Friday, April 03, 2009

Blame it on the rain

So yesterday I kept checking weather.com to see when the rain was supposed to arrive. I wanted to get in a run before it hit, & thought that I'd be safe since the chance of rain was low until after 6 p.m.

No such luck. It started to thunder & pour down rain, complete with tornado warnings, at 4:00 p.m.

I left the office right after that to run a few errands before picking up the kids. I had changed into my running clothes already, & was planning on taking them to the Y and just run on the treadmill. But by the time I had my errands done & had picked them both up--which took longer than usual because it was really bad out & everyone was driving slowly & safely--it was almost 6 p.m. Getting home at 7 p.m. on a school night is just not an option with a 1st grader who has homework almost every night.

So I didn't run. I was disappointed, but figured it would just be my rest night.

But, wait! There's more!

I kept my running clothes on while getting the kids dinner, and when I finally got around to checking the mail I discovered my new running shoes had arrived (I'd found a pair of the same shoes I already have online, on sale, & snatched them up because my old pair is worn out). New shoes always make me feel good, especially new running shoes. I put them on & was surprised, as always, at how much more support a new pair of shoes has. I suddenly had an urge to break them in, and break them in NOW!

DH was home last night, & it stopped raining just before sundown. I wore my new kicks around while helping Sophie with her hour's worth of homework, and by 7:45 p.m. got the all clear to hit the road.

It was only 3 miles, but it was one of the best runs I've had in a long time.

The new medicine for my asthma (advair) seems to be helping. I was able to run the entire time, only stopping once after mile one to take off my long sleeved outer layer. But I didn't take any other walk breaks. I felt strong, like I could have run for miles and miles.

It started to lightly sprinkle as I finished up at around 8:20, so I figured 3 miles would be enough for the night. Plus, I promised DH I'd only be out for a half hour. I averaged just over 11 minute miles, which is slow but OK.

The rain ended up being a blessing. I love night time runs, and a night run after the rain has washed the air clean is pure gold.

On tap for tomorrow--8 miles. Stay tuned!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

My husband uses Advair, and his comment was "I wish I'd had this sooner." Good job on carving out a run!

Helen said...

I think it must be SO hard to carve out exercise time when you're a mom to little ones and working outside the home, etc. Good for you for grabbing your moment! I love it when that happens... :-)

debby said...

You sound so perky, Laura. I'm happy for you. I've been thinking about you the last couple of nights. I was never a night time eater like you, but the last few nights or so, when I got up to pee, and then took the dogs out to pee, I have wandered into the kitchen. But I grabbed a couple of pieces of Extra gum that I always keep on the counter and went back to bed. I was surprised at how long I chewed it in bed. And I wondered if it was safe or if I could choke on it if I fell asleep with it still in my mouth. But I found it very satisfying, and I wondered if it would work for you. I think the key was having it on the counter, so it was more convenient than anything else I might want to eat...

Tish said...

Good for you! Aren't new shoes wonderful for inspiration to get on out the door. I'll think about you tomorrow as I do my long run. I'm hoping to break all records and run 10 miles. At 6 am. We'll see.

Cindy said...

I am glad you got to run!! I am still being slug..

Doc Manette said...

So glad you found some "Laura time" and were able to get your run in.

Love your new picture! Wow! And love the hair color.

Jill said...

Awesome! When life gives you lemons...lemonade tastes so much better than sucking on those old sour lemons!

:)

Lori G. said...

I agree with Helen about carving out time for yourself.

You really sound much better and grounded! Love the new picture, btw!