8.11.09

Route: Clearview St. Hill

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: I'm extremely proud of myself for getting up at 5am to run these hill repeats. Although I've run hills before, this was the first time I've ever tried "hill repeats" and boy, were they hard! I also did some running drills in front of my house while my cat, Bug, watched! :)

8.9.09

Route: Kim Williams to Bonner

Distance: 13 miles

Notes: This was supposed to be a 16 mile run, but I really struggled. I got warm and mentally beat (my body felt okay actually) so I walked almost half. I was really discouraged and down on myself at first, but I'm trying to remind myself that I'm still a pretty "new" runner and that I should be proud of myself for just covering those miles! It didn't help that the previous two days I skipped running because I was feeling depressed, and conversely depressed since I skipped running. What an icky cycle.

8.6.09

Route: Whitaker Hill

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: The hills don't seem any easier yet, but I'm proud I made it up without stopping.

8.5.09

Route: Top of Hillview

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: I was running out of time since I'm met a friend at Stitch N Bitch,

so I had to split my planned 8 miler into a 3 today and a 5 tomorrow. I'm supposed to do hills, so I powered through the top to Hillview and then enjoyed the run back down.

8.4.09

Route: University Loop

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: Angie and I ran at 8am and it already felt pretty warm to me. There's a bit of smoke in the air from a fire in Washington state, but hopefully it won't get worse when we have our expected thunder/lightning storms later this week.

8.3.09

Route: Disney St. Loop

Distance: 13 miles

Notes: This felt really difficult, but I'm so proud of myself for pushing through and doing it!

8.1.09

Route: L&C Loop + Rimmel/Dean Stone

Distance: 6 miles

Notes: I ran two miles with Angie this morning and was really struggling. After taking a 4 hour nap and relaxing all day, I ran again at 8pm to get my mileage totals. I'm glad I did this because I felt very strong during my second run. To combat the heat, I brought a bottle of water which I periodically dumped over my head--it truly helped.

7.31.09

Route: Whitaker Hill Loop

Distance: 6 miles

Notes: This was my first run after making up a running schedule for the Portland Marathon. I ran at 5pm when it was 85 degrees which was tough! Thank goodness for sprinklers! :)

7.28.09

Route: Swiftcurrent Lake Loop

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: I ran the loop around the lake near Many Glacier Lodge twice. It was a bit rainy, but I didn't mind--was just disappointed I didn't see any bears!

7.27.09

Route: Grinnell Glacier

Distance: 10 miles

Notes: Another fabulous hike in Glacier NP, done with Ryan and his brother Andrew. Gorgeous views the whole way!

7.26.09

Route: Piegan Pass

Distance: 13 miles

Notes: This was actually a hike in Glacier National Park, but I figure it counts. We gained 1500 feet in elevation, then lost 3000 feet, so it was a bit of a workout! :)

7.24.09

Route: Rimmel Road to Dean Stone

Distance: 4 miles

Notes: I love this run but the weeds really made my legs itch!

7.23.09

Route: Russel Loop

Distance: 4 miles

Notes: I ran with Morgan early this morning so we could beat the expected 100 degree heat today! I've been busy setting up my classroom, cleaning our house, and trying to get ready for a family visit, so taking the time to go for a run with a friend felt incredible!

7.20.09

Route: University Loop & Greenough Park

Distance: 6 miles

Notes: My first full day back in Missoula after a great week-long vacay in Oregon. I ran with Angie for 4 miles, then met Christy and walked/ran 2 miles. I'm planning on getting back into "serious training mode" so I can be prepared for the Portland Marathon in October!

07.14.09

Route: Deschutes River Trail & Pilot Butte

Distance: 7 miles

Notes: Ryan and I are on vacation in Bend, Oregon. We got up early today (kind of a miracle, actually) and ran from downtown to the Deschutes River Trail. It was gorgeous and very well-maintained. After that, we hiked up Pilot Butte which gave us a great view of Bend and the Three Sisters, Mt Bachelor, Mt Hood, and others too.

Sunday 07.12.09

Route: Missoula Half-Marathon

Distance: 13.1 miles

Notes: I've been MIA from running lately: I've been swamped with taking COMPS to graduate from grad school (a four hour test on everything I've learned in the last three years!), finishing up my final grad class, and teaching summer school. Phew! Luckily, my mini-sabbatical didn't interfere and I still had a pretty good race today. I ran the half-marathon with Ryan (who raised money for Youth Homes) and my friend Morgan. We ran the whole way, and were all amazed that the time flew by. My body is a bit sore, but now I'm off to spend a week in Oregon for vacation!! I'm planning at least one run on the ocean coast, and when I get back to Missoula I hope to get into a more regular running routine where I can get up to 30 or so miles a week. The Portland Marathon is in early October, so I still need to train for that.

