels much different than rain in 70-degree temps. Ugh.

The "test run" in potential race day wear proved successful (in knowing what NOT to wear)

I decided to wear a long-sleeved flannel lined top with a 1/4 zip jacket and capri's. Let's suffice it to say that I was kind of a hot, sweaty mess after 4-1/2 miles. So, that experiment showed me that I do not need two layers on my arms (and NO flannel-lined anything would be necessary). I'm proud I had the foresight to do this test run.

As soon as I got home, I had a text from the daughter. She had another tennis meet (that we were planning to go to, out of town), but had learned she would (again) be playing sooner than later. Yikes. I called the husband home, did a quick wipe-down and changed clothes (but left the hat in place, to hide the hair). We were on the road within 20 minutes, and decided to take Max along. Dogs are not allowed at tennis meets, but it was cold enough that he could stay in the car for the 30 minutes or so of her match. She and her doubles partner won 6-2, just as the rain started (#proudtennismom).

All snuggled up with his blanky in the back seat

Friday night was the first night of the dance recital. I have mentioned a time or two (or several) that I am a very ungraceful gal. I can barely walk in a straight line without tripping over my own two (big) feet. That is not the case with our younger daughter. She was born with a natural talent for all things dance, and is pretty athletic as well.

Proud parents-take 1

Every year, it makes me so proud to see her on stage. She can spin, twirl, leap and move like it just comes natural.

With her dance instructor

Saturday was a "no-alarm" morning. After the busy week, I didn't feel guilty waking up without the hum of my radio. It was another rainy morning, so I wasn't missing out on anything anyways.

Then, about halfway through the morning, I got the bright idea to go for a run in the rain. Why? Because the temps, again, were almost identical to what the race day temps would be. I still wasn't sure of what to wear on race day...so I pulled on some capri's, a short-sleeved tech shirt, arm warmers, and my windbreaker jacket and headed out.

The rain was light when I left the house, but gradually started coming down with more force by the time I returned back home. I only ran 2-1/2 easy-paced miles... but knew I'd chosen the right combination of layers. Success! Another proud "running revelation" moment.

Yes, it was a wet morning (the light pink hat was a dark hot pink hat when I returned home)

Our oldest daughter is graduating from college next weekend, so there was a party honoring her (and all the other seniors in her sorority) on Saturday night. Yes, I went to a party (at a bar) on the eve of a half marathon. And I may have had a drink or two, but also plenty of water to keep my hydration on the up & up.

Proud parents-take 2

I had noticed the weather forecast had been gradually changing (for the better), and Sunday morning showed the same cool temps, but NO precipitation until late morning! Thank you, Momma N! I was out of bed at 5:00AM, and on the road by 6:15 to get to my race.

This was my first half marathon of 2016; it had been almost six months since my last one. This also was a new (to me) event, so I was a tad bit giddy with the excitement of running a new route. Spoiler alert!  I'll just dangle a small carrot and share that the 13.1 miles went well, despite the constant hills...and I managed a sub-2 hour finish! The full race recap is in the works....(stay tuned).

All aglow from that runner's high (and, perhaps, a little bit of background lighting)

And, in other news:

Spring continues to brighten my world. This week, the Lilies of the Valley started blooming.

These little beauties smell so sweet!

Also, my peonies are about to bloom! It seems like they're a couple weeks early.  I love their intense color and wish they'd stay in bloom all summer!

Here comes the color!

I haven't mentioned this, but I spent the month of April doing an arm/shoulder challenge. Every day, I did arm circles, push-ups, planks/downward-facing dogs, and tricep dips. That's right, EVERY day. This final week had me doing (daily) 25 push-ups, 25 planks-to-down dogs, 25 tricep dips, and four continuous minutes of arm circles (2 minutes each direction).

Just a dipping....

And, lastly, is there anything more annoying than a too-long draw string? I've had these shorts for a couple years, and the stupid drawstring ALWAYS manages to peek out the bottom openings. Totally NOT a great fashion look. It finally occurred to me to just cut the dang drawstring out and be done with it. That was a another proud revelation.

So, tell me about your week? Proud moments at a finish line? Busy family stuff EVERY night of the week? Have you ever yanked out a drawstring and bid it a fond farewell?

As usual, I'm linking up with  Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap. Do head over and checkout their blogs, as well as all the others.