Friday 7.03.09

Route: Rimmel Road

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: What a gorgeous sunset run. I saw a ton of trees and birds, and everything was awash golden. Just really reminds me of all the beauty I see when running.

Wednesday 7.01.09

Route: Skookum Butte Lookout

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: This was actually a hike that Ryan and I did in the Bitteroots, but I ran most of the way up it since I was trying to escape the hordes of mosquitos, so I figure it counts! It was absolutely gorgeous on top and we enjoyed the view from the rock outcropping.

Tuesday 6.30.09

Route: Whitaker Hill

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: Great run with Morgan up a steep hill!

Saturday 6.27.09

Route: Mountain to Meadow Half Marathon

Distance: 14 miles (slightly more than a half-marathon, but whatever)

Notes: I ran this race with Morgan up at Lolo Pass at the Idaho/Montana border. The race reached almost 6,000 feet in elevation, quite a bit higher than where I live. AND seven miles of it was all uphill!! It was a challenging course but we did awesome!! I felt strong the whole time, and the only thing that bothered me was a bit of chafing. We ran the whole way and now I'm off to celebrate by going swimming and taking a nap in the sun!

Thursday 6.25.09

Route: U District

Distance: 2 miles

Notes: Morgan and I ran in the afternoon when it was hot, but we cooled off by running in the water fountains at Bonner Park---very fun! Saturday is our half-marathon (actually a bit more, its 14 miles) so we took an easy week this week. I hope it goes well.

Wednesday 6.24.09

Route: L&C Loop

Distance: 2 miles

Notes: Angie and I had a great early-morning run today. I was planning on also doing an afternoon run with Ryan, but I, uh, forgot, that today is my 3 year wedding anniversary with Ryan!! Instead of my second run, Ryan and I went to Johnsrud, a popular swimming hole on the Blackfoot River and hung out in the sun together. Very fun!

Tuesday 6.23.09

Route: Sentinel Hill Loop

Distance: 2 miles

Notes: I was super depressed yesterday: I didn't feel like running and that made me even more depressed. Luckily I woke up excited to run with Morgan this morning and we had an easy pre-race run (we have a half-marathon on a mountain this Saturday!!). We did a big hill which felt great, and hopefully I will be motivated more now.

Friday 6.19.09

Route: L&C Loop

Distance: 2 miles

Notes: After almost a month I got to run with Angie again which was great. It was a gorgeous morning and we were able to catch up with eachother's lives.

Thursday 6.18.09

Route: University District

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: Afternoon runs are not very good for me: I never run well, I usually have to stop and use the bathroom, and I'm always hot. Besides that, I had fun running with Katie. Since she's moving to Denver soon, this was probably our last run in Missoula together for a while....sad. She's been a great inspiration and running partner!

Tuesday 6.16.09

Route: Lower Miller Crk

Distance: 12 miles

Notes: Ryan and I did this run together which was lot of fun. He climbed a mountain the other day and was really tired at the beginning, but he was able to pull through and finish with me. I'm very impressed. The run didn't seem as easy as it did last week, but we did run later when it was hot and I got pretty thristy. I'm definitely bringing my new hydration belt next time.

Monday 6.15.09

Route: River Trail

Distance: 2 miles

Notes: This was my first run in almost a week. My back hurts a little when I'm lying down and I twist, but it felt just fine on my run. Phewww! I hated taking days off; it made me feel so lazy and made me anxious. I definitely think I'm addicted to the endorphines. Tomorrow Ryan has agreed to do a long run with me, so I'm looking forward to that. And I got to test out my new watch! I certainly have not mastered it yet, but I was able to figure out how to use the GPS to track my distance.

Saturday 6.13.09

GRRRR! I have NOT run since that great 12 miler on Tuesday because I pulled a muscle in my lower back. It hurts to bend over and move, and since my mom is here visiting, she "encouraged" me to take a few days off. It is extremely frustrating, not just because I miss running and am worried that I'll lose some of the progress I've made, but also because I finally bought myself the Garmin 405cx (expensive running watch) which I've been dying to test out.

Tomorrow I am determined to do my 15 miler with the Run Wild Missoula training group!

Tuesday 6.09.09

Route: Miller Creek Road

Distance: 12 miles

Notes: This was definitely the best run I've had in a long time. Morgan took me to an area I haven't been to before and it was gorgeous!! I can't believe that we have that kind of nature and beauty within Missoula city limits (well, I can believe it, Missoula really is gorgeous)! I felt strong and happy the whole run, and we had a fun time chatting. We even saw some cool wildlife: a bald eagle, a wild turkey, and a whole family of elk only 10 feet away! What a fabulous, fabulous run!

Sunday 6.07.09

Route: Boise River Trail

Distance: 10 miles

Notes: I figured out that my best runs are done to music, not to podcasts. I still love listening to podcasts so I don't get too burned out of my music, but the beat and catchiness of the songs certainly makes running easier. This was probably my best 10 miler yet!

Saturday 6.06.09

Route: Boise River Trail

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: I got up early to go on a run on the Boise River Trail. Boise is a pretty active community and I saw a lot of runners and bikers, despite the early hour. Part of the trail was closed because the river has been flooding over it. I saw a bunch of slugs which fascinate me and I enjoyed the slight rain which kept me cool. Really fun!

Friday 6.05.09

Route: Boise River Trail

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: I am in Boise visiting to throw my sister a baby shower! I walked the Boise River Trail from our hotel with my mom, enjoying the afternoon.

Thursday 6.04.09

Route: Central to KWT

Distance: 6 miles

Notes: This was a great early-morning run with Morgan. It felt kind of muggy out already and I was hot in my sweatshirt, but once I took it off at our turn-around, I felt a lot better. I still felt a bit sluggish, but having a great running buddy helped and we ran the whole way.

Wednesday 6.03.09

Route: Kim Williams Trail

Distance: 7 miles

Notes: Grrrrr. Very frustrating. Ryan and I ran at 5:30pm and I was hoping the river trail would be shady due to the Hellgate Canyon, but I totally misjudged the sun's position and it was hot. On top of that, I had to go to the bathroom twice on the trail which is always frustrating. I felt mentally pooped even when we started and we probably ended up walking about 2 1/2 miles. I'm pretty disappointed in myself. I want to be a running machine, but I'm having such a hard pushing myself. Ryan is great at checking out mentally and ignoring any pain or discomfort, but I'm terrible at it. I get tired and hot I walk. Like I said, Grrrrrr.

Tuesday 6.02.09

Route: Rimmel Road Loop (twice)

Distance: 8 miles

Notes: I ran the first loop with Morgan at 6am, and then ran the same loop a second time at 7pm with Ryan. He had just walked in from an overnight camping trip in Glacier, so I thought the run would be a good way to hear about his trip. The wind was blasting which made the uphill portion of the run difficult, but it certainly felt fast on the way down!

Sunday 5.31.09

Route: 1/2 Marathon Course + Mt. Jumbo

Distance: 11 miles

Notes: I started at the beginning of the Missoula 1/2 Marathon Course, hoping to run all 13.1 miles of it. For whatever reason, my mind just wasn't into it, and although I didn't have any aches or pains, and didn't feel physically tired, I felt mentally beat and weak. I ended up only running the first 7 miles, then called Ryan and had him pick me up. After a coffee break and a fun conversation about our summer plans, we decided to hike to the top of Mt. Jumbo, adding another 4 miles. I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't finish the 1/2 marathon course, but all in all, I got lots of good exercise today and had a fun time with my hubby. This is also the last day of my first month as a "serious runner". I think I did well!

Saturday 5.30.09

Route: Rimmel to Hillview Loop

Distance: 6 miles

Notes: Despite some intense early-evening sun, this was a good run. I did great on the hills and didn't stop once. Also, I'm finally learning and made sure I didn't eat the two hours before my run to avoid tummy troubles. :)

Thursday 5.28.09

Route: Rimmel to Central St.

Distance: 7 miles

Notes: I had more tummy troubles on this run--I really need to stop eating right before runs because it's just not doing my GI tract any favors. I ran to Morgan's house, picked her up after a quick bathroom break, then we walked/ran to my house together to watch a taped episode of The Bachelorette. It was a lot of fun--she always cracks me up!

Wednesday 5.27.09

Route: L&C Loop + UM/KWT Loop

Distance: 10 miles

Notes: I ran the first two miles with Angie and then decided to continue with 8 more miles. This was a fabulous run--I felt light on my feet and happy in my heart. I even got a runner's high and the last mile I couldn't stop smiling and singing with my ipod. Runs like this make me grateful that I'm in good enough shape to run long distances while enjoying every minute.

Tuesday 5.26.09

Route: Rimmel Road

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: I was all set to do the track workout today, but a little before noon I found out I finally got a full-time teaching job!!!!! I had to see Ryan when I got home so we could talk about it so we went on a hilly run together. I don't think the good news has really sunk in yet, but I'm really relieved to be employed doing what I love.

Monday 5.25.09

Route: Rimmel to UM to Hillview

Distance: 10 miles

Notes: This run started off great: Ryan ran the first (very hilly) 1.5 miles with me before returning home. But within the next mile, all that watermelon I had eaten before my run wrecked havoc on my GI Tract and I was desperately searching for a bathroom. After that near-catastrophe, the rest of my run was great. I felt strong and didn't walk on any of the hills.

Saturday 5.23.09

Route: Bitterroot Run

Distance: 10 miles

Notes: What a great run! I ran this with Morgan and Liza and we chatted the whole way and had lots of laughs. Morgan especially liked my dream where I told Jason Meznick (of The Bachelor) "I dump you." For whatever reason, we kept laughing about that on the run! We ran 9 miles and walked just one, so I'm definitely overcoming whatever psychological barrier holding me back from last time.

Friday 5.22.09

Route: Rimmel Road

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: I got to run this with my friend from college, Liza!! It was so great to catch up, and I'm glad she's visiting in Missoula for a day/night.

Thursday 5.21.09

Route: Whitaker Hill + Track Workout

Distance: 9 miles

Notes: It was hard to get up for this 6am run with Morgan, especially since it was thirty degrees at the time. When my body was cold, it felt really exhausting to run, but as I warmed up it became easier. I didn't even get out of breath on the hill!
I had some extra energy after dinner and a bath, so I decided to run another 4 miles and do a track workout. These are so hard for me, but I think they will help make me a better runner.

Monday 5.18.09

Route: Slant Streets

Distance: 8 miles

Notes: It's pretty easy to get up at 5:45am to go running when its this gorgeous and light out! I ran with Angie first, then met Katie and did about 5 miles with her. I'm still in denial that one of my favorite running buddies, Katie, will be leaving soon and moving to Denver. I'm really going to miss her!!

Sunday 5.17.09

Route: Rimmel Road

Distance: 3 miles

Weather: HOT & sunny

Notes: Holy Hotness, it got warm today! I was planning on doing a 10 miler later in the day so I could have a lazy morning watching baseball and reading with Ryan. Unfortunately I didn't realize it would be blazing hot today, and when I stepped outside for my run at 4pm I knew there was no way my body was ready to run in this heat. Instead, Ryan and I went on a walk, carrying lots of ice water with us. I'm disappointed since this means I will have to try to fit my 10 miler in tomorrow or Tuesday, but lesson learned. As it gets warmer, I need to make sure I run in the mornings.

Saturday 5.16.09

Route: L&C Loop + Track Workout

Distance: 4 miles

Notes: I did my usual loop with Angie at 9:00am and then I met Morgan at 9:30 am to do a track workout. We did 4X400's which was exhausting. It definitely got our hearts pumping, and stomach churning (I wish I hadn't had that cap'n crunch cereal before the run!!). Afterwards we spent a great couple of hours at the Farmer's Market, running into friends, and window shopping downtown.

Friday 5.15.09

Route: KWM Trail

Distance: 8 miles

Weather: sunny

Notes: Wow, I really, really did not want to run today. I was very close to not going, but I'm glad I convinced myself. It's funny, but Ryan and I were talking about mental toughness recently (probably due to an episode of Survivor), and I'm really preoccupied with that concept now. Of really, truly, having mind over matter. I want to build my mental toughness, especially in all of the job rejections I've been getting lately, and I know running will help that. And of course, after the run was over I was so glad I did it.
Also--Ryan has decided to run the Missoula Half-Marathon! I wish I could say its because he wants to support his wife and run with me, but instead he got roped into to raise money for his workplace. Either way, I'm so glad to have him as company though! :)

Wednesday 5.13.09

Route: Rattlesnake Loop

Distance: 4 miles

Weather: partly cloudy

Notes: I went to the RWM group run tonight so I could hear the guest lecturer talk about "chi-running". I mostly learned about the importance of correct posture, and letting gravity do more work for you by learning forward from your hips. It was interesting. Then Morgan and I went on the group run, and I got to hear the details about her recent trip to Georgia. It was a great run overrall!

Tuesday 5.12.09

Route: Rimmel Road + School Laps

Distance: 4 miles

Weather: very windy

Notes: I did not go to my RWM track workout which is making me feel pretty guilty. I decided to get exercise earlier instead since it was so windy, and I'm already stressed out. I hope I can make up a track workout later this week.

Sunday 5.10.09

Route: Bitterroot Highway

Distance: 10 miles

Weather: sunny

Notes: My whole body felt like lead when I started my run, and I wanted to stop immediately. I think it was the result of mind games with myself: this was my first long-run since I decided to get "serious" and I think I psyched myself out. Luckily Katie, and her adorable dog Kava were with me, and Katie helped encourage me to keep going. I'm glad I did. We ran the first 5 miles, turned around, walked a mile, then ran two more, then walked the last bit. This really showed me how easy it is to mess myself up with anxiety and worried thoughts when I run. I hope my next run I can be more relaxed and not let my mind freak myself out. The mind really is a muscle that you have to work out and exercise: the more times my body wants to stop and I convince my mind to keep going, the better I will be. Not only am I getting physically strong, but I'm working on mental toughness too!

Saturday 5.09.09

Route: Kim Williams Trail

Distance: 3 miles

Weather: sunny

Notes: I did fartleks for the first time today. They were hard, but I think its good to vary things up.

Friday 5.08.09

Route: Rimmel to Hillview Loop

Distance: 6 miles

Weather: cloudy & gloomy with a brief episode of hail

Notes: I really felt lazy all day (didn't leave my bed until 1pm even!) and didn't think I would go running. I forced myself to put my running clothes on and "just do it" and of course, now I am so grateful and glad I went running. I also had a great run to boot--I made it up all of the hills without walking, and this was a very hilly run! Bug is now sitting in my lap as I write this, licking the salt off my arms :)

Thursday 5.07.09

Route: Hills & School Laps

Distance: 3 miles

Notes: I went for a hilly walk with Katie this morning and then ran 1.5 miles at school. I was planning on running when I got done with work at 4pm today, but I ended up staying until past 8pm, preparing for an interview I have coming up. I'm glad I did the extra work (I pray it pays off!), but I'm bummed I couldn't fit more miles in today.

Tuesday 5.05.09

Route: Orange St. Loop & Track Workout

Distance: 5 miles

Notes: I ran an easy 3 miles with Morgan this morning (but for some reason it didn't feel easy!). Then, after work, I did my second RWM track workout. It was hard! I've never really pushed myself when it comes to running, and I've been finding it difficult for me. I'm really glad I went, but I'm definitely pooped!

Monday 5.04.09

Route: L&C Loop + Mt. Sentinel Fire Road Loop

Distance: 6 miles

Notes: The run felt great! I did the first 2 mile with Angie and her dog Maggy, and then did a 4 mile loop by myself. I ran up the same huge hill I did last week, only this time I made it the entire way and didn't have to stop or walk! It felt really good to know that I'm improving. I feel recovered from my crazy "lets-see-if-I-can-do-lunges-for-100-yards" experiment, and can now focus on running strong! Also, I officially signed up for the Portland Marathon---yipee!

Sunday 5.03.09

Cross-Training

Notes: Ryan and I attempted to hike to Fred Burr Resevoir in the Bitterroots, but we got turned back halfway by pouring rain and thunder. It was still fun to be out walking in the woods, and we ended up hiking 4 miles which felt good on my sore legs. (I will never do 100 yards of lunges again!!)

Saturday 5.02.09

Rest Day

I actually really, really want to run today. I feel mentally energized, it is gorgeous out, and I'm super motivated. BUT my legs are super sore, and I'm planning on doing a 10 miler with friends tomorrow, so I know that the smart thing to do is take the day off from running and maybe do some walking instead.
Even though I've been miraculously lucky so far by never getting injured, that doesn't mean I should be stupid and tempt fate. I've had a good running week, especially since this is the first week that I've decided to become a "serious runner", and I want to ensure future good running weeks, so I need to listen to my body and rest today.
It will make me even more excited for my run tomorrow!

Friday 5.01.09

Route: Kim Williams Trail

Distance: 8 miles

Pace: 10:00

Weather: gorgeous & sunny

Notes: It was a great run today--8 miles felt easy and I really tried to focus on my new stride. I still had a lot of energy after the run, so I joined Katie and Birch on the track and while they did sprints I walked another mile. I'm feeling really proud and super excited about running right now!

Thursday 4.30.09

Rest Day

I feel anxious, lazy, and gross. The idea of not running sounded nice earlier today when I was feeling tired, crampy, and bloated, but now I'm full of regrets I decided to make this my "rest day". I'm going to coordinate my next "rest days" as days where I go hiking or do something else. I thought reading at home would be relaxing, but I'm feeling really restless and wish I had gone running instead.

Wednesday 4.29.09

Route: RWM Group Run

Distance: 3 miles

Pace: 10:30

Weather: cool & cloudy

Notes: I joined Morgan and Nicole on a RWM group run today which was fun. I've never really been a part of a sports club before, so it was neat to gather with so many other runners at Runner's Edge and listen to questions from other runners. I had fun running with the girls, and even though the pace was slower than my usual, I had a great time and was able to really focus on correcting my stride. It still feels a bit odd, but if I consciously keep thinking about it, I hope to be able to correct it.

Also, I was looking at the REI Big Sale catalogue, and much to my delight, the watch I desperately want is on sale. Not only on sale, it is on HUGE Sale! It is almost $100 less than its normal price!! Granted, the watch is usually in the $350 range (yikes!!!!), so a pricetag of $260 doesn't seem all that great, but-WOW- $100 off? That's great. Unfortunately Ryan did not agree and pretty much said I can't buy it. :(

Tuesday 4.28.09

Route: Track Workout

Distance: 2 miles

Pace: 5 X 400s at 1:55 & 3 x 400s at 2:30

Weather: light rain and snow

Notes: My first track workout ever!!! Courtney, the coach, said I'm a heel runner, so I spent most of the workout trying to correct my strike and try to land on my mid-foot/toe area instead of heels. This new stride worked a whole different set of muscles than my old stride, so I'm sure I'm going to be very slow tomorrow! I met a lot of nice people and they were all encouraging. I'm definitely going to keep coming back!

Monday 4.27.09

Route: L&C Loop + UM Loop

Distance:7 miles

Pace: 10:00

Weather: cold and cloudy, with a few errant raindrops

Notes: I ran the first two miles with Angie and her black lab, Magy. After saying goodbye, I decided to keep going and ended up running 5 more miles. There was one major hill I struggled on, but I made it to my "goal-point." At the end I did a few running drills (high kicks, butt slaps) but not for very long.

Sunday 4.26.09

Route: Rimel Road/Dean Stone Mountain

Distance: 4 miles

Pace: Run/Walk

Weather: It's supposed to rain/snow today, but for the run it was pretty clear. Some awesome views over the Missoula Valley.

Notes: I somehow convinced Ryan to go on a morning run with me (that never happens!) and we ran from our house to a dirt trail up a steep hill, with sweeping views of all of Missoula. A week ago a wolfpack was seen on this hill and even killed a small dog. No signs of wolves today though. I had to walk up the steep hills, but ran the rest. Hopefully if I keep doing this run, I eventually can power up and run the whole way

Saturday 4.25.09

Route: Riverbank Run 10K

Distance: 6.2 miles

Pace: 10:00

Weather: 40ish degrees with lots of cloud coverage

Notes: It was fun to run the race with Katie. We kept a strong, slow pace and I felt great the whole way. Great conversation--I'm going to miss her when she moves to Denver. The last 100 yards we kicked it in and sprinted.

Friday 4.24.09

I joined Run Wild Missoula, a local running club. Even though I've run one marathon and several half-marathons, I want to focus on running 1-2 marathons a year in the future, and I want to be faster, so I'm more "middle of the pack" than "back of the pack." I figure the best way to do this is to join a running club--it will force me to do track and speed work (which I hate), and will help keep me motivated.

I will still run with my two running partners, Angie and Katie. I've also have two more, Morgan and Nicole, who want to run with me. I much rather run with a friend than solo, so I'm glad I have so many friends who are willing to go with me.

I also know that I am not very good at running after work--going home and getting in pjs always sounds more fun. Since some of the Run Wild Missoula runs are at 6pm, I will have to get over that. On other days I will plan to run in the mornings, when I'm freshest, but maybe mixing it up (both kinds of runs/workouts and time of day) will help make me a better runner.